Shore Magazine

style & culture

dec 2012/jan/feb 2013

America’s Chef

Mario IN MICHIGAN The Real/ Surreal Life End Dependence on Foreign Alcohol

OUR BIGGEST

GIFT guide EVER

190 YEARS AGO

A MAN BET ON HORSES AND CHANGED WATCHMAKING FOREVER .

In 1821, Nicolas Rieussec changed watchmaking forever with the invention of the first chronograph. Today, the Montblanc TimeWalker Chronograph Automatic is a tribute to 190 years of the chronograph’s technical evolution. 43 mm stainless steel case, skelleted horns and sapphire crystal back, black calfskin strap with white stitching. Crafted in the Montblanc Manufacture in Le Locle, Switzerland.

schererville, in • 219-322-2700

contents

DECEMBER 2012/ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

33

Raising Midwestern Spirits

BY JEREMY GANTZ

Let craft distilleries end your dependence on foreign alcohol and a primer on how to drink locally.

photo by TONY V. MARTIN

33

36 Set Up Your Kitchen Like a Pro

BY JANE AMMESON

Bistro on the Boulevard’s Executive Chef Ryan Thornburg creates his family-friendly kitchen.

38 Mario in Michigan

BY JANE AMMESON

VISITSHOREMAGAZINE.COM

Hanging out with Michigan’s most famous part-time resident chef and television personality Mario Batali.

42 The Surreal Thing

BY MOLLY WOULFE

Sixty masterpieces bridging two art styles, a major show for the holiday season at the Grand Rapids Art Museum.

47 The Shore Guide to Holiday Gifting 2012

Check out the 50-plus time- and money-saving ideas that we have assembled for this year’s holiday shopping. This comprehensive guide not only provides a list, but a detailed description of how and where to go to get these hot items.

74 Holiday Gatherings Made Simple

ON OUR COVER PHOTOGRAPH BY Jessica Koscielniak CELEBRITY Mario Batali LOCATION Northport, Leelaneau Peninsula, Michigan

BY DANIELLE ZIULKOWSKI

An amateur’s guide to the world of professional catering.

style & culture

dec 2012/jan/feb 2013

America’s Chef

Mario IN MICHIGAN The Real/ Surreal Life End Dependence on Foreign Alcohol

OUR BIGGEST

GIFT guide EVER

2

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Now Offered at $1,895,000!

estAte AreA 1.8 acres with 5 bedrooms, open porches front and back to take in the views. Pool, carriage house, 2 bars, finished basement, library, butler’s pantry, formal dining, living, family room, main floor bedroom, large upstairs master suite and 3 fireplaces. Sweeping wide staircases, gazebo and formal gardens.

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on the Golf Course All Brick 2 story on a beautiful 3/4 acre lot. Study, family room open to kitchen, finished basement with bar, bath and wine tasting room. Large master suite with fireplace and sitting room, formal living, dining, Patio with exceptional views, 3 fireplaces, hardwood floors. Rose garden and 3 car garage.

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1534 sneAd Avenue On One Beautifully Landscaped Acre this Lovely all brick home with fully finished walk-out basement, main floor master, large dining , theater room, 4 fireplaces, office, 3 season’s room also. Patio’s , porches, creek with bridge all near all the amenities that Sand Creek has to offer.

Offered at $849,000/Lease

1719 Amen Corner Crt. Approximately 1 acre site with 4 bedrooms,4 bath all brick home. Main floor master suite, sun room, hardwood floors, Formal dining, finished daylight basement with recreation room, bedroom and bath. Upper level has 2 bedrooms with shared bath. 3 car heated garage.

The views of the waterway are fantastic!

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on The golF course and pond This all Brick Quality Construction is just the right size for a weekend home. 3 bedrooms, Open Concept, 2 car plus cart garage. Sun Room, Living Room, Keeping Room Kitchen, See thru Fireplace, Breakfast Bar, And Oh what Views!

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1058 Mission hills cT. 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath townhouse, walk-out unfinished basement with crawl.

SS appliances, new carpet, new paint, Formal living , dining , den with fireplace.

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Backs up to woods.

Priced to Sell $279,900 or LEASE L E A S E D

Various Lots in Phase V, IV call for prices from $79,900 1710 Snead Ave. .68 Acres on Pond, Corner Lot with Sothern Exposure to back $139,900 1361 Nelson Drive Wooded Golf Course and Creek Views .468A $145,000 1220 Ryder Road Golf Course Lot .85A Pond Views $199,000

gaTed sandcreek

1712

snead aVenue

Brick 2 Story on a Pond with Circular Drive, Main Floor Master, Hardwood Floors, 4 beds, 4 baths Study, 2 patios, over 4200 sq ft above ground.

Offered at $694,000

golF course and pond Location! This home has 3900 sq feet of living area. Covered verandah across the back of home. Main Floor Master Suite, 3 bedroom suites on upper level. Hardwood floors, professional kitchen.

Offered at $635,000 or LEASE

1709 Snead Avenue Large Golf Course Lot Pond and Fairway Views 1.6 Acres Walkout Possible $444,000 Two Golf Course Lots in the Highlands Area of Sand Creek Breath Taking Views $79,000 and $69,000

SAND CREEK

Sitting on 18 acres of lush wooded property with 6 beds,6 baths, sits this 8,000 sq ft 1941 all brick home. Grand in scale with 7 fireplaces, 4 season’s room. Features like lighted tray ceilings, daylight basement windows. Caretakers home also.

Offered at $899,000

chesTerTon 1321 n. bruMMiTT road 7.48 Wooded Acres.

Ranch with 3 bedrooms, Master with sitting area, 2 fireplaces, formal dining, living, open kitchen to family room. Brazilian cherry floors. New furnace, Hot water Heater.

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TaMarack, chesTerTon

Beautiful 4 bedroom, 4 bath open floor plan with Brazilan Cherry Floors, Main Floor Master/Study/Full Finished Basement on a pond with a 3 car garage.

Offered at $469,900

karen courT, TiFFany Woods laporTe

All brick 5,000 plus sq ft. 3 Story Home 6 beds, 6 baths, in-ground pool, near express-ways and Briar Leaf Golf Club.

Offered at $548,900

Michigan ciTy 364 Furness road

Nearly new on 11acres with pond, wooded, detached workshop and garage. Walkout basement finished, 5 beds, exceptional kitchen, hardwood floors, close to Dunes, train, expressways.

Offered at $567,700

Valparaiso, TurTle run A New 4 bedroom ,5 bath all stone ranch on 2 acres. Upper Bonus room and finished basement for close to 7,000 sq. feet.

HW floors and exceptional details throughout! Room for a pool, whole house generator. Attached and detached garages.

Offered at $860,900

contents

DECEMBER 2012/ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

18

20 12

84 22 26 27 27 28 28 29

HOUSE & GROUNDS

3SHORELINES

84

11

INTRO

18

MOTORING

12

LISTEN

20

THE GOOD LIFE

14

16

Kay Hartmann, graphic designer, teacher and social activist wonders, “What’s wrong with this picture?”

Book of Mormon opens sold-out shows and Straight No Chaser brings spirited harmonies to Chicago.

SHAW THOUGHTS

Bruce Elliott, a well-known blogger on his site, “Geriatric Genius,” artist, social critic and tavern proprietor, mentored

by Roger Ebert and Anthony Bourdain, emerges as an author and illustrator.

CULTURE NUT

VISITSHOREMAGAZINE.COM

A pair of seasonal traditions—The Sound of Music staged at the Chicago Street Theatre in Valparaiso and the Magical Ice-Carving Festival in St. Joseph, Michigan in February.

Alain Locke Initiative Impact Dinner Choosing to Participate Exhibit fundraiser Ivy Tech Community College Northwest Chancellor’s Scholarship Dinner Miller Citizens Corporation Masquerade Ball Ms. Elle’s Ladies’ Boutique Fashion Show Women’s Commission Michiana Shores kick-off event

21

A FINE MESS

22

INTERVIEW

24

BY JANE AMMESON

Blending family histories and religious beliefs, Cary Frank and his partner John Cannon take the holidays to the max.

Andy Mikonis explores to luxury class sedans for 2013: The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class and the Audi Allroad.

Where to go for pork belly, authentic tacos, burgers, arancini, caesar salad, farm-to-table dishes, chicken pot pie, wine, cheese, charcuterie, s’mores and dim sum in Southwest Michigan.

LAST RESORT 96

GREEN NOTES

The woman who created Vosges HautChocolat, Katrina Markoff, launches a new affordable line of American-made artisan candy bars from Chicago.

Liz & Dick & Me: A Vicarious Love Story

BY PAT COLANDER

In which the author mines the depths of 1960s scandal and gossip about dead celebrities for every possible superficial cheap thrill.

Rick Kaempfer eats a mysterious and unforgettable meal in Soweto.

Marcia Coburn has a few questions for Maria Pinto, the fashion designer showcased at Chicago’s Field Museum.

Sparkling Traditions

HOTSPOTS 30 76 90 94

Essential Events Bite & Sip Shore Things Shorecast

8 9 10

Publisher’s Letter Editor’s Letter Contributors

photography by [clockwise, from top left] GEORGE AQUINO; TONY V. MARTIN; AUDI; TONY V. MARTIN; THE BOOK OF MORMON ON BROADWAY

CLICKS

6

Wishing You Health and Prosperity in 2013

PUBLISHER’S

The doctors and staff of Obstetrical & Gynecological Associates, Inc would like to take this opportunity to thank our patients for your loyalty to the practice and for making health a priority in your lives.

LETTER

T

he fall in Northwest Indiana never fails to surprise, and this year was no exception. The success of our One Region program in Northwest Indiana and our Best of the Region publications that unite the whole Lake Michigan area continues to amaze me. This year’s One Region meeting was sweet, with a crowd of more than 500 at the largest hotel ballroom around, especially when you realize how far we’ve come.

Governor Mitch Daniels and veteran U.S. House Rep. Pete Visclosky were special guests at the annual meeting. Their willingness to work together in a bipartisan way on local issues was plainly evident that day and has been for a while.

We all have a lot at stake when it comes to auto-making, steel, manufacturing, energy and tourism even on up to folks in southwestern Michigan. And cooperation benefits everybody. Don’t blame me for not paying that much attention to candidates bickering in the press.

VISITSHOREMAGAZINE.COM

Good thing, I didn’t have much time to pay attention anyway.

My schedule quickly became a blur: Julie and I had the chance to enjoy some beautiful weather to go to the Ryder Cup and watch the celebrities play golf out at Medinah Country Club.

After that our management team held a retreat at the fabulous Four Winds in New Buffalo. Then I was promoted to Operating Vice President of Lee Enterprises and on a plane going east to visit our properties in New York, South Carolina and Kentucky and west to visit Wyoming, Montana and Idaho almost before I knew it. I glimpsed some beautiful parts of the country out of the window and got to meet a whole bunch of new people. I’m sure it is just the beginning of the amazing opportunities and challenges ahead.

I was in total shock when I returned home and found out that Editor & Publisher magazine had named me Publisher of the Year. I’m commenting on these things happening because it’s important that I say how humbling these experiences have been. There are many people I know in this business and other businesses who work so hard day-in and day-out and never get this kind of recognition. While I barely had time to contemplate what’s going on—and there is a lot of work ahead—I think of all of the people who have helped me along the way; both my family and my professional family. There is no way to adequately thank so many people. I am lucky and blessed. And I never forget that as I watch another birthday go by, having Thanksgiving dinner with our kids and skyping with my brother, kids and grandchildren.

As you all know by now this is my favorite time of the year. It is and bigTwitter dreams. I hope Retweet each and every one Deliciousa time for reflection Flickr of you have continued blessings in 2013 and your holiday season is filled with joy, luck and good health.

We will see you next year with our special March/April Lake and design issue coming FacebookMichigan architecture MySpace StumbleUpon Diggout in February.

BILL MASTERSON, JR. Slash Dot Delicious

Glendale Medical Center 1101 E. Glendale Blvd., Suite 102, Valparaiso, IN 46383 (219) 462-6144 (877) 462-6249 Visit www.weunderstandwomen.com to learn more and make an appointment.

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EDITOR’S

LETTER

T

he story of Mario Batali cooking his way to the top of America’s foodie darlings mirrors the success of the Lake Michigan coast. Those of us who grew up in Chicago and the suburbs were pre-programmed to taking a day trip to the beach at Cedar Lake or the big beach at Mount Baldy or further up at Warren Dunes.

But even as recently as ten years ago, southwestern Michigan was still being gently tested and discovered by a whole generation of tourists, including folks who were thinking about a second home, a place to take getaway with their families on the weekends or just an amazing quiet spot to watch the sunrise, sit and chill.

REPIN SHORE CHOICES ON YOUR PINTEREST BOARD

SCAN THIS QR CODE WITH YOUR MOBILE DEVICE TO SUBSCRIBE

9

PAT COLANDER

DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

Not that long ago, people would still refer to lakefront towns as well-kept secrets. I don’t hear that much anymore. What I hear instead now are raves about a new restaurant or winery in St. Joe. (Or craft distillery in Three Oaks, as Jeremy Gantz writes about in this issue.) It’s taken for granted that Michigan is a haven that is both secure and beautiful and not a million miles away.

Mario Batali is not so different from the rest of us in choosing Michigan for a family recreation destination. While much of his professional life is spent on the set of a daily food show and being the executive chef of a restaurant empire, during holidays and vacations, the Batali family is in Michigan.

Like any responsible magazine just a little preoccupied with food, we were anxious to get a photo and interview with the most famous chef in the country in his preferred natural habitat. It was late enough in the season that early sunsets were upon us, though the temperatures were still warm, when we heard from Mario Batali’s agent that he could meet us near Traverse City at 10:30 a.m. the next morning. Jane Ammeson and Jessica Koscielniak, our intrepid photographer-writer team, sprang into action immediately and caught some sleep on the way. Once they got to the meeting spot it was cake, although as Jane says, Mario has to wait in line like his many adoring fans when he visits his favorite eatery. You will find some Batali holiday recipes in this issue, but even more at VisitShoreMagazine.com.

You will find lots to love in this edition, for now and on into the near future. In addition to our special gift guide we have a calendar full of off-season events.

By now, I’ve spent quite a few memorable snowy evenings in quiet and comfortable inns and resort hotels in Michigan and I’ve rarely missed the Ice-Carving Festival in St. Joe. If you are one of my friends on Facebook you probably know I have a grandson named Teddy, who is more than a year old now. Last summer, I was lucky enough to get to see the beach—this massive, wondrous sky with trees, waves, dogs, birds and other kids—through his eyes.

Teddy is so hyper-aware and enthralled with everything I think of as ordinary now, and I will get to see Christmas and Hanukkah through his eyes this year for the first time. I can’t wait.

All celebrations are special because we put a year of thought, planning and experience into them. Cherish your traditions, while you bring new ones to life. Coming up—2013, the best new year ever!

contributors KATHLEEN DORSEY is the Managing Editor/Web Producer for Shore and Get Healthy magazines, and a features section editor with The Times Media Company. Her focus is on health, relationships and home design.

Kathleen has worked for The Times for three years, starting out in the circulation department call center, then promoted to Times Marketing Coordinator before joining the niche publications and features team.

Kathleen is a native of Indianapolis. She earned her B.A. in Journalism from Ball State University in 2009.

While at Ball State, Kathleen was involved with several different student publications and won a regional Society of Professional Journalists award for Best Online Feature for her work with Ball Bearings, a student-run online multimedia magazine. Kathleen currently lives in Hammond with her husband and her cat, Bear. She enjoys traveling, cooking, eating and reading anything she can get her hands on.

LAVETA HUGHES is a Department Editor/Web Producer for Shore magazine and The Times Media Company special publications. A Gary native and mother of two girls, LaVeta has interests that include public policy, human rights, the arts, fashion, reading and traveling. She has extensive experience working as a program manager and policy analyst for homeless populations and services for children and families in New York City. LaVeta has an MPA and an MSW from Columbia University.

ELOISE MARIE VALADEZ, Associate Editor/Web Producer at Shore magazine and a section editor for The Times Media Company has written about food, entertainment and lifestyles in Chicago, Northwest Indiana and the country over the past 25 years. Eloise, who was born and raised in Chicago, learned to appreciate the culinary arts and wonderful food while growing up the youngest of eight children in a household of fantastic cooks. She’s always inspired by a great recipe, music of all types, vibrant theatrical productions and stimulating conversations with friends.

0 VISITSHOREMAGAZINE.COM 1

JEREMY GANTZ’s abiding passions are biking, live jazz, politics, and craft beer and whiskey. The “research” he did for this issue’s feature on craft distilleries (“Raising Midwestern Spirits: Let craft distilleries end your dependence on foreign alcohol,” on page 33.) was the most fun he’s had in journalism in a long time. A Contributing Editor at In These Times and Shore magazine, he spends most daylight hours working in the City Colleges of Chicago’s Communications Department.

style & culture

Publisher Bill Masterson, Jr. Advertising Operations Manager Eric Horon 219.933.3346 Eric.Horon@nwi.com Senior Account Executive Lisa Tavoletti Illinois/Indiana/Michigan 219.933.4182 Lisa.Tavoletti@nwi.com Account Executive Mary Sorensen Michigan 616.451.3006 Mary.Sorensen@nwi.com Traffic Manager Tom Kacius Creative Services Manager Ami Reese 219.933.3398 Ami.Reese@nwi.com Pre-press Specialists Maureen Benak Rhonda Fancher Tracy Ferguson

Published by Lee Enterprises The Times of Northwest Indiana Niche Division 601 W 45th Street Munster, Indiana 46321 219.933.3200 Michigan/Indiana Sales 1111 Glendale Boulevard Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 219.462.5151

New Subscriptions, Renewals, Inquiries and Changes of Address: Shore Magazine Circulation Dept., 601 W 45th St, Munster, IN 46321, or 800.589.2802, or visitshoremagazine.com Reprints and Permissions: You must have permission before reproducing material from Shore magazine.

Single copy price is $4.95.

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volume 8 / number 7

Editor / Associate Publisher Pat Colander 219.933.3225 Pat.Colander@nwi.com Managing Editor Kathleen Dorsey 219.933.3264 Kathleen.Dorsey@nwi.com Department Editor LaVeta Hughes 219.933.3353 LaVeta.Hughes@nwi.com Associate Editor Eloise Valadez 219.933.3365 Eloise.Valadez@nwi.com Design Director Ben Cunningham 219.933.4175 Ben.Cunningham@nwi.com Designer April Burford Lead Photographer Tony V. Martin Contributing Editors Jane Ammeson Heather Augustyn Lois Berger Christy Bonstell Claire Bushey John Cain Marcia Froelke Coburn Jane Dunne Jeremy Gantz Terri Gordon Dave Hoekstra Rick Kaempfer Lauri Harvey Keagle Julie Dean Kessler Mark Loehrke Sherry Miller Phil Potempa Andy Shaw Fran Smith Megan Swoyer Sharon Biggs Waller Contributing Artists and Photographers Ryan Berry Jennifer Feeney David Mosele Gregg Rizzo Shore magazine invites readers and writers to submit ideas, comments and feedback through email at feedback@visitshoremagazine.com or the post office at Shore Magazine, 601 W 45th St, Munster, IN 46321, or 1111 Glendale Blvd, Valparaiso, IN 46383.

shorelines listen | shaw thoughts | culture nut | motoring | the good life | a fine mess | interview | green notes

>> intro <<

Kay Hartmann GRAPHIC DESIGNER, TEACHER AND SOCIAL ACTIVIST

11

DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

photography by TONY V. MARTIN

S

even years ago at age 53, graphic artist Kay Hartmann battled breast cancer and won—but her research about the disease has left her with troubling questions. Now the associate professor in art and design at Chicago’s Columbia College has poured her frustration into a collection of graphic designs that are a call to action.

The collection, titled What’s Wrong with this Picture? was recently on exhibit at the Blink Contemporary Art Gallery in Michigan City, Indiana.

Last summer Blink Gallery owners and artists Suzanne Cohan-Lange and Richard Lange invited Hartmann to create an exhibit expressing her concerns about the focus and future of breast cancer fundraising. Hartmann created large digital prints of a portion of a woman’s body with superimposed printed information, quotes and questions, each intended to provoke thinking about fighting breast cancer in a different way.

One of the quotes: “What has more than 60 years of study, and more than $50 billion spent on breast cancer research in the U.S. alone accomplished? The survival rate is now about 75 percent.” —from “Beating the Odds,” U.S. News and World Report, June 15, 2005 Hartmann wants to know what is causing the number of women Blink Contemporary Art in the U.S. diagnosed and treated 1709 Franklin St with breast cancer to go from Michigan City, Ind. one in thirty to forty women 773.206.0426 in the 1940s, to one in eight women today. “A lot of money has been spent on breast cancer, yet little is known about what causes it,” she says.

Hartmann says much more attention, time and money have been spent on treatment options than on looking at possible environmental causes, like toxins in air, water and food. “Having gone through this disease, my conclusion is that we need to illuminate what the priorities are in funding and research, and how we can change those priorities.

“That’s what I hope people take away from this exhibit.”

Hartmann, who lives in New Buffalo, says she hopes her artwork will become a traveling exhibit. -JULIE DEAN KESSLER

shorelines >> listen <<

Faith in Broadway

It’s Christmas come early for Broadway in Chicago and Trey Parker, Matt Stone and Robert Lopez, the combined forces for Broadway in Chicago’s holiday stage hit The Book of Mormon. • Long before even Halloween, Parker, Stone and Lopez, the funny and creative minds behind the new musical with a silly spin on salvation, were already all smiles since the long-awaited Windy City run of their production already sold out the initial block of tickets from December 11 to March 3 at Bank of America Theatre in Chicago.

N

ow, a new extension of tickets for performances through June 2, 2013, are selling at an equally brisk pace for this winner of nine Tony Awards (including Best Musical).

The Book of Mormon features book, music and lyrics by the trio of Parker, Stone and Lopez. Parker and Stone are the four-time Emmy Award-winning creators of the altered approach animated series, South Park and Tony Award-winner Lopez is co-creator of the long-running hit musical comedy Avenue Q. The musical is choreographed by Tony Award-winner Casey Nicholaw of Monty Python’s Spamalot and The Drowsy Chaperone, and is directed by Nicholaw with Parker.

As for the question Parker, Stone and Lopez are asked the most about the show, they say it never varies: How did you come up with the idea for The Book of Mormon?

And their response is a dialogue of answers that makes the entire “light bulb” moment sound very “by chance” as the three explain it: Trey Parker: “Matt and I went to see Avenue Q when it opened in 2003, and we were like, ‘Wow, this is actually really good.’ When it was over I was thinking, ‘This is exactly the kind of thing I’ve always dreamed about doing.’”

Matt Stone: “During intermission, we saw that we were thanked in the Playbill.

‘Well,’ we thought, ‘that’s weird.’”

Bobby Lopez: “That’s because I saw the South Park movie when it open in 1999, and I just thought, ‘Oh, my God, this is exactly what I want to be doing.’ A week after that, the idea came to me for Avenue Q.” Trey Parker: “It happened purely by coincidence that Bobby showed up that night, he introduced himself and we went across the street for a drink.”

Matt Stone: “Bobby is younger than Trey and me, so he looked at us like elder statesmen and asked what he should do next. We asked what he wanted to do, and he said, ‘I want to write something about Joseph Smith and the Mormons.’“ Bobby Lopez: When I said Joseph Smith, they were like, ‘We’ve wanted to do that, too!’ They had it in their heads to do some kind of Joseph Smith musical, but never did.

I said, ‘If you guys want to do that, that’s fine, because I’d really love to see what you do, more than what I would do.’”

photography [this page] courtesy of THE BOOK OF MORMON ON BROADWAY; [opposite page] STRAIGHT NO CHASER

‘Book of Mormon’ and creators singing stage praise with Chicago tickets sold-out through March

Through June 2, 2013 Bank of America Theatre 18 W Monroe St, Chicago 800.775.2000 BroadwayInChicago.com or BookofMormontheMusical.com

Straight No Chaser to bring spirited sounds to Chicago The monumental success of Straight No Chaser over the last six years, one might say, was the happiest of accidents.

Thanks to the Internet and YouTube, the male a cappella group jumped into the musical spotlight in 2006 and has remained a large draw on stages worldwide and with television audiences.

Original member Randy Stine, of Chicago, says the group was initially established in 1996 at Bloomington’s Indiana University. “We just thought we’d get out and sing for whoever was interested,” Stine says. “We sang at school for fun.”

The original ten members performed concerts at the college and around the Bloomington area while they remained students. (Today, an undergrad group also known as Straight No Chaser still exists at IU.) However, it wasn’t until 2006, when the original members, who had already graduated, got together for a reunion concert, that everything changed. Along with that concert, they decided to post a video of their “The 12 Days of Christmas” performance on YouTube and the video went viral. They got the attention of not only the public, but the head of Atlantic Records—and the rest is history.

Fans of Straight No Chaser will have the opportunity to hear what the excitement is about when the group performs December 9 at the Chicago Theatre. “We like to keep our audiences surprised,” says Stine about their shows.

They always mix up the set lists with a blend of “older to contemporary” music and some humor thrown in.

Concertgoers will always hear everything from new twists on the Great American Songbook to pop tunes from decades ago as well as some of today’s biggest hits in a Straight No Chaser show.

Stine says vocal music and a cappella sounds are hip today with all ages.

“With the popularity of television shows like American Idol, The Voice and The Sing-Off, more people are attracted to it,” Stine says. “[A cappella] is a sound that draws people in. There’s an unusual quality about it.”

The group’s latest tour, titled the #SNCLive Fall 2012 Tour, is a nod to its Internet success and presence. The tour continues through December 23 in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Stine says the Chicago Theatre show will largely be a Christmas-themed concert featuring songs from their hit holiday R CDs Christmas N O CH A S E S T R A IGH T d 8 pm . Dec 9 Cheers and 3 an Theatre Holiday Spirits.

The Chicago Chicago t, S te ta “Christmas 175 N S 00 800.745.30 music has a special place in our shows.

People look forward to it every year,” he says.

Fans can expect something new across the airwaves from Straight No Chaser soon. “We have a new album coming out in February,” Stine says, adding it will feature special guests who haven’t yet been announced to the general public.

Stine looks forward to bringing SNC’s show to the Chicago Theatre. “We’ve done five sold-out shows at the Chicago Theatre and I’m crossing my fingers that we’ll sell out again,” he says. A native of Naperville, Ill., who still calls Chicago home, Stine says the iconic theater is a special place.

“I’m excited to come back. And we have a signing line after every show where people can come to say hello to us.” -ELOISE MARIE VALADEZ

13

THE BOOK OF MORMON PRESENTED BY BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

hit harmonies

DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

Trey Parker: “It just became ridiculously obvious that we should team up and do something about Mormons. So we said, ‘No, let’s do it together.’”

And now, after opening in New York on Broadway in March 2011, the musical is the winner of nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Score (Parker, Lopez, Stone), Best Book (Parker, Lopez, Stone), Best Direction (Nicholaw and Parker), Best Featured Actress (Nikki M. James), Best Scenic Design (Scott Pask), Best Lighting Design (Brian MacDevitt), Best Sound Design (Brian Ronan) and Best Orchestrations (Larry Hochman and Stephen Oremus).

While the New York production on Broadway is still going strong with an open run, in August 2012, the first national tour launched.

However, Chicago’s production is its own original standing run production mounted by Parker, Lopez and Stone in conjunction with Broadway in Chicago.

As for the question, “How would you describe the show to someone who is a traditional musical theater fan?” Lopez knows just how to answer. “The musical is a machine that’s designed to bring you down and raise you up, and to give you a positive, uplifting experience,” Lopez says. “I want the musical to show people the nadir of human experience. For this musical, it’s about faith. It’s about religious feeling. And I think we show a character that loses his faith, and we give his faith back to him in a better way at the end. And I hope that the experience of the audience mirrors that, whether it’s a religious experience or just feeling entertained.” -PHILIP POTEMPA

>> shaw thoughts <<

Geriatric Genius He walks slowly these days—a kind of stoop-shouldered amble—his face reflecting the aches and pains of a 72-yearold body that’s been invaded by prostate cancer, Lyme disease and a mild stroke that still affects coordination. • By his own admission, he is no longer a top golfer, a dangerous fighter or an adventurous lover. His days as a con man are also behind him. But he is still a fine painter, writer, blogger and storyteller with a mind as sharp as a tack.

H

e is also a cantankerous, combative curmudgeon— downright nasty, in fact— if he takes exception to your behavior, intellect, judgment or politics.

And despite his age and infirmity, he is getting more famous by the day.

His name is Bruce Cameron Elliott, aka the “Geriatric Genius,” and he is now in the Shore magazine circulation area after purchasing a getaway house in a Northwest Indiana beach community that he asks me not to identify because he still has enemies. I’m not one of them, so I won’t. But he’s fair game for a column.

Bruce grew up restless and rebellious in a quirky family in a conservative white bread suburb west of Chicago.

His passion for sports, art and literature was accompanied by a hatred of right wing politics, conventional norms and petty people. He worked

hard to finish at the bottom of his high school class before heading west to join the radicals in the anti-war, free speech and civil rights movements that turned Berkeley, California, into a Mecca of ’60s activism.

Bruce says he eventually graduated with honors from Berkeley, but his California time also included jail time—a brief cameo in the can for fraud—that he still talks about with candor, and pride.

He also boasts about never having a real job because he didn’t need one. He got by as a hustler, a con man and a kept man.

He was a scratch golfer who hustled on Chicago area links, including the city’s preeminent African-American public course, Jackson Park, where guns were occasionally drawn to make a point. One of his hustles included a costume—wig, bandages and cane—to impersonate a feeble senior so he could qualify for discount golf rates. Before hitting 250-yard drives on one leg.

He is also an avid sports fan who’s taunted players and coaches from the best seats in the best arenas, a fighter whose hot temper sparked fisticuffs in bars and arrests at protest marches, and a raconteur whose close friends include iconic film critic Roger Ebert.

Finally, Bruce is an accomplished painter whose art fills Chicago’s preeminent “dive bar,” the Old Town Ale House, where he’s the proprietor, his wife Tobin the owner and their daughter Gracie a bartender.

How they got the bar is another story for another day.

Bruce paints portraits of

Second City actors, local journalists, bar patrons and historical figures; raunchy sex scenes featuring regular customers engaged in debauchery; and a new oeuvre that’s turned him into a small-time celebrity: The Nude Politician Series, which includes Sarah Palin, Rod Blagojevich, George Ryan, Eliot Spitzer, John Edwards, Jesse Jackson Jr., Newt Gingrich, Michelle Bachman and the new GOP darlings—John Boehner, Eric Cantor and Paul Ryan—all posing provocatively au naturel.

The pix are also sold as souvenirs— prints, ties and T-shirts—and he turned the Blago painting, a jailhouse scene that’s aptly titled Cavity Search, into a play—a black comedy—that’s been performed a few times.

The first political painting was a naked, gun-toting Palin standing on a polar bear rug, which reflects Bruce’s over-sexed, hyper-politicized persona perfectly, as does a robust Facebook page dedicated to profanity-laced clashes with conservatives that almost draw blood.

There is also his acerbic “Geriatric Genius” blog that chronicles life in a bar filled with characters like “Street Jimmy” the crack addict, “Ruben Nine Toes” the amputee, “Hawkeye” the bouncer, and “Mr. and Mrs. Clown.”

Bruce, like the best scolds, suffers no fools and takes no prisoners. Violate his principles or his politics and you’ll be eviscerated verbally, in print, or both.

Earlier this year Ebert’s enormously popular blog labeled Bruce’s blog “must reading” and that caught the attention of globetrotting food critic Anthony Bourdain, who flew in to tape a TV segment on “Bruce’s Chicago” and then helped him land a contract for illustrated books based on the blog.

The author-to-be, displaying his trademark braggadocio-as-shtick, predicts it will be a bestseller as he basks in a burgeoning notoriety that’s turning the saloon on North Avenue just west of Wells into a must-visit on the celebrity circuit.

Bruce was a big fan of Chicago’s first African-American mayor, the late Harold Washington, a larger-than-life figure who once told the media mongrels who covered him that he was sui generis—one of a kind.

Harold was in fact unique. And so is Bruce. But don’t take my word for it.

Stop by the Ale House, where he holds court most evenings, and join the party.

But remember it’s X-rated. And wear a flak jacket. -ANDY SHAW

illustration by DAVID MOSELE

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A classic fills Chicago Street Theatre with the ‘Sound of Music’

>> culture nut <<

MAGICAL ICE CARVING FESTIVAL It’s all about speed this year for the Ninth Annual Magical Ice Carving Festival, February 8-10 in downtown St. Joseph, Michigan. Hopefully not in how fast the ice melts, but in how fast it’s carved, during the festival’s new speed-carving competition.

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his year, festival attendees will get to watch professional ice carvers go head to head in a timed speed carving competition on Saturday afternoon,” says Jill Stone, executive director of St. Joseph Today, an organization that promotes business and tourism development in the area. “Carvers square off in the ring right in the heart of downtown and have fifteen minutes to create their masterpiece, which will be judged for top honors and dollars.”

The speed-carving competition is one of several attractions going on during the festival, which is sanctioned by the National Ice Carving Association. Stone says attendees’ top reasons for heading out into the cold for the three-day icy extravaganza are to see the sculptures themselves (organizers plan to showcase more than sixty), the opportunity to watch carvers work, and to escape “the winter blues.”

There’s also a Snobiz Scavenger Hunt, where “attendees can see what’s inside the ice sculptures of area business logos and win prizes,” Stone says. She also points visitors in the direction of Schu’s Grill Festival Tent, where they can warm up, order food and beverages, and check out live entertainment.

Kids will melt over the abundance of activities at Silver Beach Center, including carousel rides, new exhibits at the Curious Kids’ Discovery Zone, hula dance demonstrations, face painting and magic shows.

Back by popular demand this year is the second annual Fire & Ice reception, located at Shadowland Ballroom. It kicks off the weekend at 8 p.m. on Friday, and undoubtedly will warm up anyone with winter chills. Hawaiian fire dancers, a martini ice luge, tiki snack shack, live music by Joshua and Jeremy Sprague, and more round out the fun ($10 cover charge).

For more information, visit stjoetoday.com or call 269.985.1111. -MEGAN SWOYER

-ASHLEY BOYER

photo courtesy of THE CITY OF ST. JOSEPH

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ne of the most beloved musicals of all time, The Sound of Music, graces the stage at Chicago Street Theatre just in time for the holiday season, running November 23 through December 16.

What began as the memoir of Maria von Trapp, The Story of the Trapp Family Singers, became a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical—featuring music

by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse—in 1959 and an Academy Award-winning film in 1965.

Decades after its theatrical debut, the story of a high-spirited postulant turned governess named Maria who brings life to the home of a widowed naval Captain and his seven children still enchants audiences.

Directors of Chicago Street Theatre’s production, Kristen DeBoer and Craig Golbesky, believe the familiarity of the story is the key to this continued captivation. “There really is something in the show for everyone: recognizable lyrics, relatable characters and, of course, the happy ending,” Golbesky says.

However, those familiar only with the movie may be surprised by the differences between the original stage production and the movie. “Songs are different, scenes are different and certain characters play a larger part in the stage production as well,” Golbesky explains.

Additionally, the musical’s World War II setting weighs heavier on the characters in the stage production than in the SOUND OF MUSIC film. “Kristen and I are Nov 23-Dec 16 planning to Chicago Street Theatre emphasize 154 W Chicago St what it must Valparaiso, Ind. have been 219.464.1636 like for chicagostreet.org families living in Europe during those uncertain times,” remarks Golbesky. “At this time in history, the hills were not just alive with music. They were also alive with Nazis, rebellion and uncertainty.”

Although the The Sound of Music is the first production that DeBoer and Golbesky will be directing for Chicago Street Theatre, the duo has directed several different groups throughout Northwest Indiana—including the Memorial Opera House, 4th Street Theater, Dunes Summer Theatre and Portage Community Theatre.

shorelines >> motoring <<

TWO LUXURY CLASS SEDANS FOR ARMCHAIR COMFORT

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2013 MERCEDES-BENZ GL-CLASS wo turns after setting off across a dirt road over what looked like a flat expanse of scrubby desert brought us to the edge of a vast canyon.

Though we didn’t need its full capabilities, the hill descent control feature of the On & Off Road package made easy work out of the steep sandy trail down to the river below. We were enjoying the grand vistas of New Mexico from the armchair comfort of the Mercedes-Benz GL450. The location showcased the GL-Class in a variety of driving situations; before the pavement ended were long stretches of arrowstraight highway, curving mountain roads, and the tight streets of Santa Fe. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class full-size sport utility returns completely redesigned for its second generation. It offers seating for seven, generous cargo capacity with the seats folded down, and an impressive 7,500 lb. towing rating. GL-Class buyers are Mercedes-Benz’s youngest, according to Todd Greico, product manager for SUVs for Mercedes-Benz USA, with the majority married with children. Greico says only about ten percent of buyers will opt for the aforementioned On & Off Road package, but all GL-Class feature the security of Mercedes-Benz’s 4matic all-wheel drive system, for occasional adventure driving and all-weather performance.

While seeing a slight increase in size, the GL has actually shed some weight, thanks to the use of lighter materials.

Available at launch in three flavors—GL350 BlueTEC, GL450 and GL550—each engine creates a vehicle of different character; the wide array of available equipment allows you to furnish your GL to taste. Two versions of Mercedes2013 Mercedes-Benz Benz’s 4.6-liter gasoline V-8 engine anchor the GL lineup.

GL-Class interior console Both feature twin turbochargers as well as gasoline direct injection, a more precise method of fuel metering. Top of the line, at least until the high performance GL63 AMG becomes available in the first quarter of 2013, is the GL550, tuned to 429 horsepower. Distinguished by a sportier exterior treatment, the GL550 also carries a longer list of standard features. The GL450’s powerplant produces 362 horsepower.

Mercedes-Benz’s expertise in building diesel engines is displayed in the GL350 BlueTEC. Forget any negative perceptions you might have of diesel, this stateof-the-art 3.0-liter V-6 produces more torque than the GL450’s engine, and has

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2013 MercedesBenz GL-Class

an edge in fuel mileage. It meets emissions requirements in all 50 states, and it’s so quiet, the first one I walked up to was running and I didn’t realize it.

While the acceleration of the gasoline engines is fun, the way a vehicle like this will mostly be used makes the diesel an excellent choice.

All three GL-Class versions showed excellent road manners.

A quiet and refined ride was not surprising, but what really stood out was how level the vehicle stayed while cornering. Turns out I was driving a GL equipped with the Active Curve System in the mountainous section of the drive.

This supplemental suspension arrangement intervenes to counteract body roll in turns.

Indeed, many qualities of the GL-Class are geared to make this larger vehicle easier to live with. Instead of the engine driving a hydraulic pump, electromechanical power steering saves fuel by using power only on demand. Its light touch took some getting used to at speed, but you can park it using a fingertip. Cameras showing an

2013 Audi Allroad

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2013 AUDI ALLROAD uring a rather short model run from 2001 to 2005, the Audi Allroad managed to firmly establish itself as a cult vehicle. It started with a unique blending of Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive, and the Avant body style—what we used to call a station wagon. When a more aggressive off road twist was added, the result became more than the sum

of its parts.

The Allroad has returned for 2013, based on the A4 Avant. In fact, it is replacing the A4 Avant.

Distinctive exterior features include stainless steel skid plates front and rear for underbody protection, complemented by stainless side sill trim. Tires are slightly taller, on 18-inch wheels with 19-inch optional. Extended over the widened track, matte plastic wheel flares are also available painted to match the body color. The chrome grille is an Allroad exclusive, like the dual exhaust tips capping off the rear.

Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter fourcylinder engine with direct fuel injection it shares with the A4 sedan. Producing 211 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque, it’s coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Drivetrain modifications for the Allroad include a shorter final drive gear ratio, and the stability control has an off road mode to allow for some extra wheel spin on loose surfaces.

The test drive kept me on paved roads, through the Rocky Mountains west of Denver. Quattro is as advantageous on dry pavement as it is in low-traction conditions.

The off-road tweaks and higher ground clearance did not adversely affect the handling on curvy concrete, and the turbocharged four never gasped for air at the high altitudes. Audi officials said sales have been climbing since 2009 after a period of stagnation.

The new Allroad should help continue that trend.

DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

photography [this page] courtesy of AUDI; [opposite page] MERCEDES-BENZ

overhead view make it a snap to line it up in a space, and available Active Parking Assist will even select a spot and park for you while you control the gas and brake.

Interior finishes rival fine furniture. GL350 and GL450 have eucalyptus wood trim while the GL550 gets burl walnut standard.

Other choices are available by special order. Seats have more adjustability than any I can think of, the lumbar support seems to offer an extra dimension, and yes, a massaging feature with four settings. The desert Southwest venue made me think what a great family road trip vehicle the GL is. Plenty of room for your loved ones and their gear, plus safety and capability on or off the beaten path. Meanwhile it makes you feel right at home.

Standard audio is provided by harman/kardon, with options from Bang & Olufsen, a noted installer of ultra high-end home systems. And if the kids get tired of the scenery, there’s always the rear seat DVD player.

shorelines Scallops at Grove

Pork belly from Butch’s Dry Dock

Arancini at Licari’s Sicilian Pizza Kitchen

>> the good life <<

Where to go for . . . in Southwest Michigan

AUTHENTIC TACO Taqueria San Jose (Grand Rapids) Don’t pass up this joint located in what looks like a former drive-thru restaurant.

Gone are the bright lights and attractive roller-skating coeds with your root beer floats. Instead, this three-table restaurant possibly may have the best tacos in West Michigan. A generous amount of finely chopped onions and cilantro top each taco. The zip in the homemade salsa and slow roasted jalapeno lingers all the way home.

BURGER Putt Putt’s (Grand Rapids) I hosted the Great West Side Burger Battle with some local foodies this summer to determine which local pub offered the best. The winner is the Ultimate Light Butch Burger that is anything but light. Each burger is hand-pounded in the kitchen station on the bar line and topped with a boat-load of ham, cheese, tomatoes and onions.

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ARANCINI Licari’s Sicilian Pizza Kitchen (Grand Rapids) I usually end up disappointed whenever I order arancini. The rice is either too dry or there is a miniscule portion of sauce in the middle. Licari’s deep-fried risotto balls stuffed with their secret ragu recipe is as close to this staple dish found in the streets of Sicily—if not better.

CAESAR SALAD Trillium Haven Restaurant (Grand Rapids) I am not a big fan of kitchens that mess around with classic dishes just to show their “creativity.” Trillium Haven’s Kale Caesar salad doesn’t just deviate from the original, but in fact, elevates the status of the Caesar to iconic: crunchy kale instead of romaine, crumbled garlic croutons instead of Rubik’s Cube size versions, and the substitution of more flavor-intense, olive oil marinated sardines instead of pungent anchovies.

FARM-TO-TABLE DISHES Grove (Grand Rapids) My wife and I can live off the Grove menu all year long. I just cannot stop talking about the food; whether it’s the Parisian gnocchi or the rock shrimp and grits. Sure, many can claim their spot on the farm-to-table movement; however, at Grove, the food comes alive with vibrant colors on the plate and flavors that are mesmerizing on the palate.

COFFEE

ROWSTER (GRAND RAPIDS)

Rowster, located in the up-andcoming Wealthy neighborhood of Grand Rapids, can stand on its own against the best coffee houses in the country. The atmosphere is farm-chic with a friendly crew who meticulously brews each cup of coffee to perfection.

CHICKEN POT PIE Public (Zeeland) Chef/owner Lucas Grill is infamous for finishing second in his class at the Culinary Institute of America. However, you can put a stamp of summa cum laude on his family’s Chicken Pot Pie—a creamy concoction of chicken, rutabaga, carrots, celery, and country-style gravy, topped with the biggest piece of puff pastry I’ve ever seen on this American comfort food.

WINE, CHEESE AND CHARCUTERIE Reserve (Grand Rapids) How can you go wrong with over 100 wines on tap, a well thought of selection of local and global cheeses and a charcuterie repertoire unrivaled in the state? It’s hard to narrow down your selection when your options include Alto Adige’s Speck, house-made pork and garlic rillettes, the rich Morbier from France and the dreamy Midnight Moon cheese from Cypress Grove, California.

S’MORES Bostwick Lake Inn (Rockford) There is a humongous difference between store-bought marshmallows (the same ones kids use as artillery for their marshmallow guns) and the homemade version. Bostwick Lake Inn’s version comes with both homemade marshmallows and chocolate; making this campfire dessert worthy of white tablecloth status.

DIM SUM Wei Wei Palace (Kentwood) Wei Wei is a legitimate dim sum restaurant with all the dim sum fixings you might expect from a restaurant in New York’s Chinatown. Har Gau shrimp dumplings?

Check. Pork Siu Mai? Check. BBQ pork Cha Siu Bao? Check. Cheong Fan rolled rice noodles? Check. BBQ chicken feet?

Double check. Asian grocery store in the same building? Priceless. -GEORGE AQUINO

photography by GEORGE AQUINO

PORK BELLY Butch’s Dry Dock (Holland) I overdosed on pork belly last year, but Chef Brian Woods of downtown Holland’s Butch’s Dry Dock reminded me that the pork belly’s resurgence as a mainstream food star is no fad. His version—chipotle glazed Kurobuta pork belly with Michigan cherry risotto and warm apples—is divine with a capital “D.”

An Unforgettable Meal in Soweto I’ve always considered myself to be a food adventurer.

My motto is this: I will try anything once. • Of course, that’s a much easier motto to live by when I’m in the United States. It really gets tested when I travel overseas. That’s where my palate has been challenged with a whole host of “maybe I better not ask what’s in this” food adventures. • In the process I’ve discovered some incredible dishes, and I’ve identified a few that will go on my “Do not order” list forever, but there was one meal that affected me more than any other.

It was a meal I ate in June of 2010 when I was in South Africa for the World Cup.

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one of us said a word.

We knew we had just eaten cow’s brain, or eyes, or snout, but that wasn’t at all what we were thinking about. Until that moment, we hadn’t really grasped the reality of daily life in a place like this. We had heard about extreme poverty, and we had seen it, but until our lunch in Soweto, we had never tasted it.

That’s a meal you can’t possibly forget. -RICK KAEMPFER

DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

y siblings and I went there together, and though we went primarily to see soccer games, we had our daytime hours free to explore. One day we decided to check out Soweto, the heartbreakingly poor neighborhood in Johannesburg. We drove by an endless array of three-foot huts crammed side by side (each of which housed entire families). We walked through the square where the anti-Apartheid demonstrations took place a generation ago.

And then, when we told him we were hungry, our guide took us to a local oneroom dining establishment.

The “restaurant” was serving lunch buffet style. None of the food was labeled, and most of it was unidentifiable. There was one dish that came in a shade of yellowish-green that I hadn’t really seen in food before. My brother and I exchanged perplexed expressions, but we were careful not to offend our hosts.

As I always do, I tried a little bit of everything. The yellowish-green dish tasted a bit strong (lots of spices masking whatever the main ingredient was), but I choked it down. I figured the beef dish would help me get the taste out of my mouth, so I saved that for last. When I started chewing it, I realized it wasn’t like any beef dish I had eaten before. The texture was almost indescribable. It was a bit rubbery, but that’s not quite it. It was softer than that. It was more like a soggy brown chunk of un-chewable matter.

After one bite I knew I was in trouble. It was all I could do to hold it down, but I forced a smile on my face after I

swallowed it, because our hosts were proudly watching us.

“Mmm, beef?” I asked.

The woman nodded.

“I wish I could eat more, but I’m absolutely stuffed.”

We effusively praised our hosts as we left the restaurant, got back into our van, and headed back toward the hotel. As we were rumbling out of the neighborhood, I saw a sight that will never leave my mind. A man was standing under a tent. He was holding a gigantic butcher knife in one hand, and swatting away flies with his other hand. On the table in front of him was a cow’s head.

Just the head.

“What’s he doing?” my sister asked.

“He’s butchering the meat,” our guide told us. “This is the only kind of meat we can afford here, and we are so lucky when we get it. The local butchers don’t think it’s edible so they sell it to us for almost nothing, but as you know, it is quite delicious if it’s prepared correctly.”

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>> a fine mess <<

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he results at the Field Museum show are thought provoking and often startling— for example, the juxtaposition of a translucent Inuit raincoat made of seal intestines paired with Pinto’s “Tema” dress from her spring 2010 collection. Other museum items that Pinto has selected to pair with her own work include a parka made of bird skins, a necklace of woven monkey fur, and an 18th-century Chinese theatrical headdress. All of the items show meticulous craftsmanship, as do Pinto’s own designs.

Here, Pinto discusses the show and how fashion is where you find it.

How did the collaboration happen?

About two years ago, I did a presentation at their Women’s Board, where I would comment on eight pieces of design from the Field’s collection. From the beginning—picking out the objects for that board presentation—I was intrigued with items made out of unexpected materials. So that became the thread that wove the choices together.

MARIA PINTO

A fashion designer’s show at the museum

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In a current show at Chicago’s Field Museum, fashion designer Maria Pinto indulges her inner anthropologist. Fashion and the Field Museum Collection— Maria Pinto (running through June 16, 2013) explores the universal world of design by mixing clothing from the museum’s collection hand-selected by Pinto with some of her own past designs. Included in the show is an original design by Pinto, inspired by the spirit of the Field’s collection. • Pinto is probably best known for dressing Michelle Obama for years. But she has long harbored a harder, more anthropological edge. It may not have been apparent to her fans who sought her out for stylishly understated, ladylike clothes, but tribal design has always been one of Pinto’s inspirations.

So this show grew out of that smaller presentation? Yes. Afterwards, the Field Museum very generously offered to expand the idea to a public exhibit. My co-curator was Alaka Wali, a curator of the anthropology department there. She has a great sensibility for taking pieces out of their historical context or what, in museum terms, would be a historically acceptable framework. That allows the objects to be seen in a different way. Sara Lee came on board as a sponsor and so, last summer, I began to go through the collection and choose pieces.

That sounds like a daunting task.

Absolutely. There are over one million pieces in their storage spaces and there are still thousands I’m intrigued by. But quickly the pieces for this show started to evolve in terms of the psychology of what we put on our bodies. There are some pieces of actual armor included. I always feel like what we put on our bodies is a form of armor; there is the functional protection

photo by TONY V. MARTIN

>> interview <<

aspect, but also there is the message we’re conveying.

How did you narrow your choices? It was so hard, but my initial reaction carries a lot of weight. Something about the silhouette, the texture, the significance behind an object.

I went with what immediately grabbed my attention. The materials used are so unusual— beetles or teeth, for example—but you don’t see it right away. They are just these gorgeous objects and then slowly, as you study them, the actual material is revealed to you.

That’s fascinating to me. As a designer, I have the world as my laboratory. Anything I want, I can source it and use it. For these people, though, these were the resources they had to use, like making a skirt made out of crocodile skin. Their options were limited and yet they made beautiful, functional items. It takes my breath away.

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DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

And you created one new outfit to go with a Chinese headpiece? The headdress is so theatrical—literally, it was part of a theater costume. I loved the range of colors on it. For my outfit, I have a crazy red fur collar with a belt around it and shearling jeans, where the fur has been shaved to a flat surface and applied to a stretch background. So, in the middle of all this rarified wonder, I’ve made a very unusual version of an everyday item: a pair of stretch jeans.

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In the past, some of your collections showed an anthropological influence?

I was particularly inspired by the people of the Omo Valley of Ethiopia, which is a crossroads for many different ethnicities. What spoke to me about them, just as various items in this show spoke to me, was the beautiful aesthetic of the people and how they achieved decorative aspects. In the past, I’ve been inspired to use lasercut leathers or fur or feathers in unusual ways.

shorelines >> green notes <<

Americangrown artisan chocolates

W

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hen her uncle asked her to find a chocolate they could carry in their catalogue, Markoff also learned something else— that chocolate really hadn’t changed much over the years.

“It wasn’t special,” Markoff says. “It was about a sweet experience rather than a rich one.

There hadn’t been an innovation in chocolate since World War II.” Extensive culinary traveling had introduced Markoff to the flavors of a myriad of countries such as Italy, Thailand, France, Hawaii, Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, China and Australia, and she also worked under the direction of Ferran and Albert Adrià at El Bulli, a restaurant considered to be one of the best in the world.

Taking spices she had gathered during her world travels and a necklace made out of what she thought were shells (and would later learn were tigers’ teeth) from the Naga tribes in India, she created a curry and coconut truffle, calling it Naga in honor of the tribe. Markoff liked the flavor so much that before the night was

over she had created twenty other flavor profiles as well, such as saffron with white chocolate and sugar crystals representative of Spanish Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi’s mosaic work, a Hungarian paprika, and chocolate ginger. All were based on her travels and her yearnings for real taste experiences.

Taking the next logical step, Markoff started Vosges HautChocolat, an upscale chocolate company, opening her first store in Chicago in 1998. Within a year, her chocolate was featured in Neiman Marcus. Another fast forward. Vosges Haut-Chocolat is now in 2,000 stores and has eight dedicated boutiques. Last year, the company made $30 million dollars.

But Markoff is only 38 years old and still ready to climb more mountains. Vosges Haut-Chocolat sells international, sophisticated and high-end chocolate. When retailers approached her about creating a mass market chocolate, Markoff thought about what was out there that she would eat. The answer was nothing.

Determined to not only recreate her unique chocolates at an affordable price point, she also wanted to focus on old school practices and craft processes using American ingredients.

The result is her Wild Ophelia brand, all natural chocolates with names like New Orleans Chili, Smokehouse BBQ Potato Chips and Salted Chowchilla Almond, which will be available this March in stores like Walgreen’s and Target and selling for $3.99 a bar.

Each of the labels carries a description of the chocolate.

photography by ERIKA DUFOUR PHOTOGRAPHY

Growing up, Katrina Markoff really didn’t like chocolate that much. • “The only ones I would eat were Hershey almond bars and Mars bars,” Markoff says. “And that was more because I liked the almonds.” • Fast forward a decade or so to Paris, France, where Markoff was a student at Le Cordon Bleu and started adding such, for the time, idiosyncratic ingredients to chocolate such as curry and wasabi. After returning to the States, Markoff worked for her uncle, who owned a mail order business in Dallas, where she learned how to bring a product to market, to write copy and do photo styling.

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-JANE AMMESON

Winner of the Times/Shore Magazine’s Best of the Region award - 3 consecutive years

DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

For example, the Wild Ophelia Sweet Cherry Pecan Milk Chocolate Bar lists the ingredients (and the calories—but we won’t even glance at that), a listing for the varietal (Western Schley Pecan), the artisan (for this bar it’s Sally Harper of Del Valle Pecans of Mesilla Park, New Mexico), and a description of the bar’s flavor profile (pecans with a robust aroma and a mellow bite, juxtaposed with Traverse City dried tart Michigan cherries in deep milk chocolate). That’s followed by a description of the craft: The All Natural Peanut Butter and Banana Chocolate Bar is crafted with no added preservatives, coloring, GMO or sugar. The hand-cut and low-temperature dried bananas are from the lava-enriched soil of Kauai by the artisanal family-owned Uncle Mikey’s Hawaiian Foods.

Handpicked, their peels are recycled and used for compost and chicken feed.

Markoff frequently uses the word authentic and that comes across in her products. Bite into Wild Ophelia Southern Hibiscus Peach Milk Chocolate Bar and you can feel yourself morphing into a We’re working on Southern belle with new flavors for the tastes of luscious chocolate, the bite Wild Ophelia like of hibiscus and burnt marshmallow sweet peaches. caramel, peanut “We’re always going, always butter banana going,” says Markoff caramel using real about her projects.

“We’re working bananas, and a root on new flavors for beer float caramel Wild Ophelia like that’s very soulful. burnt marshmallow caramel, peanut butter banana caramel using real bananas, and a root beer float caramel that’s very soulful.”

Markoff is also opening a new 50,000-square-foot corporate facility in Chicago at the end of the year which will be open for tours. In keeping with the American sources and artisan concept, she says they’re working on a relationship with Theobroma cacao or chocolate trees in Hawaii.

“Hawaii is the only state in the U.S. where the trees can be grown because you have to be 10 to 15 degrees either south or north of the equator,” Markoff says. “So Hawaii is the only place with the right latitude and longitude. The place only has 100 acres right now, so it will take years and years to do this.”

But the time doesn’t matter. For Markoff, growing cacao trees on American soil just seems so right.

“It’s so personal,” she says.

“I don’t do anything that isn’t personal and part of my journey.”

•

IMPACT DINNER 2012, CHICAGO CHOOSING TO PARTICIPATE EXHIBITION, CHICAGO CHANCELLOR’S SCHOLARSHIP DINNER, MERRILLVILLE MASQUERADE BALL, GARY FALL IN 2 WINTER, MUNSTER MICHIGAN CITY WOMEN’S COMMISSION, MICHIANA SHORES

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quality education impact dinner 2012 chicago

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photography by jackie jasperson

The Alain Locke Initiative held its second annual Impact Dinner 2012 Fundraiser at Chicago Cut Steakhouse. The evening included cocktails and dinner with special remarks from Patrick G. Ryan, Founder and CEO of Ryan Specialty Group, and Pat Ryan Jr., Founder of The Alain Locke Initiative.

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1 Kari and John McNeil 2 Bryant Keil, Andrea and Charles Young 3 Tom and Laura Drake, Alissa King, and Kari McNeil 4 Priya Valenti and Lydia Ryan

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5 Fred O’Connor, Amanda and Al McNally with Jim O’Connor

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6 Pat Ryan, Ann and Tom Sullivan 7 Warren Holtsberg, Darcy Evon and David Hiller 8 Nora Daley Conroy, Andrea Garber and Liz Ryan

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ALL CLICKS COMPILED BY LAVETA HUGHES

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cultural symbiosis choosing to participate exhibit | chicago

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photography by r. carl

1 Lashana Jackson, Celeste Wright Harris and Denise Banks 2 Cheryl Burton and Greg Case

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3 Bonnie Oberman, Margot Stern Strom and Judy Wise 4 Greg Case, Nikki Jarvis and Tom Wilson 5 Greg Case, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Albert R. Grace, Jr.

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The Chicago office of Facing History and Ourselves welcomed more than 200 partners, donors and supporters of its exhibition Choosing to Participate for a private celebration at the Harold Washington Library Center.

Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and guided tours of the multimedia exhibition.

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academic stars chancellor’s dinner | merrillville

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photography by yvette marie dostatni

1 Keidra Stephens of Gary, Bobbie Abernathy of Chicago and Augusta Deneal of Merrillville 2 J. Guadalupe Valtierra and Terri of Griffith

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3 Danniela Sikoski, Rick Soria, and Izabela Bebekoski all of Valparaiso 4 Janice Woods of Gary and Patricia Bradley of Gary

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5 Gus and Beth Olympidis of Valparaiso and Don Babcock of Michigan City 6 Elden La Hayne and Mary Anne La Hayne of Schererville with Debbie Halik and Mike Mulkey of Munster

Education specialists, business leaders and community activists attended the eleventh annual Ivy Tech Community College Northwest Chancellor’s Scholarship Dinner at the Avalon Manor.

The dinner recognized winners of the 2012 Chancellor’s Scholarship.

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nwi mystique

runway delights

photography by john j. watkins

photography by terry dean and jerome lynch

masquerade ball | gary

The Miller Citizens Corporation hosted their second annual Masquerade Ball at Marquette Park Pavilion. More than 100 guests donned beautiful masks and attire while enjoying hors d’oeuvres, dinner and music by Oscar and the Majestics. The event supports the endeavors of the Miller Citizens Corporation.

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fall in 2 winter | munster

Approximately 250 “fashionistas” attended the fashion show fundraiser featuring Ms. Elle’s Ladies’ Boutique and local designers. The event, emceed by radio personality Darryll King, included dinner, a raffle, silent auction, and accessory booths. The show was held to support the Northwest Indiana Reinvestment Alliance’s Entrepreneurial and Women’s Business Project.

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1 Laura Demchuck of Miller with Dave Kemerer of Ogden Dunes

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1 Linda Hawkins of Chicago and Lorna Colette of East Chicago

2 Eric Reaves and Cloe Lay 3 Gene and Karen Chlebowski

2 Darryll King of Hammond

4 Jackie Ferree, James Hagberg and Jennifer Buck 5 Judy and Gene Ayers

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3 Lewis and Eleanor Moore of East Chicago with Lythia and Everett Payne of Gary

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6 Anthony and Robin Laterzo

4 Lynette Leavy of Merrillville and Latrice Edwards of Gary

7 Michael and Victoria Doyne

5 Laura Yan of Griffith and Paco Fernandez of Highland

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making a difference womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commission michiana shores photography by gregg rizzo

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More than 70 guests attended the kick-off for the new Michigan City Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Commission advocacy group.

The event was held at the Dunes Summer Theatre and featured food from various restaurants as well as the feminist play Top Girls

by Caryl Churchill.

1 Nick and Sue Bridge of Oak Park 2 Jack and Dani Lane of New Buffalo

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3 Steve and Juli Rogers of Michigan City 4 Frances Vega-Steele, Rick Soria and Agnes Meer, all of Michigan City 5 Albertine Allen and Marie Taylor, both of Michigan City

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6 Kathy Dennis, Larry Silvestri and Sharon Carnes, all of Michigan City

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8 Dorothy Miller and Jenny Hilf, both of Duneland Beach

DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

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7 Terese Fabbri with Eden Lysaught, both of Long Beach with Maryann Merrion of Michigan City

essential events HAPPENINGS 30

EXHIBITIONS 31

PERFORMANCE 31

Dec 31 STAR PLAZA NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH 2013

8pm, Star Plaza, I-65 & US 30, Merrillville.

219.769.6311. starplazatheatre.com.

Guests can usher in 2013 with one of four parties at the Star Plaza Theatre: a dance party headlined by Plan B Promotions and DJ Gordo; a tropical party in the atrium with music from Dick Diamond and the Dusters; a pub party at T.J. Maloney’s Authentic Irish Pub featuring local bands New Element, Angelo Cicco and the Unit; or a rock party staring the Crawpuppies.

The night also will feature a comedy show with Damon Williams.

CALENDAR COMPILED

BY LAVETA HUGHES

happenings Indiana

Nov 24 4th Annual Winter Market, 11am-4pm, St. Mathias Church, 101 W Burrell Dr, Crown Point.

219.662.3290. Winter Market attendees are invited to shop for holiday crafts, custom gift baskets, jewelry, homemade items, baked goods, seasonal coffees, Christmas trees and more.

Nov 24 2012 Santa Parade, noon, downtown LaPorte, ending at Santa’s Chalet and Santa’s Village in the Chamber Square, 803 Washington St, LaPorte.

219.362.3178. Following the parade this year will be a private screening of the film Prancer (followed by a discussion with director John Hancock and local actor Ron Ehrick), visits with Santa, Santa’s Village Winter Market, a toy train ride, and a tree lighting at 4:30 p.m.

Nov 30 City of Hobart Christmas Tree Lighting, Festival Park, 111 E Old Ridge Rd, Hobart. Celebrate the holiday season with live entertainment, carriage rides and a visit with Santa during the lighting of the Christmas tree.

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Dec 7 Holly Days, 5-7pm, downtown Valparaiso, 219.464.8332. valparaisoevents.com. Valparaiso kicks off its holiday season with this free family event, which offers holiday musical performances on the Porter Health Amphitheater Stage, a giant ice sculpture by Michiana Ice Carvers, a live nativity scene complete with live animals, sidewalk carolers, and specials at downtown stores and restaurants. The Holly and JJ Jolly Show will take place in front of the Memorial Opera House and Porter County Museum as the prelude to Santa’s arrival.

Dec 8 Comparing Varietals from Around the World, 4pm, Towle Theatre, 219.937.8780. towletheatre.org. This wine class will focus on different styles of wine provided by Dave and Jackie DeRosa of Mediterranean Wine Company and food provided by Chef Randy Berg of Ciao Bella in Schererville.

Dec 13-16 Vendor Holiday Shopping Bazaar, 9am-6pm, Marquette Park Pavilion, 1 N Grand Blvd, Gary. 219.938.7362. More than forty local and regional crafters and vendors will showcase their products at this event, which also offers opportunities for charitable giving.

Dec 15 Yuletide Open House, 11am-1pm, downtown Lowell. 219.696.6487. shoplowellindiana. com. Visitors will enjoy last-minute shopping in a Norman Rockwell-type setting on the sidewalks of downtown Lowell. This festive event includes store sales, restaurant specials, complimentary candy canes and refreshments, sidewalk Christmas music, and a visit from Frosty the Snowman.

Jan 19 Tenth Annual Gardening Show, 8am4pm, Porter County Expo, 215 E Division Rd, Valparaiso. 219.465.3555. pcgarden.info. This award-winning event features presentations by national, regional and local gardening experts; a seed and bulb exchange; a garden photography contest; a children’s corner; food service; special lodging and dining packages; and 100 exhibitors and vendors of products and services for and about gardens and gardening.

Mar 3 Maple Sugar Festival, noon-3pm, International Friendship Gardens, 2055 US Hwy 12, Michigan City. 219.878.9885. friendshipgardens. org. This free event features a sugar-making camp, demonstrations, nature hikes and plenty of sweet treats. Pets on a leash are welcome.

Michigan

Through Dec 8 Mistletoe Market, 10am-4pm Mon-Fri, 1-4pm Sat, South Haven Center for the Arts, 600 Phoenix St, South Haven. 269.637.1041. southhavenarts.org. This annual Christmas boutique fundraiser will feature jewelry, paintings, photography and more created by local artists. All arts and crafts will be available for sale, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the art center.

Dec 6 18th Annual Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World Gala, 7pm, Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, 1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids. 616.975.3155. meijergardens.org. Don’t miss this enchanted evening of horse-drawn carriage rides through the Sculpture Park, more than 40 dazzling trees and displays representing holiday cultures from around the world, a miniature train chugging through the Railway Garden, globally inspired cuisine and roaming holiday entertainment.

Dec 7 Live Mannequins! 7-8:30pm, downtown St. Joseph. 269.985.1111. stjoetoday.com. As the stores spring to life with holiday cheer, volunteers from the community will remain perfectly still, like mannequins, depicting scenes from classic holiday stores and nostalgic lore. This exciting new event coincides with the St. Joseph’s Light Up the Bluff festivities.

Jan 18-20 9th Annual Hunter Ice Festival, downtown Niles. 269.687.4332. nilesmainstreet.org.

This popular event pays tribute to the Hunter Brothers Ice and Ice Cream Company as master carvers transform 30 tons of ice into art. The festival also includes a murder mystery dinner on Friday night, a 5K run on Saturday morning, a chili cook-off on Sunday and a warming center with kids’ craft area.

Jan 31-Feb 3 Michigan International Auto Show, 3-10pm Thu, 11am-10pm Fri, 10am-10pm Sat, 10am-6pm Sun, DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids. 616.447.2860. showspan. com. This popular show features more than 300 new vehicles and soon-to-be-released models by car manufacturers from around the world.

Feb 1-3 Ice Breaker Festival 2013, downtown South Haven. 269.637.5171. southhavenmi.com.

Celebrate “The Four Seasons of South Haven” in the city’s downtown winter wonderland with pro and amateur chili cook-offs, an ice sculpting competition, and seasonal activities for the whole family.

photo courtesy of RADISSON HOTEL AT STAR PLAZA

The information presented in Essential Events is accurate as of press time, but readers are encouraged to call ahead to verify the dates and times.

Please note that Illinois and most Indiana events adhere to central time, and Michigan events are eastern time.

Illinois

Nov 21-Dec 24 16th Annual Christkindlmarket, 11am-8pm Mon-Thu, 11am-9pm Fri-Sat, 11am-8pm Sun, Daley Plaza, 50 W Washington St, Chicago.

312.494.2175. christkindlmarket.com.

Situated in the heart of downtown Chicago, the Christkindlmarket is a holiday market fashioned after century-old markets in Germany. It features German and international vendors displaying hand-crafted ornaments, toys, foods and other unique gifts. Most days, there also will be musical entertainment to put visitors into the holiday spirit.

Nov 22 McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, 8-11am, State St from Randolph to Congress, Chicago. chicagofestivals.org.

A Chicago holiday tradition, this annual televised parade features giant helium balloons of beloved characters, spectacular floats, the nation’s best marching bands, exquisite equestrian units, local and national celebrities, and exciting performance groups.

Nov 30-Jan 6 12th Annual Winter WonderFest, Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago. 312.595.7437. winterwonderfest.com.

Participants can explore an enchanted 170,000-square-foot winter playground featuring holiday décor, music, entertainment, indoor ice skating rink, huge inflatable slides, rides and more at this familyfriendly holiday tradition.

Dec 6-9 One of a Kind Show and Sale, 11am-8pm Thu-Fri, 10am-7pm Sat, 10am-5pm Sun, The Merchandise Mart, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago.

800.677.6728. oneofakindshowchicago.com.

Chicago’s most exciting holiday shopping show and fine art and craft festival, the show features original work from more than 600 talented artists from across the country, along with gourmet cafés, fashion shows and live music. Works include unique paintings, sculptures, glass works, photography, ceramics, jewelry, furniture and wearable art.

Jan 9-13 Chicago Boat, Sports & RV Show, 2-9pm Wed, 11am-9pm Thu-Fri, 10am-9pm Sat, 10am-5pm Sun, McCormick Place, North Building, 2301 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago. chicagoboatshow.com. This annual event showcases the best in powerboats and recreational vehicles for sale, all while offering a variety of entertainment for all ages.

Feb 9-18 Chicago Auto Show, 10am10pm Feb 9-17, 10am-8pm Feb 18, McCormick Place, 2301 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago. chicagoautoshow.com. Auto enthusiasts trek to this annual convention— celebrating its 105th anniversary this year—of more than 1,000 of the newest cars, trucks, SUVs and concept cars, all displayed within the colossal confines of McCormick Place.

Also, Feb 8: First Look for Charity (6:3010:30pm).

Indiana

Through Nov 25 Sting Like a Maccabee—Paintings by Charles Miller, The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Rd, Munster. 219.836.1839. southshoreartsonline.org. A tribute to the famous Jewish boxers who dominated the sport between 1910 and 1940, this series of oil paintings and drawings of Jewish boxers by the Brooklyn-based Charles Miller was inspired by the artists’ passion for the sport as well as the stories of the fighters.

Through Dec 16 Herman Maril Drawings, The Snite Museum of Art, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame. 574.631.5466. sniteartmuseum.nd.edu. This exhibit showcases a recent donation of eleven drawings by Herman Maril, an American modernist best known for his painted landscapes and seascapes of Baltimore and Cape Cod. Also, through Dec 2: Breaking the Mold—The Legacy of the Noah L. and Muriel S. Butkin Collection of Nineteenth-Century French Art; Fragility and Resilience—Sculpture by Stephen De Staebler; Father Lindesmith’s Collection— History Into Art and Anthropology.

Dec 7-30 Hues and Views, Lubeznik Center for the Arts, 101 W Second St, Michigan City. 219.874.4900. lubeznikcenter.org. This exhibit features plein air paintings by Julie Kasniunasdrawn, an artist who is drawn to the natural beauty of the Indiana Dunes.

Opening reception: December 7, 5-8 p.m.

Dec 7-Jan 5 Nostalgia Blue—A Pilgrimage through the Netherlands, Hammond Art Center, 5832 Hohman Ave, Hammond. 219.937.6235. This exhibit by Ali Lauren Jacobs explores the artist’s Dutch American childhood with cyanotypes and contemporary delft that recollect the cultural symbols of the Dutch community.

Opening Dec 7 Cloud 9, Blink Contemporary Art, 1709 Franklin, Michigan City. 219.879.2994. blinkcontemporaryart.com.

Running for three months, this exhibit highlights nine artists’ responses to the “information cloud.”

Michigan

Through Jan 6 Body Double—The Figure in Contemporary Sculpture, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 E Beltline Ave, NE, Grand Rapids. 888.957.1580. meijergardens.org. A survey of contemporary sculpture around the subject of the human figure, this exhibit features a wide variety of formal and conceptual approaches by artists from across the United States and around the world.

Through Jan 8 Great Lakes Pastel Society National Show 2012, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, 314 S Park St, Kalamazoo.

269.349.7775. kiarts.org. A variety of subjects will be explored by masters of the pastel medium during this biennial national juried exhibition. Also, through Dec 9: Asian Art from the Collection of Dr. Paul and Esther Wang; through Jan 20: A Legacy for Kalamazoo Works—Acquired through the Elisabeth Claire Lahti Fund, 1998–2012; Nov 17-Feb 17: Treasures from Kalamazoo Collections; Jan 26-May 19: Sight and Feeling—Photographs

by Ansel Adams; Jan 19-Apr 7: Stocked—Five Artists of Fire and Clay.

Through Jan 13 Salvador Dalí’s Twelve Tribes of Israel, Grand Rapids Art Museum, 101 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids.

616.831.1000. artmuseumgr.org. Created in 1973 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel, this portfolio of hand-colored drypoints by Salvador Dalí depicts the Biblical tribes founded by the

twelve sons of Jacob as the tribal fathers of the Hebrew people. Also, through Jan 13: Real/Surreal; through Jan 13: Robert McCann—New History Painting.

Nov 23–Jan 6 Ann Tompkins Botanicals, Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve, 13988 Range Line Rd, Niles.

269.695.6491. fernwoodbotanical.org.

Tompkins’ art captures mostly native plant species with luminous watercolor and intricate detail. During this exhibit, giclee prints and greeting cards will be available.

Opening reception: Friday, November 23, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Nov 30-Jan 13 The Natural and the Imaginary—Kathleen Elliot/Primordial Inspirations From Habatat Galleries, Krasl Art Center, 707 Lake Blvd, St. Joseph.

269.983.0271. krasl.org. A combination of Kathleen Elliot’s nationally recognized glass art featured in one gallery and select works from the Habatat Gallery in another, these exhibits explore organic, tribal, imaginary and dramatic forms in glass.

Dec 16-Feb 23 Land of the Rising Sun, South Haven Center for the Arts, 600 Phoenix St, South Haven. 269.637.1041. southhavenarts.org. Visitors will get a taste of Japan with these pieces from artists working in traditional Japanese techniques and artists who have been inspired by the rich culture and flavors of the Land of the Rising Sun.

Illinois

Through Jan 20 Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec—Bivouac, Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago. 312.280.2660. mcachicago.org.

Two of the most exciting and innovative designers working today, the Bouroullec brothers bring high-tech manufacturing ideas to standard furniture and design formats.

Beautiful and elegant in design, the chairs, sofas, lamps, tables and dishware designed by the brothers defy categorization as they shape space in clever new ways. Also, through Nov 25: Jimmy Robert Vis-à-vis; through Dec 31: Martin Creed Plays Chicago and MCA Chicago Plaza Project—Martin Creed; through Mar 3: John Cage; through Mar 5: Paul Cowan; through Mar 17: William Kentridge; through May 12: Akram Zaatari; Nov 10-Apr 21: Color Bind—The MCA Collection in Black and White; Dec 15-Mar 31: Goshka—Exhibit A; Feb 16-Jun 2: Destroy the Picture—Painting the Void, 1949-1962.

Through Feb 18 Charlie Brown and the Great Exhibit, Museum of Science and Industry, 57th St and Lake Shore Dr, Chicago.

773.947.3133. msichicago.org. The Peanuts gang comes to life at this family-friendly exhibit, which explores Charles Schulz’s life and legacy. View original cartoons, as well as reproductions and related Peanuts ephemera and discover how characters like Charlie Brown, Snoopy and Lucy were developed and how they evolved over decades in print and popular culture. Also, through Jan 6: Smart Home—Green + Wired; Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light; through Jan 27: Life in Space?

Through Feb 24 Building—Inside Studio Gang Architect, The Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago.

312.629.6635. artic.edu/aic. With its engaging workshop-like environment, this exhibit showcases and reveals Chicago-based Studio Gang Architects’ creative process as they seek architectural solutions to pressing contemporary issues. Also, through Nov 25: Film and Photo in New York; through Dec 3: Burnham Library Centennial; through Jan 6: Allen Ruppersberg—No Time Left to Start Again/The B and D of R ’n’ R; Steve McQueen; through Jan 13: Rarely Seen Contemporary Works on Paper; through Jan 27: focus—Hito

Steyerl; through Feb 17: Blood, Gold, and Fire—Coloring Early German Woodcuts; through Apr 7: Material Translations— Japanese Fashion from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago; Dec 15-May 12: When Collecting Was New—Photographs from the Robert A. Taub Collection; Feb 20-May 12: Picasso and Chicago.

performance 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 23-Dec 16: The Sound of Music; Feb 1-16: American Rex; Mar 1-9: The Less Than Human Club.

DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame Campus. 574.631.2800. performingarts. nd.edu. The state-of-the-art, 150,000-squarefoot facility, newly opened in 2004, is host to some of the world’s most celebrated artists.

In addition, its stages showcase student, faculty and community performers, as well as the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, Southold Dance, the Notre Dame Symphony, the South Bend Civic Theatre, and more.

Nov 25: Vienna Boys’ Choir; Nov 30: Bach’s Lunch; Notre Dame Glee Club Fall Concert; Dec 2: University Band Concert; Notre Dame Jazz Bands Fall Concert; Dec 5: Schumann’s Three Sonatas for Violin and Piano; Dec 8: Notre Dame Glee Club Christmas Concert; Dec 15: The Klezmatics; Jan 17: The Magistrate; Jan 19: Chicago Sinfonietta; Jan 25: Tiempo Libre; Jan 27: Chamber II—Jewish Heritage; Feb 1-3: The Actor’s Gang Presents Moliere’s Tartuffe; Feb 3: Annette Richards; Feb 7-9: Parsons Dance; Feb 17: Cantus; Feb 21-Mar 3: Shadows of the Reef; Feb 23: L.A. Theatre Works presents Pride and Prejudice

by Jane Austen.

Horseshoe Casino, 777 Casino Center Dr, Hammond. 866.711.7463. horseshoehammond.com. World-class gambling and top-name entertainment combine to create an unprecedented experience at this 350,000-squarefoot casino. The Venue, the casino’s 90,000-square-foot entertainment facility, hosts some of the hottest Chicagoland entertainment. Nov 23: The Brain Setzer Orchestra—Christmas Rocks; Nov 30: Common; Dec 8: The Moody Blues at the Venue; Dec 20: Kenny G Holiday Show; Dec 22: After Hours Featuring Pauly D; Jan 26: After Hours Featuring Apl.de.Ap. 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. Nov 30: Harbor Lights; Dec 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16: Thoroughly Modern Millie; Dec 19: Christmas Is Here Again!

The Morris Performing Arts Center, 211 N Michigan St, South Bend. 574.235.9190, 800.537.6415. morriscenter.org. The home of the Broadway Theatre League, the South Bend Symphony Orchestra and the Southold Dance Theater, the 2,560-seat Morris Performing Arts Center has enraptured audiences in the heart of downtown South Bend for more than 75 years. Nov 24: Disney Live! Presents Mickey’s Music Festival; Nov 29: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas; Nov 30-Dec 1: Tap Dogs; Dec 8-9: Southold Dance Theater—The Nutcracker; Dec 15-16: South

DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

Jan 24-27 Strictly Sail Chicago, 11am8pm Thu-Fri, 10am-7pm Sat, 10am-5pm Sun, Navy Pier, Festival Halls A & B, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago. strictlysailchicago.com. The Midwest’s only and the nation’s largest U.S. indoor sailboat show features the latest and greatest the sailing industry has to offer— the newest sailing gear, accessories and hardware, plus interactive seminars, hands-on learning and more.

exhibitions

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Feb 2 Bev’s Second Season Ball, 1933 E 800 N, LaPorte. 888.660.6222. newbuffalo.org.

This event will feature an open bar with free signature chocolate martinis from 6:307:30pm, appetizers by local restaurants, a delicious meal and two chocolate fountains for dessert. A spectacular silent auction will include vacations and cruises.

essential events Bend Symphony Orchestra—Home for the Holidays; Jan 27: The State Ballet Theatre of Russia—Cinderella; Feb 2: South Bend Symphony Orchestra—Hungarian/Polish Heritage; Feb 8-9: Shrek the Musical; Feb 16: South Bend Symphony Orchestra KeyBank Pops—A Valentine from Gershwin; Feb 22-23: Rock of Ages.

Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra, various venues. 219.836.0525. nwisymphony.org. Conducted by the charismatic Kirk Muspratt, this professional orchestra performs concerts that range in atmosphere from the whimsical pops series to the edifying and inspirational maestro series, many of which offer preconcert discussions with the conductor an hour before the concert. Dec 6: Holiday Pops (Star Plaza Theatre); Feb 8: Swept Away (The Auditorium at Bethel Church, 10202 Broadway, Crown Point).

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. Nov 25: The Oak Ridge Boys Christmas Show; Dec 2: Motown Christmas Spectacular; Dec 12: Indiana Ballet Theatre—The Nutcracker; Dec 14: The Colors of Christmas; Dec 30: Styx; Dec 31: Damon Williams’ New Year’s Eve Comedy Bash; Jan 6: A Chorus Line; Jan 26: Salute to the ’60s—Peter Noone, The Grass Roots, The Buckinghams.

The Theatre at the Center, Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Rd, Munster. 219.836.3255. 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 15-Dec 23: Forever Plaid; Feb 23-Apr 1: Always… Patsy Cline.

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. Nov 23-25, 30, Dec 1-2, 7-9, 14-16: A Fabulous 50’s/ Swank 60’s Christmas 2012.

Michigan

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The Acorn Theater, 6 N Elm St, Three Oaks. 269.756.3879. acorntheater.com.

The 250-seat Acorn is home to a carefully reconstructed, rare Barton Theater Pipe Organ and boasts bistro tables and occasionally offbeat entertainment options. Nov 24: Sean Masterson and Elaine Dame—Something to Live For; Nov 25: Larry Reeb; Dec 1: Detour Bluegrass; Dec 22: Opera at the Acorn—Annual Christmas Show; Dec 30: Bodeans; Super Happy Funtime Burlesque NYE. Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St, St. Joseph. 269.983.3688. boxfactoryforthearts.org. The Berrien Artist Guild has converted an old box factory into a multidisciplinary arts resource, housing galleries, studios, an art shop and a café. Visitors also can take advantage of the Box Factory as an entertainment venue, attending stage performances by

singers, musicians, poets and actors. Nov 25: Lomax Big House; Nov 30-Dec 1: Out of the Box Playfest; Dec 8: Mike Struwin and the Holiday Ramblers; Dec 14-15: The Language of Birds.

Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra, DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids. 616.454.9451 ext 4. grsymphony.org. Recognized as one of America’s leading regional orchestras, this Grammy-nominated symphony provides the orchestra for Opera Grand Rapids and the Grand Rapids Ballet Company.

The orchestra’s eight concert series with performances designed for young children through adults feature a wide range of repertoire. Dec 6-9: Nestlé Gerber Holiday Pops; Dec 18-20: Fifth Third Cirque de Noël; Jan 3-4: Lockington Premieres Cello Concerto; Jan 11-12: Symphonie Fantastique; Jan 18-20: Broadway Rocks!; Jan 26: Hansel and Gretel featuring the Grand Rapids Ballet; Jan 29: Play! A Video Game Symphony; Feb 1: Hough Plays Liszt; Feb 15: Symphony with Soul; Feb 22-23: An American in Paris; Feb 28: Handel, Bach and Respighi.

Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, various venues. 269.349.7759. kalamazoosymphony.com. Founded in 1921, this outstanding ensemble entertains the Kalamazoo area with a classical subscription series, annual holiday presentations, chamber orchestra concerts, free summer park concerts and various educational programs. Nov 17: From the New World; Nov 30: Fall Evening; Dec 8-9: Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker with Grand Rapids Ballet; Dec 22: Kenny G; Jan 11: Winter Evening; Jan 27: World of Respighi; Feb 15: Wolfram Plays Liszt.

The Livery, 190 5th St, Benton Harbor.

269.925.8760. liverybrew.com. As its name suggests, the Livery is a former horse stable, residing in the Arts District of downtown Benton Harbor. Not content to just offer its twelve taps of microbrew, an outdoor beer garden, an appetizing soup and sandwich menu, and a coffee bar, the Livery is also a venue for an eclectic variety of musical performances. Nov 8: Doug & Telisha Williams; Nov 17: The Happy Campers; Nov 23: Mr. Blotto; Nov 24: Brandhi Irvon & Friends with Mercy Myra.

Silver Creek Event Center, Four Winds Casino, 11111 Wilson Rd, New Buffalo.

866.494.6371. The Silver Creek Event Center is a 1,500-seat, multi-use facility that is located next to the casino floor.

In addition to hosting concerts, the 70,000-square-foot event center can be reconfigured to host a variety of meetings, special events, conferences and banquets.

Dec 8: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.

Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, various venues. 269.982.4030. smso.org. This versatile orchestra offers a traditional Mendel Mainstage Series, small ensemble works in the Around Town Series, and the Performing Artists series, which showcases a wide range of styles with guest artists. Nov 27: The Lake Michigan Youth Orchestra; Dec 1: Holiday Traditions; Dec 2: The Lake Michigan Youth Orchestra; Feb 1: Dueling Pianos; Feb 16: Latin Romance.

Van Andel Arena, 130 W Fulton, Grand Rapids. 616.742.6600. vanandelarena. com. Ranked second on Billboard Magazine’s 2003 Top 10 Arena Venues for its size, this $75 million 12,000-plus capacity arena offers world-class family shows, concerts and sporting events to the increasingly popular Grand Rapids area. Nov 29: The Story Tour; Dec 7: Trans-Siberian Orchestra—The Lost

Christmas Eve; Dec 15: Gaither Christmas Homecoming; Jan 27: The Harlem Globetrotters; Feb 10: Jeff Dunham— Disorderly Conduct; Feb 28-Mar 3: Disney On Ice Presents 100 Years of Magic.

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 theater since 1889, the Auditorium continues to provide unparalleled ballet performances and a variety of artistic productions. Through Dec 2: Sister Act; Dec 7-27: The Joffrey Ballet— The Nutcracker; Jan 19-20: Too Hot to Handel—The Jazz-Gospel Messiah; Feb 1324: The Joffrey Ballet—American Legends.

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. Dec 5-Dec 16: Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas!

The Musical; begins Dec 11: The Book of Mormon; Dec 18-Jan 5: War Horse; Jan 30-Feb 10: Cathy Rigby is Peter Pan. Broadway Playhouse, 175 E Chestnut.

Through Dec 16: Potted Potter; Nov 23-Jan 6: Cinderella; Mar 12-24: Jekyll & Hyde; Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W Randolph St. Nov 14-Dec 2: Les Miserables.

The Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University, 1 University Pkwy, University Park. 708.235.2222. centertickets.net. The Center for Performing Arts is celebrating 11 years of promoting cultural enhancement on the South Side of Chicago through world-class performing arts productions and arts education. Dec 1: A Christmas Carol; Dec 8: Salt Creek Ballet The Nutcracker; Jan 13: The Voice! A Celebration in Song; Jan 26: Braid Tales presented by Kuumba Lynx and FootworKingz; Feb 1-2: Assassins; Feb 3: A Night at the Operetta; Feb 15: DRUMLine Live!; Feb 16: Natya Dance Theatre Presents: Shakti Chakra—The Energy Cycle.

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. Dec 4–Jan 20: The School for Lies; Feb 5–Mar 24: Julius Caesar; Feb 23-Mar 23: Short Shakespeare! Romeo and Juliet.

The Chicago Theatre, 175 N State St, Chicago. 312.462.6300. thechicagotheatre.com. The Chicago Theatre has been a prototype for area theaters since 1921. With its lavish architecture and an elegant stage, the Chicago Theatre seats 3,600 and stands seven stories high. Nov 24: Chris Isaak; Nov 30-Dec 1: Ray LaMontagne; Dec 8: Dave Koz; Dec 9: Straight No Chaser; Dec 15: Trailer Park Boys; Dec 21: Martina McBride; Jan 18: Brian Regan; May 1: Joe Bonamassa.

The Goodman Theatre, 170 N Dearborn St, Chicago. 312.443.3800. goodmantheatre.org. Since 1925, the Goodman Theatre has provided entertainment to the Chicago area; however, a new, state-of-the-art twotheater complex was completed in 2000— 75 years to the day after the dedication of the original—and resides in the vibrant North Loop Theater District within walking distance of fine hotels and restaurants.

Through Dec 29: A Christmas Carol; Dec 8-23: Song for the Disappeared; Dec 9-23: The World of Extreme Happiness; Jan 12Feb 17: Other Desert Cities; Feb 2-Mar 3: Teddy Ferrara.

Lyric Opera of Chicago, Civic Opera House, Madison and Wacker, Chicago.

312.332.2244 ext 5600. lyricopera.org.

The world-class Lyric Opera enraptures audiences with its spectacular artistry, performing in one of the most unique theaters in the world. The recently refurbished Civic Opera House not only is an elaborate treasure on the inside, but it is architecturally distinctive as well, shaped like a throne facing the Chicago River.

Through Nov 26: Werther; Nov 25-Dec 15: Don Pasquale; Dec 7-Jan 19: Hansel and Gretel; Jan 21-Mar 28: La Boheme; Feb 8-Mar 3: Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg; Feb 25-Mar 30: Rigoletto.

Paramount Theatre, 23 E Galena Blvd, Aurora. 630.896.6666. paramountaurora. com. Named “One of Chicago’s Top Ten Theatres” by the League of Chicago Theatres, the Paramount is renowned for the quality and caliber of its presentations, superb acoustics and historic beauty. Nov 21-Dec 30: Annie; Nov 27: Skippyjon Jones; Dec 4: Happy Holidays, Broadway Style; Dec 13-23: Second City’s Holidays; Dec 31: Under the Streetlamp; Jan 4: Shatner’s World; Jan 16-Feb 3: The Music Man; Feb 5: Laura Ingalls Wilder; Feb 7: Muntu; Feb 9: Poi Dog Pondering; Feb 14: Bobby Vinton.

Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E Main St, St. Charles. 630.584.6342. pheasantrun. com. Acclaimed throughout Chicago and the Midwest for its entertainment, Pheasant Run Resort features theater at its Mainstage and Studio theaters, comedy at Zanies Comedy Club, and live music, entertainment, art exhibits and shopping at its own version of Bourbon Street. Through Dec 30: The Winter Wonderettes; Dec 7-21: The Second City’s Dysfunctional Holiday Revue; Dec 8-22: Cinderella.

Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N Halsted, Chicago. 312.335.1650. steppenwolf. org. The Chicago-based cast is an internationally renowned group of 43 artists, committed to the art of ensemble collaboration. Now in its 35th season, Steppenwolf continues to fulfill its mission by offering intriguing performances and taking artistic risks. Dec 28-Mar 3: The Mother F**ker with the Hat; Jan 24-May 19: The Birthday Party.

For more events and destinations, please go to visitshoremagazine.com

The still at Journeyman Distillery and tasting room in Three Oaks, Michigan.

WORDS BY

JEREMY GANTZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY

TONY V. MARTIN

Raising

midwestern

Spirits Let craft distilleries end your dependence on foreign alcohol

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DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

During the last few decades, a very good thing has happened in many bars and liquor stores around the country: Budweiser, Coors and Miller swill has been pushed aside in favor of local options from increasingly creative and prolific microbreweries. • Meanwhile, the spirits shelf— whiskey, vodka, gin, brandy and rum—has been static, dominated by the same national and international company labels. But during the last 10 years, as America’s craft beer movement entered middle age, the local craft spirits revolution began taking off at microdistilleries near you.

W

e’re in the perfect position at the right time,” says Kent Rabish, owner of Grand Traverse Distillery, which makes vodka and whiskey in Traverse City. “Right now, the craft distilling industry is where the brewery industry was 25 years ago.”

It turns out Michigan is at the leading edge of the national push to rebuild an industry that was—like brewing—virtually destroyed by Prohibition. In 2005, Michigan had just two distilleries, according to the American Distilling Institute. Now it has around twenty, and more open every year. (See sidebar for a detailed guide to the region’s handcrafted spirits.) The proliferation is mirrored nationally, as the industry has grown exponentially from a few dozen producers in 2000 to more than 300 today. Just as with craft brewing, the three West Coast states led the way. But Michigan easily leads the Midwest.

A majority of new distilleries around the country are producing just one spirit, but western Michigan and Chicagoland are bucking this trend. Grand Traverse has made vodka and whiskey since opening in 2006, while Journeyman Distillery, the newest addition to southwestern Michigan’s spirits scene, makes vodka, whiskey, gin and rum. Koval Distillery in Chicago produces vodka, whiskey, brandies and liqueurs—all certified organic and with locally sourced ingredients.

When it opened in 2008, it became the first craft distillery in the city since Prohibition.

“What made America great was making things from scratch. We wanted to revive that,” says Sonat Birnecker.

Her husband Robert learned the art of distilling from his Austrian grandfather, and together the couple decided to give up academic careers to start a family business drawing on European traditions. Sales have increased

A variety of whiskies and vodka from Journeyman Distillery.

more than 300 percent in four years, but there have been obstacles to growth.

“When we started, I had to go to Springfield [Illinois] and get the laws changed for craft distilling,” says Sonat, sitting in the company’s new office space on Chicago’s North Side.

Her lobbying effort followed in craft brewers’ footsteps.

Vodka, whiskey and rum at Round “Many of the laws Barn in Baroda. that were changed in their favor have benefited us, or inspired us to change them as well.”

The crucial recent victory, in both Illinois and Michigan: legalizing on-site sales of alcohol so that distilleries can open retail spaces. (During the last four years, Michigan has also allowed distilleries to open off-site tasting rooms and allowed Sunday sales.) That’s been a huge boon to craft distillers, who have a hard time getting

How to

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Not knowing which local spirit to try first (or next) is a good problem to have. With an emphasis on whiskey (my favorite) and companies that only make spirits, here’s a quick guide to distilleries in Shore‘s readership area—western Michigan, Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland. Clockwise around the lake:

GRAND TRAVERSE DISTILLERY Traverse City, Mich.

Its True North Vodka and Ole George whiskey are made from local rye. Ole George isn’t cheap ($65), but this smooth spicy stuff is worth it. Or head north to sample it in the company’s tasting rooms in Leland or Traverse City. (Another should open in southwestern Michigan by 2014, owner Kent Rabish says.)

NEW HOLLAND ARTISAN SPIRITS Holland, Mich.

New Holland’s bar and restaurant in downtown Holland was buzzing with life when I visited Labor Day weekend. Try the Zeppelin Bend whiskey, or brand-new beer barrel bourbon, as you take a look at the brewing and distilling set-up.

ROUND BARN/DIVINE SPIRITS Baroda, Mich.

This well-known winery has actually been distilling its fruit into brandy for more than ten years. In recent years it’s added a rare grape-based vodka, along with bourbon and rum.

Visit its tasting rooms in Baroda and Union Pier.

ST. JULIAN WINERY Paw Paw, Mich.

This winery, with tasting rooms in Union Pier and South Haven, distills vodka and brandy from its grapes.

KOVAL DISTILLERY Chicago Steeped in European tradition—and spreading it through workshops for wannabe distillers—Koval’s (married) owners are turning out an unusual array of ten whiskeys made from five different grains. A rare chance to drink spelt! The more conventional rye whiskey is mild up front, but reveals its slightly sweet flavor if you let it.

FEW SPIRITS Evanston, Ill. The newest addition to Chicagoland’s local spirit scene, Few produces gin and a few whiskeys.

LEATHERBEE Chicago This tiny operation makes the wildest gin I have ever encountered (and that’s all). Complex and savory, and only available in the city’s hip cocktail bars like the Violet Hour and Scofflaw and specialty bottle shops like In Fine Spirits, Leatherbee makes almost every other gin seem boring.

NORTH SHORE DISTILLERY Lake Bluff, Ill. Perhaps best known for its absinthe, North Shore also makes gins and vodkas. Try the Distillers Gin #11 for a very dry, almost spicy gin that doesn’t hold back on the juniper.

Like almost every business listed above, you can glimpse its still on a tour. -J.G.

DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

JOURNEYMAN DISTILLERY Three Oaks, Mich.

Barely a year old, Journeyman is already producing an impressive array of spirits—everything from “Bilberry Black Hearts” gin to a “Road’s End” rum. A full line of whiskeys is in the works. Stop by its handsome tasting room—a 19th-century factory put to good new use.

Journeyman’s tasting room has more than just organic spirits. With the factory’s original maple floorboards and walls hung with photos of factory workers from the 1920s, it has character. “We’ve tried to create a distillery that’s a destination beyond the fact that we make spirits here,” says Welter, a native of Valparaiso, Indiana, who grew up visiting his grandmother’s cottage in Three Oaks.

His company’s success thus far has plenty to do with its proximity to Chicago. Fifty percent of its clientele are Chicagoans, Welter says, and they embrace Journeyman as a local distillery.

To the north, New Holland Artisan Spirits (part of New Holland Brewing Company) is making awardwinning spirits while leveraging its 15 years of brewing experience. In October, it released its Beer Barrel Bourbon, aged in oak beer barrels. Two of its whiskeys and its Freshwater Huron Rum took home medals at the American Distilling Institute’s annual conference this year.

“Our experience as a brewer makes us both students and experts at fermentation, the first step toward distilling,” says Fred Bueltmann, part of New Holland’s sales and distribution team. This gives us some extreme flexibility and agility, as we can go into the still with very polished and tailored wash.” (Wash is the fermented liquid distilled into high-alcohol spirits.)

Like many other distillers in the region, Rabish of Grand Traverse is committed to supporting local agriculture through his family-run business. Michigan may not make many cars any more, but it still produces plenty of grain that can be transformed into spirits.

Ninety percent of the grains Grand Traverse uses are grown within 25 miles of the distillery. (There is no malting facility in Michigan, so Rabish buys malted barley from Wisconsin.)

By buying local liquor, “you’re employing your neighbors,” says Rabish, who has lived in Traverse City since 1980. “Every time someone buys a bottle of vodka or whiskey made abroad, we’re sending money overseas.

There’s no reason for it.”

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their bottle into liquor stores via major distribution companies that are less than thrilled about gambling on brand-new products.

With steady revenue streams from tours and tasting rooms, the region’s microdistilleries are more financially stable—and able to turn their size into an advantage.

“When you’re small, you’re nimble,” says Sonat, noting Koval uses unusual grains like oat, spelt and millet to make whiskeys, including “white” whiskeys that aren’t barrel-aged. “We have the flexibility to do many different things with our spirits.”

Just as with beer, local distillers say Americans are thirsty for something new, creative and authentic.

“People are more interested in something that’s handcrafted, small-batch and not a big corporate entity,” says Bill Welter, owner of Journeyman Distillery, which opened in Three Oaks, Michigan, late last year in a repurposed 19th-century factory building. “Whatever you’re making, people admire the authenticity of a hand-crafted product. People want to support something like that.”

Koval distills a large variety of grain whiskeys and spirits.

SET UP YOUR KITCHEN LIKE A

WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPH

BY JANE AMMESON

Ryan Thornburgâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchen at Bistro on the Boulevard, located on the high bluff overlooking Lake Michigan in downtown St. Joseph, is designed for high-volume professional cooking with an eight-burner gas range, large flat-topped grill, cavernous ovens, vat-sized mixer, warming cabinets and multi-use work stations.

T PRO Executive Chef Ryan Thornburg creates his family friendly kitchen

here are also a myriad of gadgetsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the gelato maker turns steadily, producing the flavor of the day, a panini maker is ready to meld slices of artisan bread with layers of meat and cheese, and the deep fryer simmers with oil in preparation for quickly crisping the hand-sliced thin sticks of potatoes, turning them into golden brown pomme frites served with house-made mayonnaise.

Thornburg, the executive chef at the Bistro, also has another professional kitchen, this one designed for preservation and bottling the products he creates for Thornburg and Company. Here, in a kitchen in what was once a candy store in the Fairplain section of Benton Harbor, he and his wife, Julie, simmer the rich fruits of Southwest Michigan in a 33-gallon copper bowl, creating preserves made from heirloom apples, black raspberries, Bartlett pears, Stanley plums and heirloom tomatoes gathered from area farms.

They also preserve locally collected honey

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after all, the headquarters for Whirlpool, Maytag and KitchenAid), he has little besides a food processor, coffee grinder and blender. “I’m not big into gadgets,” Thornburg says. “Most of the stuff I do is with knives. I like Japanese knives, I like the steel and feel of them. I use the KitchenAid food processor to make compound butters. I took some of our hot green peppers, dried them in the oven— the convection oven circulates the air and is probably 35 to 40 degrees higher than a conventional oven—and then flaked them in the food processor.”

Thornburg grew up outside the small town of Watervliet, Michigan, and his father always has had a large garden where he grew vegetables and had a couple of fruit trees. So when it was time for the couple to buy a house to share with their children from previous marriages—Mark, age 13, and Ethan, 8—they had a Green Acres-like discussion about where to live. Julie, in the Eva Gabor role, wanted downtown St. Joseph with its sidewalks making it easy to walk to the restaurants, coffee shops, winery and stores. Ryan, channeling Eddie Albert, wanted to be in the country. After driving

DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

made from bees feeding on star thistle, blueberry blossoms or wildflowers, and they purchase artisan maple syrup and add another layer of flavors to the thick golden syrup, sometimes aging it in a whiskey barrel or adding fragrant vanilla and spices. They’re just releasing a line of balsamic vinegars. It’s a big job, one requiring ladles, sieves, a processor and stacks of gleaming glass jars.

But when Thornburg outfitted the kitchen in the family’s new home—a farm house on an acre of land in the countryside of Lincoln Township east of Stevensville, Michigan—he went small, not large. The focus here was creating a family-friendly cooking environment.

“It’s your typical kitchen,” Thornburg says. “There’s a microwave above the stove, though we don’t use that much at all, a KitchenAid side-by-side refrigerator and a KitchenAid gas range and convection oven. I don’t grill outside much; I’d rather sear meats and fish in a skillet on top of the range and then pop it into a 400-degree convection oven. It gives the food a nice crust.”

And though Thornburg could have his choice of small appliances (this area is,

around to look at property, they chose this 1930s farmhouse with a renovated barn (now a garage and storage area with a game room above).

“Our neighbors grew up in this house and now live next door,” says Thornburg, noting that he had always wanted to live in the country. “There are working farms around here. One of my neighbors raises grapes for Welch’s, another grows soybeans and corn.”

“Ryan doesn’t like to have close neighbors,” Julie says. “I don’t mind.

But this is only Julie and Ryan five minutes from Thornburg and Ethan Jones town, so it’s a great (center) work on location for Ryan dinner in their to have his herb kitchen, which garden and grow Ryan keeps vegetables.” simple and family The family friendly. rarely eats out and Thornburg cooks three to four nights a week. “We eat on the fly,” he says, as he and Julie discuss what to do with the chicken breasts, squash, tomatoes and broccoli that are in the refrigerator.

“I just pick up stuff at the store and then Ryan cooks whatever I’ve bought,” she says.

Tonight it is decided that they’ll make a chicken cacciatore-like dish with sautéed chicken breasts and chopped tomatoes.

The squash will be baked and the broccoli steamed.

“I put up the pot rack,” Thornburg says about the circular rack loaded with pots and pans hanging above the granite countertop. “I like to be able to see my pans.” They also have a deep double sink with one side large enough to hold a turkey.

But despite belonging to a professional chef, one who also makes and jars his own line of foods, the Thornburg home kitchen is cozy and accessible. And it’s definitely a place to cook.

“I have really good Calphalon pans and I have a cast iron grill skillet,” Thornburg says. “I love it. I just crank up the heat and get cooking.”

Mario IN Michigan

A

8 VISITSHOREMAGAZINE.COM 3

way from the big city and an empire that includes twenty restaurants, ten cookbooks, a line of cookware and food products, several TV shows and even woodfired brick ovens carrying his name, Mario Batali basks in being two million miles from Manhattan— his measurements; our map makes it more like 832, but you get the idea. Instead, Mario with his wife Suzi and two sons retreat to Northport, a tiny dot with a year-round population of around 500 located at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, a stretch of land jutting into the waters of Lake Michigan. After discovering the area when visiting friends, twelve years ago the family bought and renovated a 1940s trout camp and made it into their home, complete with a wood-burning pizza oven imported from Italy. And to keep this feeling of rustic north woods splendor, the pony-tailed chef draws a line, not in the sand, but a longitudinal one instead.

“I try not to go below the 45th parallel when I’m here,” Mario says as we stroll up Mill Street to Barb’s Bakery, where he has promised to buy us the best cinnamon twists ever.

One of the major über frogs in the vast pond of food celebrities, Mario doesn’t swagger or act like a star. Instead the James Beard award winner has gone “native,” thriving on small town camaraderie and fitting in with the crowd.

“I love them,” he says enthusiastically when someone compliments his cap, which features the logo for House of Dogs, a favorite eatery in nearby Traverse City. “They say ‘Hi, Mario’ when I walk in and then I still have to stand in line just like everyone else. That’s great.”

Today he also stands in the long line that winds through Barb’s, past gleaming glass display cases filled

with delicious and calorific baked goods.

Locals greet him by name and then go back to their pastries and coffee. Visitors do a quick double take when they see the bright orange clogs and the familiar face.

A few ask, respectfully, if they can take his photo with their cell phones. The answer is yes and so they do as the queue moves forward until it’s his turn to order.

Someone compliments his ponytail and he mentions that a company will soon be selling Mario Batali ponytail ties and I make a note to buy one for myself.

Outside, Mario hands out cinnamon twists and we stand on the sidewalk in the historic downtown—its circa 1850s wood buildings painted a crisp white and accented with brightly colored shutters—munching on what are indeed the best I’ve ever tasted.

“It’s like having a great big refrigerator,” says Mario, finishing his twist and throwing out his arms in a gesture that seems intended to encompass not only the village but the surrounding rural landscape with its long stretches of sandy white beaches, rolling hills dotted with vineyards and fruit orchards, small scale farms dedicated to organic and sustainable produce and tiny neat early 19th-century villages tucked along the water’s edge. “There’s the fishing, the great farm markets, the wineries, the artisan food producers. This area inspires my cooking completely. I don’t go shopping with a list,

photography by JESSICA KOSCIELNIAK

WORDS BY JANE AMMESON

DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

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I just buy things, get home and figure it out.”

Farming has always been a mainstay here, even before 1802, the year it was decided to build a wharf on the bay. Originally called Cow Town because of the preponderance of bovines sighted along the edges of the cove, Northport not only was a fishing village, but went through a lumber and ship building boom attracting a large majority of Norwegians drawn to a place where the climate was similar to their own. I shiver thinking about life in this remote place some 200 years ago when the wind blasted fiercely across the water and the snow was so deep, marooning residents during the long, icily beautiful winters. But the Batalis not only love the short brilliant summers and blazingly colorful fall but also the winter when they go sledding, have movie nights and explore.

A winter weekend might mean a stop at Tandem Ciders, producers of both sweet ciders as well as hard, like their Cidre Royale—a blend of McIntosh, Northern Spy, Rhode Island Greening, IdaRed, Golden Delicious and Winter Banana apples, all from nearby orchards, that after fermenting is 9 percent alcohol. Other forays could be a stop to buy raclette at the Leelanau Cheese Company south of Northport in Suttons Bay, fresh fruit pies from the Grand Traverse Pie Company, and organic and grass-fed meats from Leland Mercantile on the west side of the peninsula.

Sometimes a road trip is a discovery of a new edible.

One time it was the Mexican sour gherkins sold at Bare Knuckle Farm, a small-scale farm offering a diverse list of items that include two types of sorghum, four varieties of leeks, almost thirty winter squashes and a large selection of heirloom tomatoes with names like Sub Artic Plenty, Costoluto Genovese and Egg Yolk. Oh

and don’t forget the Transylvania Red garlic.

“They are so unique,” Batali says about the gherkins.

“I’d never had them before. I toss them in rice wine with dill, basil and kosher salt and let them sit for a while. They have a crunch like caper berries.”

B

atali and his family also started growing gooseberries as well as ground cherries, a type of fruit covered with thin paper similar to that of a tomatillo that they bought locally and found perfect as a pie filling.

And then there are the holiday dinners. For Thanksgiving there’s roasted parsnips and sweet potatoes, and a de-boned turkey stuffed with cornbread, Moroccan lamb sausage and dried cherries and roasted in the pizza oven until the skin is crisp and the meat tender. Dessert could be cherry clafoutis or crostata di ciliegie made with, of course, Michigan cherries frozen during the height of the summer season for a meal such as this.

“Christmas is always a ham, tortellini en brodo and chicken Parmesan, braised green kale—all in the pizza oven,” says Mario with such enthusiasm and warmth that the aroma of the ham baking seems to waft through the air. “People from New York sometimes wonder what we eat here, but I tell them this is no culinary wasteland— this is wonderful and real food.”

The following recipes are courtesy of Mario Batali.

PHOTOGRAPHY THIS PAGE [LEFT] BY LORENZO BEVILAQUA, AP PHOTO/ABC, [TOP RIGHT] CHARLES SYKES, AP PHOTO, [BOTTOM RIGHT] CHARLES SYKES, INVISION, AP

[Clockwise from left] Chef Mario Batali, co-host of ABC’s The Chew, with chef Michael Symon, former Top Chef competitor Carla Hall, entertaining expert Clinton Kelly, health and wellness enthusiast Daphne Oz; Batali, left, Lidia Bastianich, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Oscar Farinetti, Joe Bastianich and Adam Saper attend the grand opening of Eataly in New York, in 2010; Batali appears on ABC’s Good Morning America.

STUFFED TURKEY ALLA LOMBARDA 1/2 boneless breast of turkey 4 tablespoons butter, plus 2 tablespoons 2 ounces prosciutto 1 cup roasted chestnut pieces 4 ounces turkey giblets, chopped into 1/4-inch dice 1 medium Spanish onion, chopped 1/2 pound luganega sausage, cooked half in oven and thinly sliced 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano 2 eggs 1/4 pound ham, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage leaves 1 cup white wine 1 cup chicken stock 2 tablespoons flour

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Butterfly open turkey breast to 1/2-inch consistent thickness, skin on (or have your butcher do this for you). In a 10-inch to 12-inch sauté pan, heat 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat until foam subsides. Add prosciutto, chestnuts, turkey giblets and onion and cook until onion is golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Add cool luganega sausage, grated cheese and eggs and mix well.

Stuff turkey by laying mixture all over flesh and then roll up like a jelly roll. Stuff ham under skin and tie entire roast several times with butcher twine. Place in roasting pan just large enough to hold it and rub with rosemary and sage.

Pour wine and chicken stock into pan and place in oven. Roast 50 to 70 minutes, or until internal temperature is 165 degrees F. Remove from oven and remove turkey to carving board and allow to rest 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, degrease liquid in pan, preferably with a degreasing cup with a spout starting at the base. Place liquid in a small pan and bring to boil. Knead remaining 2 tablespoons butter with 2 tablespoons flour to form paste and whisk it in, bit by bit, until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper. Carve turkey into 3/4-inch slices and serve with sauce and perhaps some sautéed apples.

CHICKEN PARMESAN 1/4 1¾ 4 3/4

cup extra-virgin olive oil cups chopped onions garlic cloves, minced cup coarsely grated peeled carrots 3 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme 2 (28-ounce) cans peeled whole tomatoes in juice 10 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves 3 cups fresh breadcrumbs (from crustless French bread ground in processor) 2 large eggs 1 cup (approximately) all-purpose flour 6 tablespoons (or more) olive oil, divided 3 cups coarsely grated welldrained fresh water-packed mozzarella, divided 1¼ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided 1¼ cups freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese, divided 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley 1 tablespoon chopped fresh marjoram

Heat olive oil in large saucepan over mediumhigh heat. Add onions and garlic; sauté until onions are soft and golden, about 10 minutes. Add carrots and thyme; sauté until carrots are soft, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes with juice; bring to boil,

coarsely crushing tomatoes with potato masher or fork. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer until sauce thickens and is reduced to generous 5 cups, about 1 hour. Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper. (Sauce can be made 1 day ahead.) Cool slightly. Chill uncovered until cold, then cover and keep refrigerated. Rewarm sauce before using.

FOR THE CHICKEN: Place chicken breast halves between 2 sheets of plastic wrap. Using meat mallet or rolling pin, pound chicken breasts to 1/3-inch thickness. Sprinkle both sides of chicken with salt and pepper. Spread breadcrumbs on plate.

Whisk eggs to blend in medium bowl. Spread flour on another plate.

Coat both sides of chicken with flour, then eggs, then breadcrumbs.

Preheat oven to 350

degrees F. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add chicken to skillet and cook until brown, about 2 minutes per side, adding more oil as needed (chicken will not be cooked through).

Transfer chicken to platter.

Spread 1 cup sauce over bottom of 15-by-10-by2-inch glass baking dish.

Arrange 1 layer of chicken over sauce. Spoon 2 cups sauce over. Sprinkle half of mozzarella, Parmesan, and Pecorino over. Repeat with remaining chicken, sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Pecorino. Bake until cheeses melt and chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and marjoram and serve.

CROSTATA DI CILIEGIE: CHERRY TART 2½ cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup superfine sugar Pinch fine sea salt 1 lemon, zested 2 sticks chilled sweet butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 3 egg yolks 1/4 cup cold vin santo, plus a bottle for your friends 2 cups red cherry jam 2 or 3 turns of the peppermill

Pulse the flour, sugar, salt and zest 2 or 3 times in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks together with the cold vin santo.

With the machine running, add the egg/sherry mixture to the dough through the

feed tube. Process 5 to 6 seconds or until the mass combines and leaves the sides of the bowl. Permit the pastry to rest for 30 minutes, wrapped securely in plastic, in a cool place.

Thin the cherry jam a bit with a little hot water, stirring well to combine.

Add a few grindings of pepper to heighten the flavor of the cherries and stir again. Set aside.

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Roll out the dough in a free-form circle of about 12 inches, and transfer it to a buttered baking sheet or a sheet lined with parchment.

Leaving a 2-inch border

uncovered, spread the cherry mixture over the dough, folding, pleating, and tucking the border of the dough up over the fruit.

Bake the tart for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry is deeply golden and the fruit is glossy. Cool on a rack for several minutes and serve warm.

For more Mario Batali holiday recipes VisitShoreMagazine.com

The Wish Yves Tanguy

60

MASTERPIECES BRIDGING TWO ART STYLES

WORDS BY MOLLY WOULFE

THE

photography by SHELDAN C. COLLINS

Surreal

THING

The Subway George Tooker

No Passing Kay Sage

his lady in red ain’t sexy. She’s scared stiff. Her troubled blue eyes dart sideways as trench-coated men loom behind her in a chilly, subterranean subway. Her right hand curves protectively around her belly.

But why? The Stepford commuters, their eyes fixed on their own unseen threats, are immune to her panic.

They skulk in cell-like phone booths, hunch behind a barred gate, slump before a sharp-spiked turnstile.

Observe the paranoia in their eyes.

All of them—the non-bombshell and the trenchcoats—seem braced for the final tick of a bomb in the claustrophobic station. Yet there is no way to flee the explosion.

Realist painter George Tooker scoffed at critics who pigeonholed him as a Surrealist for his haunting paintings like The Subway (1950), the eerie work that greets visitors to Real/ Surreal at Grand Rapids Art Museum.

His visions of urban alienation were grounded in his grim Cold War era.

“I am after painting reality

impressed on the mind so hard that it returns as a dream, but I am not after painting dreams as such, or fantasy,” the artist once said.

With apologies to this overlooked genius, who died last year at age 90, the real can blur into unreal, with unsettling results. As Freud has stated, the uncanny happens when “the distinction between imagination and reality is effaced.”

In short, Real/Surreal, on loan from the Whitney Museum of Modern Art, is deliciously twisted. Think a still-life of a dead crow, a billiards table creeping like the prehistoric amphibian onto dry land, a jagged cityscape of knife-like buildings.

Opposites attract, interact, and the viewer reacts.

For GRAM director and CEO Dana Friis-Hansen, therein lies the unsettling, Twilight Zone-esque charm of Real/Surreal, on the first stop of a national tour. The 60 masterpieces bridge two styles of art that rose to prominence in Depression-era America in the 1930s and peaked in the post-war 1950s.

Realism sired 20th-century greats like Edward Hopper, Andrew Wyeth and Philip Evergood, who toyed with finding the uncanny in the everyday.

Meanwhile, Surrealism spawned giants like Man Ray and Joseph Cornell, who juxtaposed familiar and otherworldly images in distorted perspectives. Yet the result is the same: mind-blowing alternate realities.

Other featured artists include Paul Cadmus, Spanish-American artist Federico Castellon, Kay Sage, Yves Tanguy, and Chicago’s Ivan Albright, best known for The Picture of Dorian Gray. The show “helps us see that realism and surrealism are more connected than originally we had thought,” Friis-Hansen says. “It challenges the boundaries and the categories.”

Compared to European surrealists like Marcel Duchamp and Salvador Dalí, whose works skewed political and artistic conceits, the American Realists and Surrealists honed in on everyday life, channeling the anxieties of their times—the Depression, World War II, the Cold War—into their work, says associate curator Cindy Buckner.

Members of both groups also leaned toward egg tempera, a yolk-laced painting style that allowed for subtle, concise brushstrokes favored by the Renaissance arts. Displayed side by side, their modern subjects depicted with Middle Ages grace are in the same, psychologically charged dreamcamp. “You can feel the same eerie quality,” Buckner says.

Both factions also treasured their independence. “The artists would say, ‘I’m not a Surrealist or a Realist.

I’m something in between,’” Buckner explains. “There were not a lot of American artists who considered themselves Surrealists. That was considered a European movement.

Americans would say they were inspired by the Surrealists. There

The Dark Figure Federico Castellon

knock the red into the ‘REAL/SURREAL’ corner pocket. Maybe Through January 13, 2012 Grand Rapids Art Museum America was teetering 101 Monroe Center, on the brink of victory.

Grand Rapids, Mich.

But wouldn’t that be 616.831.1000 or cheating? And are artmuseumgr.org Docent-led tours those candy-colored available at 1pm clouds cheerful? Or Nov 10, Dec 8 and Jan 12 are they toxic fumes, a symbol of perils of industrialization?

The sheer size of the table “puts you into the middle of a game you don’t understand,” Friis-Hansen says. “There’s no one answer, especially with Surrealist art.

That’s the pleasure. While sometimes it may be frustrating, everyone should come to this exhibition with an open mind and a willingness to enjoy their own experience as they engage—and even enter—the realms conjured up by paintings. If you come to it as a journey, you’ll never forget it.”

An interactive gallery will accompany the exhibition, where visitors can play architect in one of Sage’s interactive landscapes, pressing shapes onto a vertical wall to design their own sharp and pointy city.

The complementary exhibition Salvador Dalí’s Twelve Tribes of Israel is on view throughout the duration of Real/Surreal. The companion show features a restrained series of prints by the mustached maverick famous for melting clocks and deconstructed females. The twelve-work series marks GRAM’s contribution to the city’s 2012 Year of Interfaith Understanding.

45

What sets the disciplines apart is the element of subconscious fantasy unique to Surrealism. Evergood combined both fantasy and social realism in his cartoon-like paintings to comment on the human condition. In Lily and the Sparrows, a goblin of a child, her oversized head framed in a tenement window, feeds bread to birds circling her head like a halo. Her grotesque poverty eclipses the tenderness of the scene: a little girl sharing her crust of bread with the birds.

When it comes to mind-bending fantasy, Man Ray’s famous La Fortune (1930) exemplifies Surrealism. The masterpiece shows a billiards table, raised on its front legs, seeming to contemplate a gray, distant horizon brightened by crayon-colored clouds. Three balls—a red and two white ones—cling to its lawn-green felt like a symbiotic species, like tick birds on the back of a rhinoceros. The anthropomorphic central figure is accessible, the situation, confounding.

The artists enjoying pushing limits as well as pushing viewers to dream up their own narrative, Friis-Hansen says. A good way to start: Consider the artwork’s date.

For example, La Fortune (“luck” in French), was painted in 1938, when unemployment hovered at 20 percent and the Depression-weary nation faced one of the worst droughts in history.

The billiards table, a sign of luxury, could represent hopes of prosperity.

The extra white cue ball could be interpreted as a second chance to

DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

was more competition between representational and abstract artists at the time.”

The second of three shows presented through a three-year partnership with the Whitney, Real/ Surreal divides paintings, prints and photos into five categories: Alone in a Crowd, Conjured Dreamscape, Observed Places, Questioning Faith and Innocence, and Un-Still Lives.

Each group segues into the next, allowing visitors to go with the trippy flow. It’s a very short trip from Tooker’s subway to the dead crow.

Surprise, the crow, from his staring eye to his glossy tail, is the work of Wyeth, he of the romantic Christina’s World (1948) and sensual Helga paintings. In fact, Buckner notes, the corpse lies in state in dry grasses of strangely familiar hills. “It could be to the left of Christina’s World,” she says.

So much for writing off Wyeth as a slick populist cashing in on the rural landscapes of his native Pennsylvania.

To underscore the artist’s brittle sense of humor, Buckner hung Winter Fields (1942) next to a painting of a menacing scarecrow. “The scarecrow scared the crow to death,” she jokes.

In life, the crow would have felt at home in Hopper’s nearby oils, Cape Cod Sunset (1934) and Seven A.M. (1948). Both paintings show a deserted-looking building—a home and a shop, respectively—bordered by woods, dark and deep. Their moods are ambiguous, the landscapes, refugees from a film noir.

next issue

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN march/apriL 2013

Featuring a

HomE & GARDEN special section

publishes February 18th

For advertising opportunities contact Lisa at 219-933-4182.

Special Advertising Section

GUIDE TO

Holiday GIFTING 2012

47

DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

Gift Guide 2012

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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8 VISITSHOREMAGAZINE.COM 4

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Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office is Operated by Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate LLC.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Gift Guide 2012

FAIR OAKS FARMS

T

his holiday season, you’ll be the star when you delight friends and family with Fair Oaks Farms’ outstanding holiday gift box collections. Fair Oaks Farms’ award-winning artisan cheeses are available in so many delectable varieties that you’ll find something for everyone.

These gift collections are original and elegant, with family pride and unmatched expertise going into every gift selection.

There’s nothing skimpy about Fair Oaks Farms gift collections!

Make an impression with our Champion Collection, with its amazing top three award winners—a full pound of Aged Gouda, Emmentaler, and Sweet Swiss, presented in an attractive Fair Oaks Farms wooden crate.

Our best value is the Cream of the Crop, with our five favorite cheeses—Smoked Gouda, Havarti Pepper, Sweet Swiss, Gouda, and Emmentaler—two-and-a-half pounds of creamy deliciousness. You’ll be remembered with appreciation when the straight-from-the-farm wooden crate is opened and the gourmet crackers and smokehouse sausage are discovered too.

“The ideal thing about all of our cheese collections is that

we oversee the whole process, from what our cows eat to crafting the best, most flavorful cheeses,” says marketing director Leslie Rusk. “We love for people to visit Fair Oaks and see our cheese shop. There are FAIR OAKS FARMS so many flavors, and that means there’s 856 N 600 E something everyone can enjoy. And stop Fair Oaks, Ind. by the café for our truly delicious ice 877.536.1194 cream made from the best milk.” shop.fofarms.com Last-minute shopping is so easy with a Fair Oaks specialty catalog or by visiting shop.fofarms.com. Our high-quality, delicious cheeses are always welcome, whether it’s a gift collection including fullflavored Asiago for Dad’s hearty sandwich, our popular Cheddar Lover’s with cheddars from different years, or a collection of sweeter cheeses for a favorite aunt.

Imagine the delight of everyone on your list when they open our attractive gift boxes! Holiday time or any time, our fine artisan cheeses are a welcome treat.

DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

49

FAIR OAKS FARMS: FOR THE CHEESE LOVERS!

Gift Guide 2012

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY

VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY BACH INSTITUTE PERFORMS J.S. BACH’S MASTERPIECE

T

he Bach Institute at Valparaiso University presents one of Johann Sebastian Bach’s most beloved and inspirational pieces, “Mass in B Minor,” on Saturday, March 23, 2013. The University’s triennial performance of the Bach masterpiece takes place in the Chapel of the Resurrection.

The performance features the Valparaiso University Bach Choir, an auditioned choir comprised of Valpo faculty, staff and members of the greater Chicagoland community. Since its debut in 2001, the choir has performed for a variety of audiences and has received exemplary reviews. The American Organist commended the ensemble for “flawless diction, impeccable intonation.”

Musical worship has been an integral part of the Lutheran faith since its inception. Valpo is honored to continue the Christian tradition of bringing spirituality into everyday life through performances such as “Mass in B Minor.”

Bach’s work remains an important influence to the educational and cultural experience at Valparaiso University. As a Lutheran, Bach’s work was written specifically for a Lutheran audience.

Although “Mass in B Minor” was never performed in full in Bach’s lifetime, his compositions have been featured in church services for hundreds of years.

“Mass in B Minor” is a meaningful work of universal Christian

spirituality that speaks to the essence of humanity. Because of the length, Bach most likely did not anticipate the entire work to be performed in church services. However, he was intent on leaving a mark on the musical world as a master of vocal writing.

“Mass in B Minor” underwent a revival in the 19th century and is now performed, not only as one of the greatest works of musical art of all time, but also as a tribute to a great composer and his religious beliefs.

“The monumental ‘Mass in B Minor’ is J. S. Bach’s universal statement of faith,” said Christopher Cock, D.M.A., conductor of the Bach Choir and director of the Bach Institute at Valparaiso University. “Compiled by Bach in the final years of his life, the Mass offers the listener a reflective journey of life and death, faith and love.”

Such themes as the journey to create a more compassionate and loving world form an emotional experience for any listener.

Mark your calendars for “Mass in B Minor” at 7 p.m.

Saturday, March 23, 2013, in the Chapel of the Resurrection. Visit VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY valpo.edu/bach to get a preview 1700 Chapel Dr of the performance. Ticket Valparaiso, Ind. information is available at 219.464.5162 valpo.edu/bach or 219.464.5162. valpo.edu/bach

0 VISITSHOREMAGAZINE.COM 5

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Gift Guide 2012

THEATRE AT THE CENTER

ENJOY LOCAL PERFORMANCES AT THEATRE AT THE CENTER

T

he holidays are here, and opportunities to gather with family and friends are plenty. Yet perhaps no other activity is as heartwarming or magical as the experience of seeing a production at Munster’s very own Theatre at the Center. This year’s schedule of shows ranks high on the list as an excellent gift for the theater-lover in your life!

One of the highlights of the 2012 TATC schedule has to be the brand new version of Forever Plaid, the smash hit musical about the famous singing group The Plaids. The holiday edition, Plaid Tidings, is sure to have you up off your seat and getting into the spirit! Round out your night on December 6 and December 14, when the show will offer a special Holiday Buffet before The Plaids take the stage!

Looking for something to do with the kids this holiday season?

Enjoy the Theatre for Young Audiences’ production of ’Twas the Night before Christmas, running from November 30-December 15.

Celebrate the magic of the season with this musical classic inspired by the famous poem by Clement Moore, and make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the jolly old elf himself!

Have family in town for the holidays and looking for ways to keep busy during the week between Christmas and New Year’s? Check out the production of Jim Post’s Galena Rose: How

Whiskey Won the West, running from December 27-30. Jim Post is a legendary Chicago folk performer whose song Reach Out of the Darkness landed in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame! With rousing steamboat songs and tender ballads, Post has created quite a show revolving around the history of Galena, IL. And of course, if you are still wondering what you will be up to when the clock strikes midnight this year, look no further than TATC! Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style with Ron Hawking’s Copa Chicago! Sway to the sounds of artists and songwriters such as Roy Orbison, Ray Charles, Burt Bacharach and Billy Joel. Of course, if you are a Frank Sinatra fan, this show can’t be missed! Hawking and his 6-piece band will keep the night grooving during both a 6pm and 9pm show. Skip those dinner reservations and contact TATC regarding ways to make your New Year’s Eve complete with the addition of the New Year’s Eve Buffet!

Headed to a show at the TATC? Help them give back to the ones that need it the most. Simply bring in new winter coats, hats, scarves and/or gloves for kids ages 3-18, and you may enter to win two THEATRE AT THE CENTER tickets to one of their 2013 Season 1040 Ridge Rd Productions! It’s the time of giving Munster, Ind. and receiving, and celebrating all 219.836.3255 that we love!

TheatreAtTheCenter.com

November 15 to December 23, 2012

& Friends!

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The making of “Singin’ in the Rain”, the greatest movie musical of all time!

February 14 – March 24

April 25 – June 2

July 11 – August 18

September 12 – October 20

Make your Magical Memories today!

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November 14 – December 22

DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

the musical

51

Share our 2013 Season with your Family

AS Holid pecial ay Ed ition

Gift Guide 2012

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

BAYBERRY COTTAGE

THE CHRISTMAS TREE

PAYING ATTENTION TO THE DETAILS

A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

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he Christmas Tree is a magical place where glass snowflakes sparkle above a frosty window pane. The Christmas trees glisten and glow with shimmering ribbons and brightly colored bows, while collectable ornaments dazzle the eye, unlike any you’ve seen. The Christmas feeling gently warms the heart as you think of why this very special occasion is celebrated. That indescribable feeling of warmth and joy that emanates from deep within—that is the feeling, the delight and the magic of the Christmas Tree, where dreams become Christmas memories with gifts and decorations.

But this gift shop is more than Christmas! For every gift-giving occasion throughout the year you can find something special and out of the ordinary. The gourmet pantry is brimming with many Michigan made delectable treats including jam and jellies, honey, sausage sticks, mustards, fudge and dips and many other incredible edibles. Known for its incredible gift baskets and beautiful gift wraps, you’ll find the shop near the shore of THE CHRISTMAS TREE beautiful Lake Michigan, 2675 Mizpah Park Rd just 4 short miles north of Benton Harbor, Mich.

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Downtown South Haven

(269) 639.9615 BayberryCottage.com

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Monday - Fr ng ki in 4 Miles Nor bl e th left at M-63. Turn

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Gift Guide 2012

DR. CHERUKURI

LOOK 10 YEARS YOUNGER

B

eth Tonsoni was tired of looking in the mirror and seeing someone who just didn’t look the way she felt—still vital and active at age 61. The frown lines, wrinkles, and sagging jowls made her look older. . . but a face lift is for the rich and famous, right?

That’s just not true anymore.

Beth chose to have the Weekend Lift, a minor one-hour procedure with dramatic Dr. Cherukuri results.

“I’m still so excited! I let people come up and look at my face; they can’t see any scarring, and they’re amazed about how I looked before and how great I look now,” she said.

The procedure is called the Weekend Lift because people can have it done before the weekend and be back to their routine by the start of the week.

It begins with a free consultation with Dr. Sreekant Cherukuri.

“It’s a two-way consultation, for people to tell me what they want, and for me to let them know what I can do,” explains Dr. Cherukuri, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon. “There’s no pressure, and because expectations are clear, the satisfaction rate is over 99 percent.”

Traditional plastic surgery is a huge undertaking, says

Dr. Cherukuri, with general anesthesia, big expense, and a long recovery in hiding. The Weekend Lift costs a lot less, is performed under local anesthetic and has a short recovery time.

Beth, of La Porte, Ind., says she had no bruising or swelling.

“The needle is so small, I could hardly feel it, and right away I was comfortable. I liked that I was sitting up for the procedure, too.”

Dr. Cherukuri, who has performed more than 500 Weekend Lifts, says, “We try to make the atmosphere more like a spa. It’s a relaxing environment, not in a hospital operating room, which itself can be stressful.”

Beth recalls asking the nurse beforehand if she could bring in a CD. “The nurse said, ‘Sure, bring your music!’ She was just so cheerful. And Dr. Cherukuri has a great bedside manner. You feel confident he knows what he’s doing.”

Dr. Cherukuri is the number-one facial plastic surgeon in northwest Indiana, and the only provider of the minimally-invasive Weekend Lift. Committed to the best outcome for each and every patient, “One of my goals in facial plastic surgery is to produce results that appear as if the person were born with it. They walk out of here feeling and looking rejuvenated.”

Beth’s procedure was in 2009. Today she says, “It’s really important to do this for yourself. Your husband will say you look fine, but it’s about how you feel about yourself. My confidence is improved. I’m 61 and don’t look it at all.”

Find out if the Weekend Lift is the way to a younger you by calling DR. CHERUKURI 219.836.2201 219.836.2201 for a free consultation TheWeekendLift.com with Dr. Cherukuri.

Weekend Lift Look 10 years younger by the holidays with Dr. Sreek Cherukuri’s Weekend Lift. The Weekend Lift is a minor one hour procedure with dramatic results. For many, recovery is quick-about the length of 1 weekend (1-3 days).

Sreek Cherukuri, MD Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon | 219 836 2201 | www.TheWeekendLift.com

53

by December 15, 2012 to see if you qualify ($100 value).

DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

For a Free Consultation Call 219.836.2201

Gift Guide 2012

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Make everyone’s holiday happier … even yours!

This is a busy time of year. So catch your breath at the Silver Beach Carousel on Thursdays from 4-8:30 p.m.

Dear S ant You can relax in our rocking chairs while we I love c a, a It has rousels. My entertain your kids with a whole season of fun a stor mom ta ec soooo k cool. M alled the Bra es me to the activities (there’s something new each week).

Silver B aybe y ss Ring Me – th eac ou c Gif e Carousel rides are half off on Thursdays (only $1), My Mo jigsaw puzzle ould just go t Shop. Have h Carousel in m – the . My da t St. J h e re to g you been on it. Sh b d so we’re easy on your budget, too. The Carousel is there? oseph. et our e will lo lue ball orna and me are It is p r es g ment. T ve it.

My sist he one ood at puzz ents. Please e open other days of the week and we have special les. give with th your r r Bella – tha ein e prett tb hours during the holiday break. Please check y Chris My new deer got sick ook about tmas h No a b orse My Dad rother Owen nd you show el saving Chr www.silverbeachcarousel.com for details. istm ed N –h –a If you are looking for unique gift ideas this year, stop by our Brass Ring Gift Shop, 333 Broad St., St. Joseph. It’s open during carousel hours and the staff always enjoys helping you find just the right present. Or you can shop anytime at our online store www.silverbeachcarousel.com/giftshop.

Be sure to drop hints about what you want, too!

as. You e’d loo oel and wood carous k cute tree. T el hors in the o her friends know when h e la e d how to My Gra s carv y at th nesie w ed es nd fly it My Gra ma B – the s the trees to tore said th h the giraffe . o. now g e ndma E o m n it. a n lobe that c lla My Gra arves t ndpa J – soap. I like so I can pla he y o h Could you pu e – the cook ow the pand with it when b t a I can rid o e the c tokens in our ok. He’s the bear one sm go to her ho use. arouse ells. b s l lots! tockings too est cook! ? Then we

P.S. – T hank y ou.

Happy Holidays!

Joy to the whirled!

Merry Chr Love, M istmas. adi this is you

Give happiness all year round!

Finding the right gifts is so easy at our online Brass Ring Gift Shop (www.silverbeachcarousel.com/gift-shop)!

Keepsake Noel Ornament Lovely reversepainted glass ball stars Noel, our Christmas horse.

A treasured gift for all generations!

e Knuth Written by Christin Schirmer Illustrated by Susan

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Mayo Studios

Irresistible Mini Snow Globe No one can resist shaking this intricately sculpted, resin and glass snow globe featuring the Butterfly Horse, a Carousel favorite.

Delight the little ones on your list This hardcover book with full-color illustrations tells the charming story of how Noel, The Christmas Horse on the Silver Beach Carousel, helped Santa bring joy around the world.

333 Broad St. • St. Joseph, MI • 269-982-8500 www.silverbeachcarousel.com • facebook.com/silverbeachcarousel

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Gift Guide 2012

INSPIRATION WOOD

TAKE A RETREAT BACK TO NATURE

T

55

DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

he name Inspiration Wood was inspired by a simple elementary school devotion about the legend of the Christmas Tree. Each cottage was inspired by a different tree legend. The story of Inspiration Wood evolved and grew over the years to become a place of peace and tranquility, where families, businesses and churches can come together in unity to reach common goals. The mission at Inspiration Wood is to create an environment that inspires others to reach their greatest potential spiritually, personally and professionally.

Inspiration Wood is a private retreat center. The natural serene environment consists of indoor and outdoor meeting areas and gardens surrounded by 60 acres of fields and woods. Cottages are available year-round enabling you to experience each glorious season. As many as 200 guests can enjoy the Grace Garden and Meadow with a variety of tent packages for any occasion. Up to 100 guests can enjoy the Lavender House, the Noble Knoll and Chapel in the Wood.

Inspiration Wood was built for exclusive, personalized retreats. The beauty of nature, the elegance of what the Lord has made and comfortable modern amenities come together at Inspiration Wood perfectly for a grand gathering, fun family reunion, or thoughtful twilight ceremony. Future plans include a not-for-profit rescue farm called Inspiration Farm.

Today, Inspiration Farm is privately owned and consists of a variety of animals including pygmy goats, miniature true cross donkeys, an injured rodeo horse and an old nag.

Hayrides can be arranged to visit the farm just next door on a private tour. Caterers may provide you with a picnic in the Lavender House, or a box lunch in the Greeting Barn. You may also reserve the Gathering Space for up to 60 guests for a full catered meal by award-winning caterers including Lucrezia, Third Coast Spice Cafe, and Good to Go. Inspiration Wood has established a relationship with the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest merchants and caterers called the Partners in Excellence program. Along with the caterers, Chesterton Cake Shoppe and The Flower Cart provide elegant and beautiful cakes and florals for guests. Details can be arranged through Retreat Planning Services.

Reservations for overnight accommodations can be made directly from the website. For more information on their story and amenities visit them on the web at inspirationwood.com. They welcome tours by appointment.

INSPIRATION WOOD Please call 219.983.9922 and ask 219.983.9922 for Ron or Kim. inspirationwood.com

Gift Guide 2012

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CUSTOMS IMPORTS / THE GRAND PARTY

TURN YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING EXPERIENCE INTO THE GRAND PARTY

I

s it a store, a theater, a newspaper office, or the perfect place for THE GRAND PARTY (TGP)?

Customs Imports in New Buffalo—a destination that transports visitors into a world of surprise and delight—will again host the 8th annual THE GRAND PARTY on Saturday, December 1, from 6 to 9:30 p.m.

THE GRAND PARTY—A HARBOR COUNTRY TRADITION TGP will feature delectable food from our fabled sponsors: Timothy’s, Skip’s, Sahara, Grateful Diner and Casey’s. Find out what all the buzz is about when you sample from the entire line of spirits from Journeyman Distillery of Three Oaks. Cozy up to the wine, beer and champagne bar. Try slices of mouth-watering Villa Nova Pizza. Savor Nana Dee’s legendary rum cakes.

Hit the dance floor with entertainment from the best of the Midwest.

And the social and business networking doesn’t get any better! What a way to shop! And we are ever so grateful to all of our sponsors, including Nora Duffy of Sotheby’s, New Buffalo Business Association, and Bluefish Vacations, who really believe in the “community” of TGP. “This one is for you, celebrate you, take a break before the hectic holiday begins, enjoy yourself . . . you deserve it.” Spoken with passion by Dee Dee Duhn, owner of Customs Imports, The New Buffalo Times and orchestrator of TGP. CALL FOR YOUR TICKETS With limited space it is wise to call for your tickets; they can be mailed or held for pick-up at the door—$20 includes all of this and a $10 gift certificate to start your shopping that night or anytime before the holiday. Call 269.469.9180.

6 VISITSHOREMAGAZINE.COM 5

NOW BACK TO CUSTOMS IMPORTS . . . WHAT IS IT? You must pass through Customs when in Harbor Country, Michigan. It is like a village; Customs brings the world of global style in pottery, textiles, ethnic art, furniture and even incense to you direct from places like India, Indonesia and Vietnam along with products from the USA for over 20 years . . . OR . . .

You might arrive on a night and find that the stage is filled with actors—sometimes Customs turns into a theater, with special performances like the Golden Lady, or even a night of Karaoke, as tryouts for THE GRAND PARTY are taking place.

Birthday parties are a regular for those looking for a unique venue . . . AND . . .

The Village news—yes, that is published right here. The New Buffalo Times has found its new home right in the middle of this

CUSTOMS IMPORTS 430 S Whittaker St New Buffalo, Mich.

269.469.9180 customsimports.com

village-like setting . . .

AND . . .

A new consignment store has landed at Customs. Hoity Toity specializes in unique furniture, and new arrivals daily will keep you coming back . . . PLUS . . .

Global Dreams Jewelry collection, Dee Dee Duhn specializing in designer jewelry such as Claudia Labao, Serigo for Liquid Metal, Sterling silver Bling along with the great new rage of stainless steel sparkles as you step foot in this land of amazement.

The Sanctuary embraces your soul. The essential oils and sound of water, with spiritual images and inspirational carvings will make it easy for anyone to create their own sacred place.

A white baby grand piano awaits the guests to share their talent with all who step into this world.

Customs Imports—It’s not what it looks like.

customs imports presents

A GrAnd WAY TO SHOP

saturday december 1, 2012 6-9:30pm est

Funky Casual, Cocktail Chic to Black Tie Social and Business Networking Delectable Food and Great Wine Incredible Musical Talent Karaoke with the Stars Shop While You Party

430 s. Whittaker NeW buffalo, mi 269.469.9180 customsimports.com ticket prices: $20/iN advaNce | $25/at door

nora duffy

Gift Guide 2012

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

MARUSZCZAK APPLIANCE

INDULGE YOUR INNER CHEF AT MARUSZCZAK APPLIANCE! luxury has its rewa

M

MARUSZCZAK APPLIANCE 7809 W Lincoln Hwy Schererville, Ind. 219.865.0555 maruszczak.com

aking the decision to purchase or upgrade to high-end appliances can be a difficult one.

The number one factor, as is the case with many decisions in life, is the money. Top of the line appliances are certainly more expensive, but there are a few factors that might make that leap sound more reasonable.

Let’s talk about functionality.

Whether you are a novice who sticks with the basics or an aspiring chef, cooking with high-end appliances can actually be a much more enjoyable experience! Ease of use, precise cooking temperature and ample workspace all combine to make cooking more fun, which results in a better meal you can be proud of!

How about appearances? A kitchen featuring appliances from GE’s Monogram line can transform the whole look and feel of your home. The Monogram line of home appliances gives

the consumer sophisticated styling and exceptional craftsmanship, and represents the best of what can happen when the light bulb of GE ingenuity is put to work in the home!

Right now may be a good time to make your dream kitchen a reality!

Maruszczak Appliance has been serving the Calumet Region for more than 25 years, and has licensed installers and service techs who are trained and certified in high-end appliances. Maruszczak will work with you from start to finish to make sure that you have the best possible experience! Right now save up to $2,000 on GE Monogram Appliances with an instant rebate! Maybe it’s time to treat yourself and wow your friends with a fabulous new kitchen.

The Maruszczaks would love to help you make that happen!

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Receive a $1000 instant rebate when you $ purchase 1) a Monogram professional rang $ or a 24" dishwasher OR 2) a Monogram wall oven and cooktop with either a hood o add = instant = instant Get an additional $1000 instant rebate when you add a Monogram built-in r rebate rebate and Offer valid on select Monogram appliances packages purchased October 1, 2012–March TOTAL 31, 2013.

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8 VISITSHOREMAGAZINE.COM 5

Save up to 2000 on select Monogram® appliance packages.

range with either a hood or a 24” dishwasher OR 2) a Monogram wall oven and cooktop with either a hood or a 24” dishwasher. Get an additional $1000 instant rebate when you add a Monogram built-in refrigerator.

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Gift Guide 2012

THE NORTHWEST INDIANA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

THE BOULEVARD INN & BISTRO

THE PERFECT GIFT FOR MUSIC LOVERS

BE OUR GUEST

T

he Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra is the perfect gift for the music lover in your life. Our 2012-2013 season still features a variety of concerts sure to please.

The Valentine’s concert, Swept Away, features violinist Corey Cerovsek performing the Korngold Violin Concerto on his “Milanollo” Stradivarius of 1728. The concert will also feature romantic dances from West Side Story and Daphnis and Chloe, plus a World Premiere choral work.

Fourteen-year-old piano prodigy Nadia Azzi will perform Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 27 in March in a concert that will also feature Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique.

Finally in April, the season comes to a spectacular close with the powerful and Herculean Mahler Symphony No. 2.

Known for his large scale works, which employ soloists and choirs in addition to augmented orchestral forces, Mahler 2 will be a blockbuster.

All three concerts feature a free pre-concert talk with Maestro Kirk Muspratt as part of the ticket price. Tickets THE NORTHWEST are $25-$65 and students are INDIANA SYMPHONY always just $10. Subscriptions ORCHESTRA are also still available for 219.836.0525 these three concerts. nisorchestra.org

2012-2013

season

Kirk Muspratt - Music Director & Conductor

Holiday PoPs

W

e invite you to relax in our newly remodeled allsuite accommodations at The Boulevard Inn, ideally nestled atop the bluff overlooking Lake Michigan.

Allow our courteous staff to anticipate your needs and exceed your expectations! Quaint shops, gorgeous beaches, and an abundance of dining options are located just a short walk from our hotel in St. Joseph, Michigan.

Extensive renovations were completed in Summer 2012.

Every aspect of the hotel suites is brand new: wallpaper, carpet, granite countertops, bathroom tiles, mirrors, televisions, furniture and fixtures. With so many suite types to choose from, the Boulevard Inn is perfect for business travelers, groups and families.

As our guest, you’ll enjoy a complimentary breakfast served in The Bistro on the Boulevard each morning. While you’re here, delight in lunch, dinner or cocktails served in the area’s most highly regarded restaurant. Our signature style takes advantage of local, fresh, seasonal ingredients simply and elegantly prepared.

Breathtaking views, exquisite THE BOULEVARD INN food, and attentive service make & BISTRO The Boulevard Inn & Bistro the 521 Lake Boulevard number one choice for business St. Joseph, Mich. meetings, social events and 800.875.6600 weddings. theboulevardinn.com

New ly R emo dele d Gu est S uite s!

A South Shore Tradition!

Featuring the Symphony Chorus & the Eisenhower Elementary School Choir

Thursday, December 6 7:30pm • Star Plaza Theatre

TICKETS $25-$65 • STUDENTS $10 TICKETS MAKE GREAT GIFTS!

Tickets, Subscriptions & Gift Certificates available

For Tickets: 219/836.0525 or nisorchestra.org

521 Lake Boulevard, St. Joseph, MI• 800-875-6600• theboulevardinn.com

59

Relax • Dine • Play • Celebrate

DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

Our spirited orchestra and Symphony Chorus will help you get in the holiday spirit with our ever-popular holiday extravaganza featuring familiar favorites and new discoveries sure to delight!

Celebrate with family and friends to a carol sing-along. Children from Eisenhower Elementary School in Crown Point will perform. Plus, be on the lookout for a visit from that jolly fellow from the North Pole.

Gift Guide 2012

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

SAWYER HOME & GARDEN CENTER

verything Holiday Holiday Open House Nov. 30th to Dec. 3rd

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5865 Sawyer Road Sawyer, MI | 269.426.8810 Open 7 Days / 8am - 8pm

www.sawyergardencenter.com

SAWYER HOME & GARDEN CENTER HAS THE HOLIDAYS COVERED

S

awyer Home & Garden Center is “making spirits bright” year after year with their holiday open house. A three-day event filled with merriment, the open house includes delicious gourmet food, wine tasting, beautiful Christmas décor, special in-store offers, and so much more. We deck the halls and kick off the holiday season in style!

It has quickly become a tradition for the garden center, and only gets bigger and better every year! This year’s holiday open house runs from November 30-December 3, and is a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit!

Along with all the holiday splendor filling the store, Sawyer Home & Garden Center has perfect holiday gift items for friends, family and loved ones!

From bath and body products and fragrances, to ornaments and decorations, and so much more; the garden center offers a wide variety of unique gift options that will surely please any recipient!

Sawyer Home & Garden Center will be celebrating the holiday spirit all season long. The holiday open house is simply a grand kickoff to an incredible winter full of festivities. If you’re looking for a unique gift item, ingredients for the perfect holiday recipe, or beautiful household décor, Sawyer Home & Garden Center has everything you need to escape to home this holiday season.

SAWYER HOME & GARDEN CENTER 5865 Sawyer Rd Sawyer, Mich.

269.426.8810 sawyergardencenter.com

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Gift Guide 2012

L.R. CLOTHIER & TUXEDOS

COPPER BUTTERFLY

DRESSING TO IMPRESS

FIND UNIQUE GIFTS IDEAS AT COPPER BUTTERFLY

T

he phone rings, and L.R. Clothier & Tuxedos owner Leann VanSchoyck is ready to fill yet another men’s clothing request. “We do it the old-fashioned way around here,” she laughs, waving hello to yet another customer coming through the doors of the well known LaPorte clothier. “We still believe in measurement cards and orders that are completed via a hand shake. When someone calls for five new white shirts, we are going to know exactly the fit they are looking for and how much starch they like used. We can even deliver the shirts to them.”

And this is exactly what sets L.R. Clothier apart from the rest. Offering a large collection of name brand shirts, pants, suits and ties along with a wide array of tuxedos for weddings and formal events, L.R. Clothier & Tuxedos was actually named after herself and her daughter, Leann Rene & Lauryn Rene, both having the same initials L.R. “I was born and raised right here in LaPorte, and creating a men’s shop that focuses on customer service is something I am extremely proud of,” says VanSchoyck, who has been in the men’s retail business for 15 years. “We are looking forward L.R. CLOTHIER to expanding into Michigan City & TUXEDOS and opening our new location on 205 Lincolnway Franklin Street, right in the heart LaPorte, Ind. of the arts district, just in time for 219.324.5072 the holidays!” lrclothingco.com

I

t’s the gift-giving season. Time and money are short.

Yet, you still want to provide your loved ones with an unforgettable holiday. Rather than spend your shopping hours in a cold, retail environment, consider checking everything off your list at Crown Point’s very own Copper Butterfly.

With a hot coffee and a warm atmosphere waiting to greet you, Copper Butterfly offers a unique mix of gift options. From vintage items to home décor, the much loved store has become a favorite for shoppers across Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. “We greet our customers as if they are friends coming into our home,” says Kari Bunde, owner of Copper Butterfly and a longtime resident of Crown Point.

In recent years, we have also attracted a number of loyal customers that come from all across the Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland area. We are a hometown boutique with an uptown flair.”

Located at 120 South Main Street, the store is meticulously decorated for the season. Gift-giving shouldn’t be a stressful process. People should COPPER BUTTERFLY enjoy checking off items on their 120 S Main St list, and Copper Butterfly is the Crown Point, Ind. place to do so.”

219.663.1506

Don’t settle for nicely.

Clean up

Crown Point's UniqUe Gift store • CelebratinG 30 Years in bUsiness!

10% OFF ONE ITEM

With this coupon only One coupon per visit. Not valid on consignment items.

Offer expires 12/31/12

Open 10A - 5P • Monday - Saturday OPEN 12N - 4P - Sunday

L.R. Men’s Clothier & Tuxedos 205 Lincolnway, LaPorte, IN 46350 | (219) 324-5072 | www.LRclothingco.com

120 S. Main St. • Crown Point, IN 219-663-1506

DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

Crown Point's UniqUe Gift store • CelebratinG 30 Years in bUsiness!

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Watch for the opening of our Michigan City location.

Gift Guide 2012

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

NEW BUFFALO BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

SHOP SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY IN NEW BUFFALO

I 2 VISITSHOREMAGAZINE.COM 6

n 2010, small businesses across America joined forces with American Express to begin trying to regain public support for small hometown local merchants. Before the days of Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Home Depot and the like, were small brick and mortar stores and department stores where American families made everyday purchases like televisions, vacuums, tools, home goods, groceries and clothing. Little towns across America had one main street and some even had a stop light! They were filled with small shops, a butcher, a baker and a church and yet families somehow seemed to find all they needed. It was here that people read the paper over a morning coffee at the local cafe, sought the advice of the seasoned expert at the hardware store and made friends with the gals at the bank or in the grocery store. It seemed as though in a blink of an eye, things changed . . . Big Time!

In the last two decades large retail chains have become some of the most powerful corporations in America. The extraordinary impact of big box stores has been seen in every state across the country. Some even argue that big box retail is responsible for skyrocketing gasoline consumption, failing family farms, higher local unemployment rates and the decline in revenue that goes back into the local economy. In support of small businesses everywhere, American Express stepped up to the plate in 2010 and created Small Business Saturday®. It has since become an American shopping holiday and is held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. It is a counterpart to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which feature big box retail and e-commerce stores. By contrast, this holiday encourages shoppers to patronize locally owned brick and mortar businesses.

American Express has publicized their initiative using social media like Facebook, Twitter and other public relations campaigns. When you register your American Express credit card, you are eligible to receive a $25 credit on your statement when you spend $25 at a participating business on Small Business Saturday, which is November 24th this year. We invite you to shop New Buffalo for your holiday gift giving. We have many shops, unique boutiques, extraordinary galleries, and a host of great restaurants and services that offer gift cards as well. Many businesses in New Buffalo are registering to be a part of the Small Business Saturday® rewards program.

Watch for the Shop Small® logos and signs throughout town while you are shopping. Visit newbuffalo.org for a complete list of New Buffalo Business Association members and read about the unique things you will find in our little town. As

you enter town you will be drawn right down our main street, overlooking Lake Michigan. We will meet you at the café for coffee, help you choose the right gift, offer a smile and a handshake and thank you for stopping by. There are still places in America where you’ll find a sense of community pride in small business and NEW BUFFALO New Buffalo is one of them; BUSINESS ASSOCIATION we hope to see you soon! newbuffalo.org

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Gift Guide 2012

Presented by New Buffalo Business Association New Buffalo-Michigan

Saturday, November 24 • 9am – 6pm • 9am-Noon Breakfast w/ Santa- Michigan Thyme Cafe.

Please call 269-460-6604 for reservations • 10am-4pm Boy Scouts pack #802 will be selling Christmas wreaths at the corner of Whittaker and Hwy. 12 • 11am - Small Business Saturday kick-off. Shop Local this holiday at small businesses, show your support for local economy and avoid the big box stores. Enjoy free hot chocolate at many participating merchants!

• 4pm - Santa & his Reindog Parade - downtown Whittaker St. • 5pm - Complimentary hot cider and cookies at New Buffalo Yacht Club 500 West Water St. • 6pm - Tree lighting and caroling at tree on corner of N. Whittaker and Mechanic streets

Saturday, February 2

•

6:30pm

Escape the winter blues and have a Chocolate Fantasy celebration at New Buffalo Business Association’s Second Season Ball.

• 6:30-7:30EST Open bar and hors d’ouevres. Try our signature Chocolate Martini!

• 8pm Dinner • Dancing til midnight with music

by Middle of the Road Band • Spectacular silent auction • Dazzling Desserts • Tickets $75 each Four Winds Casino Resort, Silver Creek Event Center, 11111 Wilson Rd. New Buffalo, MI For information and tickets, please call Juli at 269-469-9690 or 888-660-6222 Tickets also available at Customs Imports, Casey’s and Michigan Thyme.

Saturday & Sunday February 2-3 • Saturday 12pm – 5pm Free Sleigh Rides. Pick-up and drop off at Info Booth on corner of N. Whittaker & Merchant Streets • Saturday 12 – 4pm Ice Sculpting • Saturday and Sunday 10am – 10pm Ice Skating at Oselka Park 601 E. Indiana St. New Buffalo, bring your own skates • Sunday Breakfast Special Chocolate Chip Pancake Breakfast at Michigan Thyme 269-469-6604

www.newbuffalo.org

Gift Guide 2012

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

HarborTown’s merry treasures will brighten the holidays!

W

hen you walk through the doors, take a moment to just gaze – you’re going to want grab everything in sight to make your home shine for the holidays. Bright colors in fun furniture will make guests smile the moment they arrive at your home. Choose comfy, quality, name-brand furniture for evenings of conversation and celebration. Looking for a gift that goes beyond the same-old, same-old? HarborTown has a treasure trove of holiday gifts and seasonal decor.

Stephanie Grill, MaryKay Hylton and Kerry Cressler have created the destination shop along the coast for the casual, relaxed lifestyle with an amazing collection from complete living room and bedroom groups to accessories and finishing touches.

Not sure how to get the look you’re after? Or simply don’t have enough time? Kerry, Stephanie and MaryKay specialize in in-home consultations to suggest choices that reflect your personality and assure you and your guests’ comfort for the holidays and beyond.

“You don’t always have to re-do the whole house or room,” says Stephanie. “Sometimes all it takes is rearranging a few furnishings, then adding accent pieces to reflect the season, all at minimal cost.” Think fresh fabrics, a table of driftwood and glass, a fabulous rug.

HarborTown Interiors seeks out items made in the U.S. from re-purposed materials. With their fascinating finds, it’s like having your own personal shopper.

Lovers of the eclectic will revel at gifts that are out-of-the-box original and environmentally friendly. Those who favor an urban flair will find room settings with weathered wood, industrial feel and pieces with chrome accents. Their vast fabric selections and resource library will satisfy – no matter what you favor.

“We stay ahead of the trends,” says Stephanie. “We don’t leave anything to chance and we get it right the first time. We have what it takes to make your home festive!”

HarborTown will make your home a star!

HarborTown’s design team is happy to assist you!

Kerry, Stephanie, MaryKay and “Jack”

FABULOUSLY FUN HOME FURNISHINGS – FOR A FABULOUSLY FUN HOLIDAY!

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Make your house extra-special for the holidays!

Find the perfect gift for that hard-to-buy-for someone on your list.

Come in and take a peek – you’re sure to find a star!

Come in for the fun of it!

613 BROAD ST., ST. JOSEPH, MI • 269-983-7774 • OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK & THURSDAY EVENINGS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Gift Guide 2012

BLINK CONTEMPORARY ART

WATERPLACE

CLOUD9 AT BLINK GALLERY

COME TO WATERPLACE FOR YOUR HOME NEEDS

“In the future all our data will be stored in the cloud.”

-WIRED MAGAZINE

T

his quote filled Suzanne and Richard Lange with wonder. If the clouds are now filled with data, where do the dead people sit? Have the angels and the cherubs been evicted? How does the data get up there? And who owns all that data? Is there a key? Do we need very tall ladders to unlock the clouds and get our data?

Thus began a conversation with nine Midwestern artists and writers and the result is the exhibition, CLOUD9, opening at Blink Contemporary Art in Michigan City, Friday, December 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. (CST).

The work ranges from dozens of tiny cherub sized “cloud heads” sucking up information to a 12 foot tall funnel cloud dress that rains continually on its wearer.

CLOUD9 AT BLINK The exhibition will be CONTEMPORARY ART on display for the next three 1709 Franklin St. months. For further information Michigan City, Ind. contact 219.879.2994 or 219.879.2994 or 773.472.7888.

773.472.7888

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here’s big news at Leeps Supply’s WaterPlace store in New Buffalo, Mich., where homeowners know they’ll find a wide range of decorative, plumbing, and hardware products.

“Our business has grown dramatically,” says Ralph Herrbach, New Buffalo showroom manager. “We now have a kitchen showroom with a fantastic selection of cabinetry, new technology, more space, and more staff to help customers.”

And WaterPlace has the technology of the future — a wall-mounted 46-inch monitor that shows color and cabinetry choices at a touch. Customers trying to decide between dark cherry wood cabinets or an overall white theme can easily see how each will look. And if it’s time to upgrade the bath, WaterPlace designers can help you create a bath that’s beautiful and functional, with vanities, showers, and fixtures from the unusual to the upscale. No wonder several area builders send their customers to Leeps WaterPlace!

Eight stores serve customers from Glenwood, Ill. to St. Joseph, Mich., LEEPS SUPPLY’S with products meeting all price WATERPLACE points for all budgets. Herrbach says 18853 U.S. 12 customers are pleasantly surprised New Buffalo, Mich. by the competitive pricing and one269.231.5153 day delivery. leeps.com

1709 Franklin • Michigan City, IN 46360

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Opening Reception • Friday, December 7, 2012 • 6:00-9:00 p.m.

DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

219/879-2994 773/206-0426 www.blinkcontemporaryart.com

40+ GIFTS from our advertisers

GIOVANNI’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 603 Ridge Rd . Munster, Ind. 219.836.6220 . giosmunster.com

GIOVANNI’S GIFT CERTIFICATE Always a Gift in Good Taste! You may find it no longer necessary to fly to Italy for the “Cucina Italiana”.

Giovanni’s offers the finest Italian cuisine, expertly prepared veal, pasta, seafood and more. Voted Best Italian Restaurant in 2011 and 2012. Giovanni’s Gift Certificates are sure to please—available in any denomination.

NORTHWEST INDIANA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 1040 Ridge Rd . Munster, Ind. 219.836.0525 . nisorchestra.org

THE CHRISTMAS TREE

2675 Mizpah Park Rd . Benton Harbor, Mich.

269.849.3360 . christmastreegiftshop.com 6 VISITSHOREMAGAZINE.COM 6

CRYSTAL CHRISTMAS TREE The Christmas Tree Gift Shop’s brilliant Crystal Christmas Tree dazzles with rainbows of color! Wear it as a pendant, or place it in a sunny window to gleam in the sunlight. It also adds a festive twinkle to any Christmas tree. A $25 value is yours FREE with a $75 purchase from The Christmas Tree.

SYMPHONY TICKETS Give the gift of music with a selection of tickets to our very own Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra!

Attendees can enjoy a variety of musical offerings such as the Valentine’s-themed concert, Swept Away, featuring talented violinist Corey Cerovsek. Another can’t miss show is Fantastique, featuring 14-year-old piano prodigy Nadia Azzi. With ticket prices ranging from $25 to $65, this is an affordable and unforgettable to share the love of music with one another, right here in the Northwest Indiana area!

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

430 S. Whittaker St . New Buffalo, Mich.

269-469-9180 . customsimports.com

ELEMENTS FOR YOUR SACRED PLACES Customs Imports offers everything one needs to create your own sanctuary with a wide selection of everything from essential oils and incense to museum quality carvings. Design a spiritual haven within your own home via an exquisite Buddha head. Hand crafted in Bali of terracotta, the Buddha head is priced at $68. Another option is the gift of a Harmony Stone, etched in natural stone and priced at $28.

ONE YEAR SUBSCRIPTION TO NEW BUFFALO TIMES Whether you live in Harbor Country or New York, enjoy a weekly edition of “life in the Heartland, small town living.”

It reads like a sitcom, being both entertaining and informative. $48 can purchase a one year subscription mailed anywhere in the USA, with $25 offering a digital version sent anywhere in the world.

A GIFT LIKE NO OTHER Looking to make a true statement with your gift giving this year? Consider the purchase of a mesquite chopping table, a one of a kind find from the heart of Mexico at a price of $1875. Customs Imports also offers a full line of Ikot, assorted patterns that come direct to Customs Imports from Sumba and starting at $88.

BURLAP AND BLING Consider purchasing home and jewelry items that truly symbolize all that you hold true. Choose from Claudia Lobao jewelry to Liquid Metal jewelry ranging in price from $185.

Customs Imports also carry a spectacular selection of sterling silver bling to stainless steel and beach jewelry. Inspirational pillows also make for a wonderful gift, starting at $44.

Indeed, accent pillows inspire, along with adding a pop of burlap, linen, or color.

THEATRE AT THE CENTER 1040 Ridge Rd . Munster, Ind. 219.836.3255 . TheatreAtTheCenter.com

DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

GIVE THE GIFT OF THEATRE! Put you and your loved ones front and center for 5 great shows at Theatre at the Center – Northwest Indiana’s only professional theatre. Subscribe to our 2013 Season and get the BEST seats, the BEST prices (save up to 33% over single ticket prices) and the BEST entertainment all year long!

LOVES KIDS! Gift certificates are the perfect gift for the kids in your life! Gift certificates may be used for our productions and Education through Theatre classes & workshops that provide students of all ages the opportunity to learn from professional actors and directors at Theatre at the Center.

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CUSTOMS IMPORTS

Gift Guide 2012

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

FRANCINE ZASLOW

Gift Guide 2012

CIAO BELLA RISTORANTE, PIZZERIA, WINEBAR

1514 US 41 • Sc hererville, IN 463 75 219.322.6800 • www.ciaobellaonlin e.com

1514 US 41 . Schererville, Ind. 219.322.6800 . ciaobellaonline.com

BAYBERRY COTTAGE

TABLEWARE Looking to deck out your home with some new 510 Phoenix Rd décor? Look no further South Haven, Mich. than Bayberry Cottage 269.639.9615 in South Haven. Bursting bayberrycottage.com with gift ideas for every person on your holiday list, Bayberry Cottage’s selection of String of Pearls Tableware is sure to make quite an impression.

Starting at just $47, the String of Pearls bowls and servers are handmade from 100% recycled aluminum. Bayberry Cottage also offers Mariposa Tableware. Artfully crafted by hand and using all recycled materials, this exquisite selection of tableware marries innovative original designs to ageold techniques to bring you stunning, ecologically responsible pieces that make luxury accessible.

CIAO BELLA GIFT CARDS Give the gift of good taste. Ciao Bella offers a full array of homemade Italian-style thin crust pizzas, risottos, pastas, soups and salads. Entrees include chicken, fish, veal and steak prepared with many original recipes. Ciao Bella serves as an ideal place to gather family and friends. Ciao Bella Gift Cards make the perfect gift and are available in any denomination. With the purchase of every $100 gift card, receive a free $20 gift card.

LR MEN’S CLOTHIER & TUXEDOS

205 Lincolnway . LaPorte, Ind. 219.324.5072 . lrclothingco.com MEN’S CLOTHING Keeping it cool while staying warm, this casual outfit would look great on any man in your life. Give him the gift of style! Tommy Hilfiger Sweater—$198, Joe’s Jeans—$165 and Thomas Dean Shirt—$115.

INSPIRATION WOOD

642 E. Inspiration Rd . Westville, Ind. 219.983.9922 . inspirationwood.com

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BEADED JEWELRY Inspiration Wood offers handmade one-of-a-kind beaded jewelry made with semi-precious stones, hand-blown glass beads, and artisan metal beads in silver, gold or copper metal. Each piece is unique. Some include earrings and bracelets to match.

Prices vary from $25 to $200 depending on the type of beads used for each piece.

STAMPED CARDS Inspiration Wood also offers hand stamped gifts and cards made with Stampin’ Up products.

Card making and jewelry making classes are available. Card sets for Christmas and other occasions are in stock. Please call Kim VanSessen at 219.983.9922 for your personal shopping experience.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Gift Guide 2012

INDIANA FURNITURE

1807 E Lincolnway . Valparaiso, Ind. 219.465.0545 . indiana-furniture.com FESTIVE PILLOWS Christmas cheer gets its spunk from a careful combination of beautiful simplicity, striking color palette, and clever design. Hand-cut and individually pieced in Chicago, these pillows would make a great gift and bring a unique flavor to any decor.

WATERPLACE

18853 U.S. 12 . New Buffalo, Mich.

269.231.5153 . leeps.com

EASTERN ACCENTS NOW AVAILABLE AT INDIANA FURNITURE

MARUSZCZAK APPLIANCE 7809 W Lincoln Highway . Schererville, Ind. 219.865.0555 . maruszczak.com

GE MONOGRAM APPLIANCES It’s time to treat yourself and wow your friends with a fabulous new kitchen, featuring appliances from GE’s Monogram line. These appliances can transform the whole look and feel of your home. Right now save up to $2,000 on GE Monogram Appliances with an instant rebate!

DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

STOCKINGS ‘Tis the season to give, so give brightly, give boldly, and maybe give one of these stockings stuffed with a bottle of wine?

A whimsical little gift in true holiday spirit.

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COZY THROWS These luxurious throws are a great gift, and guaranteed to get you through the cold winter nights ahead. Made of a washable cotton blend, these throws can add an instant boost of color and comfort to any room.

TOTO SHOWERHEAD Give the gift of relaxation with the TOTO Showerhead, a transitional style showerhead with a five function multi-spray! Featuring revolutionary rub-and-clean rubber nozzles to prevent lime scale build-up, the 5.5” diameter showerhead also includes the 2.0 gpm WaterSense certified low-flow system. With both chrome and brushed nickel versions available, prices range from $38.50 to $49. This is just one of the unique gift options available in the WaterPlace showroom in New Buffalo!

Gift Guide 2012

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

HARBORTOWN INTERIORS 613 Broad St . St. Joseph, Mich.

269.983.7774 . harbourtowninteriors.com

TABLE LAMPS The perfect touch of whimsy for the living and bedroom areas of your homes, Harbor Town Interiorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s selection of metal bird lamps is sure to delight!

Ranging in price from $159 to $199, the lamps come in a variety of colors and styles, each with a unique coordinating shade. Whimsical and functionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a perfect pairing! These lamps are sure to transform any room, or provide a wonderful gift giving idea!

COTTAGE FLAVOR STORAGE Searching for the perfect storage option for all of your treasured mementos? Look no further than this delightful shuttered cabinet. With four inside shelves, this cabinet is the perfect storage option for a bedroom, bathroom or kitchen. It adds an undeniable cottage flavor that you are looking for! At $3,599, this cabinet is painted and distressed with a mixture of white and gray tones, and is truly the perfect gift!

ACCENT CHAIRS In a variety of high energy colors that literally pop off the cool gray linen base of the fabric, these gorgeous accent chairs serve as the perfect option for all of your living areas that just might need that ever-important pop of color or simply additional seating. They are undeniably comfortable! Only 27 inches wide, they can find a home virtually anywhere. Not sure which design to pick?

The talented team at Harbor Town Interiors will help you choose from thousands of leather, fabric and paint options.

Prices start at $1,099.

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HAND BLOWN COLORED GLASS BALLS The perfect gift option for everyone, these beautiful hand blown colored glass balls are always popular with the loyal clientele of Harbor Town Interiors. They are also versatile! They can be used as a bowl as shown, or hung on the wall with a special hook sold at Harbor Town Interiors.

They also make a wonderful bud vase with a rung to hold a treasured flower in place. In a variety of colors, styles and sizes, these special touches can be used alone or within a group.

Prices range from $12 to $26, depending on size.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

10 N Whittaker St . New Buffalo, Mich.

269.469.3950 . coldwellbankeronline.com

11097 MARQUETTE DRIVE This address hosts Harbor Country’s most gracious lakefront estate. Only a very few homes in Harbor Country offer the privacy, luxury and comfort of this exquisite European-inspired home. Offering every amenity and state-ofthe-art security, this 11,000 SF home brings unparalleled elegance to the lakefront lifestyle. Relax in the infinity pool and hot tub that overlook Lake Michigan from 200 ft of low bluff with one-of-a-kind unobstructed views. Entertain guests from the gourmet custom kitchen, or pour a glass of wine from your collection in the 1,000-bottle wine cellar. With one wing of the home dedicated to the master suite, you’ll have plenty of space to unwind. An additional 5 bedrooms and 9 baths offer ample space for family and visitors to relax in comfort and privacy. Cozy separate guest quarters also provide a welcoming retreat. $7,350,000

120 S. Main St Crown Point, Ind. 219.663.1506

ROSANNA COOKIE PLATTER Setting your holiday table is one of the most loved traditions of the season for many. Therefore, a gift to warm the room and the heart is sure to be a hit!

Crown Point’s very own Copper Butterfly, a hometown boutique with an uptown flair, suggests the gift of a Rosanna Cookie Platter! As part of their “Christmas Cameos Collection,” this delightful platter features authentic 1950’s holiday images framed by Victorian cameos and is a perfect addition to any festive table. $46

FAIR OAKS FARMS

856 North 600 East . Fair Oaks, Ind. 219.394.2025 . fofarms.com CHEDDAR LOVERS COLLECTION You will receive three ages of our Cheddar, ready to send to the Cheddar Lover in your life. This trio comes beautifully packaged in our very own gift box. Set includes: 8oz. 1yr Cheddar, 8oz. 3yr Cheddar, 8oz.

5yr Cheddar and Gourmet Crackers for $35.95.

HAVARTI LOVERS COLLECTION This collection of Havarti has a little something for everyone. For those that like it mild, or those that like it a little spicy, the Havarti Lovers Collection is sure to delight everyone. Set includes: 8oz. Havarti, 8oz. Havarti Pepper. 8oz. Havarti Onion, 8oz. Habanero Havarti, 8oz. Veggie Havarti, 8oz.

Havarti Dill, Gourmet Crackers and Little Red Smokehouse Summer Sausage for $54.95.

DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

5703 E SAUGANA TRAIL This is a rare opportunity to own a spectacular lakefront home on pristine Saugany Lake. The property features beautiful lake views and just 15 min to New Buffalo. The main floor incorporates a spacious living room with a fireplace and adjoining sun room with great lake views. The light, bright kitchen/ dining combo is perfect for entertaining. The large deck offers the pleasures of outdoor dining and fabulous sunsets! You’ll also appreciate a main floor bedroom with large closets and a main floor full bath. A den office could also be used as a fourth bedroom, music room, craft room, or anything you like. Convenient main floor laundry room with utility sink is just off of the kitchen. Ascend the stairway with the skylight to find an expansive master bedroom with a very large walk-in closet and views of the lake. $349,000

COPPER BUTTERFLY

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COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE

Gift Guide 2012

Gift Guide 2012

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

NEW BUFFALO BUSINESS ASSOCIATION 104 N. Whittaker St . New Buffalo, Mich.

269.362.7251 . newbuffalo.org

NEW BUFFALO BUSINESS ASSOCIATION GIFT CERTIFICATES Never sure of the perfect gift for that special someone? Ensure their happiness with the gift of a New Buffalo Business Association Gift Certificate! Available in virtually every denomination, these gift certificates can be used at any one of New Buffalo Business Association’s 90 participating member businesses. From retailers to restaurants, salons and galleries, delight family and friends with these unique gifts!

DR. SREEK CHERUKURI, MD FACIAL PLASTIC SURGEON 801 MacArthur Blvd, #302 Munster, Ind. 99 E. 86th Ave Suite A Merrillville Ind. 219.836.2201 theweekendlift.com BOTOX Enjoy younger-looking skin in time for the holiday season. Botox can smooth those wrinkles and frown lines that make you look older than you feel! Call Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Cherukuri at 219.836.2201 to schedule your free consultation and enjoy 10% off of any Botox treatments (up to $100 savings).

Please call by January 15, 2013 to take advantage of this limited-time offer.

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RESTYLANE This is your opportunity to make your skin look young and rejuvenated for the new year! Restylane can fill in the wrinkles and frown lines and give you sexy, irresistible lips! Call Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Cherukuri at 219.836.2201 to schedule your free consultation and enjoy a 2cc Restylane treatment for $799 (save over $200). Please call by January 15, 2013 to take advantage of this limited-time offer.

TICKETS FOR BEV’S SECOND SEASON BALL Escape the winter blues and have a Chocolate Fantasy celebration at New Buffalo Business Association’s Second Season Ball. Enjoy an open bar and hors d’ouevres from 6:30 to 7pm EST, followed by a delicious dinner at 8pm. Spend the rest of the evening dancing the night away to music by Impact 7, and make sure to check out the spectacular silent auction! Bev’s Second Season Ball will take place at the Heston Hill Banquet Center, 1933 East North in LaPorte.

For information and tickets, please call Juli 269.469.9690 or 800.660.6222. Tickets are also available at Customs Imports, Casey’s and Michigan Thyme.

Price: $75.

GINO’S STEAKHOUSE

GIFT CARD Give the gift of great food and good conversation with a $100 gift card to Gino’s 600 E. Lincoln Highway Steakhouse. With locations in both Dyer Merrillville, Ind. and Merrillville, Gino’s Steakhouse offers a 219.769.4466 delectable selection of steak, pastas, chops and seafood. Anyone on your list is sure to 1259 Joliet St enjoy one of Gino’s Steakhouse’s signature Dyer, Ind. dishes such as Filet with Roquefort cheese, 219.865.3854 Ahi Tuna or Rigatoni pasta with vodka sauce. ginossteakhouse.com After dinner, guests can continue their night by enjoying live entertainment every Friday and Saturday at both locations. Purchase a $100 gift card and receive a jar of Gino’s Signature Marinated Peppers – the perfect gift!

SteakS | chopS | p aSta

DYer 1259 Joliet St reet 219

Merrillvil le 600

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

THE BOULEVARD INN & BISTRO

333 Broad St . St. Joseph, Mich.

269.982.8500 . silverbeachcarousel.com

KEEPSAKE NOEL ORNAMENT It truly doesn’t begin to feel like the holidays until loved ones come together to decorate the Christmas tree. Give a treasured gift that will be enjoyed for generations to come with the Keepsake Noel Ornament. A lovely reverse-painted glass ball emblazoned with the word “Noel,” its designs include stars and a delightful Christmas horse. Personalize further by adding a note or holiday message with the ornament, making the gift that much more special!

IRRESISTIBLE MINI SNOW GLOBE No matter what age you may be shopping for, the gift of a snow globe is sure to give your loved ones hours of wonder and enjoyment. No one can resist shaking this globe of intricately sculpted resin and glass featuring the Butterfly Horse, a Carousel favorite. Give the gift that they will always remember and something that will be passed down from generation to generation! Stop in to Silver Beach Carousel, where the staff always enjoys helping you find just the right gift. Or shop anytime at the online store at silverbeachcarousel.com/gift-shop.

SAWYER HOME & GARDEN CENTER

5865 Sawyer Rd . Sawyer, Mich.

269.426.8810 . sawyergardencenter.com

THE BOULEVARD INN & BISTRO GIFT CERTIFICATES As wonderful as the holiday season can be, it also can leave you weary and downright stressed out. Give your friends and family the ultimate gift—a vacation! Gift certificates are available for overnight stays, Gift C hotel packages and To: Bistro dining and G theb ift Certificate oule From are available in any vard : in Ton: .com Amo denomination. unt From: Ideally nestled Amount: theboulevardin n.com atop a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, The Boulevard Inn & Bistro is the perfect place to get away from it all, right here in St. Joseph. Give the gift of luxury and watch as your family and friends’ eyes light up in delight.

FLEUR DE NOEL BATH & BODY Whether you are looking to outfit your home with some exquisite holiday fragrances or are looking for the perfect gift for someone special, Sawyer Home & Garden Center features a tremendous selection of bath and body sets from Michel Design Works. In a wide selection of soaps, lotions and fragrances, each bottle includes a delightful holiday designs featuring red and green poinsettias.

Prices range from $9.99 to $16.99.

DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

CAFFCO INTERNATIONAL DRIFTWOOD NATIVITY SCENE & STABLE Remember the reason for the season with this inspirational nativity scene. Smooth, earthy driftwood makes up this rusticlooking stable set that includes several pieces to create a complete scene. This nativity scene and stable serves as the ideal gift meant to be remembered and treasured for years to come.

521 Lake Boulevard St. Joseph, Mich.

800.875.6600 theboulevardinn.com

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SILVER BEACH CAROUSEL

Gift Guide 2012

bite & sip

holiday gatherings made

FOOD FEATURE

WORDS BY DANIELLE ZIULKOWSKI

A

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bout five years ago, Ed Kis and his family’s longtime catering company, Great Lakes Catering, received a special request. They were asked to create a stuffing made of mashed White Castle hamburgers to accompany their homemade turkey for a Thanksgiving party of about thirty guests at a home in Lake County, Indiana.

“There really weren’t a lot of White Castles near their home,” he explains, “and there were a lot of family members that loved White Castle, so they thought the kids would really get a kick out of it.”

It was the first and only time Great Lakes Catering made the specialty order in the combined 150-plus years of experience throughout the family. Well-known for their carving stations of pork tenderloin/cinnamonapple sauce, prime rib/horseradish sour cream and turkey/cranberry relish during the holidays, the casual fast-food delicacy wasn’t exactly their first choice for pairing with the main entrée.

“Actually, it didn’t taste too bad,” Kis admits. “It was certainly the talk of the table and, of course, that’s what you want at a family gathering—talking and living in the moment.”

White Castle stuffing may not be the most mass-appealing of side dishes, but the message is clear—local caterers are available to meet your needs and, more importantly, allow you to sit back and relax as the invisible team

event planning. Staff helps you design and prepare a menu and decorate if needed. Put together the perfect meal from different varieties of appetizers, salads, entrees, starches and desserts or take your pick between numerous choices of lunch or dinner packages. “We can do as much as you want or as little as you want,” Kis says. “You can groom each package to your party and work with your budget.”

Great Lakes Catering offers yearround services at homes, rental facilities and corporate settings from Chicago to South Bend and up into Southwest Michigan. Kis says he prefers to allow his employees to take the holidays off.

However, pre-prepared dishes or full meals can be picked up or delivered prior to the holidays complete with heating instructions.

Local caterers have prepared and served to groups as small as twenty-five people to large events totaling in the thousands. “There is no group too small or too large for us,” Wright says. “We can accommodate any size group. Large groups do not scare us.”

Strack’s services are offered on all major holidays during the winter months, including Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Pick-up and delivery of catered requests are available during regular store hours, including Christmas Eve until 6 p.m.

Services, however, are not available at Strack stores on Christmas Day. In addition, bakery orders may be delivered in conjunction with deli party platters or packaged meals.

Whether you’re a party-thrower extraordinaire or you turn into a Scrooge at the thought of preparing even the daintiest of feasts—why not leave it to the pros? Backed by catering experts, you’ll be prepared for your next gathering in no time. Daly says, “Our job is to make you look good, not make us look good.”

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adding your own finishing touches to the meal. Try adding spare pine branches from a fresh Christmas tree to a glass bowl filled with extra tree bulbs in the center of the dinner table. The accoutrements add a fresh scent for very little, if any, money.

Simply adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley to dishes of the catered meal will also fool your guests, Kris says. “Use your own imagination through garnish and dress up even the most common foods.” Dusting off the family heirlooms and combining mismatched china completes the personalized touch guests know the help can’t re-create. Or, so they think.

“If you don’t tell people you didn’t cook, they would never know,” Wright says with a laugh.

For those looking for a more traditional at-home holiday meal, caterers have it covered. Strack and Van Til offers complete prepared-from-scratch dinners at three different price ranges. Option one at $79.99 feeds eight people and includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetable, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls and choice of pumpkin or apple pie. The $99.99 option adds appetizers into the mix, while the $149.99 option includes turkey and ham main entrees with all the trimmings. The homemadelike meals can be picked up at any of the sixteen stores regionwide or delivered throughout Northern Indiana and the Chicagoland area. They even come complete with heating instructions packed in the boxes, with attendant services for additional costs.

Wright has witnessed holiday catering grow over the past five years of her 25-plus years in the business, especially for two-income families. “We’ve become popular over the last few years for catering for people on a budget who want quality, top-of-the-line food and services at economical prices,” she says.

From start to finish, caterers handle more than just the food. Daly’s staff at Strongbow delivers the food/drink and necessary supplies (even table clothes and china), sets up, helps serve and even cleans up afterwards. They’ve handled on-premise and off-premise catering from small simple-order parties to large fullblown served catered events. Bartenders and chefs are also available by request.

“We will come and just take over and do everything,” Daly says. “We run by the motto, ‘If you do go into someone’s home or office, it should be cleaner than when you got there.’”

Great Lakes Catering offers full-service

DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

behind the holidays does all the work.

Strack and Van Til boasts their famous chicken, but the fresh food stores are increasingly becoming a popular choice for catering. Frantic holiday party planners may choose from the twenty-four different deli party platters that feed between twenty and forty people.

Platter choices include chicken wings, taco fiesta, sandwiches, seafood, meats, cheeses as well as fruit and vegetable assortments, to name a few.

Catering manager Brenda Wright says Strack’s platters make a delicious, hassle-free choice for any celebratory event.

And with average prices around $30, the platters are light on the wallet. “We can accommodate any need you might have,” she says. “In today’s economy, people need to work to make a living for their families and we can be a big time saver for people.”

Kis echoes Wright’s sentiments. “Often at home parties, the host and hostess try to do so much, and by the end of the evening, they realize they didn’t enjoy themselves and didn’t talk to all the people.”

Strack’s cooked fresh-to-order packaged meals are another convenient, yummy option. The eight packaged lunch and dinner choices include combinations of: country style chicken; sides such as sausage and kraut, mashed potatoes and gravy, mostaccioli, and coleslaw; vegetables such as green beans, corn or garden salad; and bread and rolls with butter. The packages, priced $6.99 to $9.99 per person, come hot and ready to eat.

Lori Daly, a Strongbow veteran of thirteen years, suggests hosting a corporate holiday function at a co-worker’s home instead of the office for the cozy factor. And, if the holiday months are too hectic, mark your calendars for January instead. “December is, as far as catering, our biggest month,” she says. “A lot of people hold off until January when everything is a lot calmer and everyone doesn’t have to rush around.”

With a plethora of loyal clients coming back year after year for the turkey and more over the course of the company’s 72-year history, Daly believes reputation is the number one factor to consider when hiring a caterer. “Our clients always come back because they know everything is taken care of and they don’t have to think twice about it. You really have to trust the caterers, especially if they will be coming into your home and running the kitchen for the evening.”

Wishing to keep your guests in the dark about the hired help? Kis recommends

bite & sip DON QUIJOTE

119 E Lincolnway, Valparaiso. 219.462.7976 donquijoterestaurantandimports.com Proprietor Carlos Rivero’s authentic Spanish cuisine, lively and friendly atmosphere, and conviviality with his return customers make this downtown Valparaiso restaurant a destination for Chicagoans and Michigan residents alike. The exciting menu features dozens of small courses, including a well-known classic paella with saffron rice and fresh-grilled seafood chunks. Grilled steaks and lamb and veal chops are abundant and cooked according to family recipes handed down for generations. The house specialty is a flan-textured vanilla cake. Lunch entrées average $15, dinner $25.

Indiana

BARTLETT’S GOURMET GRILL & TAVERN 131 E Dunes Hwy 12, Beverly Shores. 219.879.3081. eatatbartletts.com. Bartlett’s is a gourmet grill by husband-and-wife team Gary Sanders and Nicole Bissonnette-Sanders. Located in the heart of the National Lakeshore, Bartlett’s has a cozy but very modern ambience. The menu is an exceptionally creative take on upscale roadhouse-type food. Starting off the meal are appetizers such as andouille sausage corndogs and surf & turf potstickers, as well as family style offerings like Low Country spiced boiled peanuts and smoked venison sticks. Entrées include 5-hour pot roast, whitefish fillet and linguine bolognese, ranging in price from $10 to $20. The wine list is modest but well-crafted.

BISTRO 157 157 W Lincolnway, Valparaiso. 219.462.0992. bistro157.net. Trained in Paris at Le Cordon Bleu, chef and owner Nicole Bissonnette-Sanders has created a menu of classics—like a decadent sautéed veal and gulf shrimp, a pork rib chop with apple horseradish ham, and an herb-rubbed roasted half chicken— combined with her own creative takes on nouvelle cuisine with a number of fresh fish selections.

Desserts include black chocolate-infused confections that have become standard for fine dining, and also sorbets and ice cream made from fresh fruit. There are some treasures on the extensive list of bottle wines, and many solid choices by the glass.

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CIAO BELLA 1514 US 41, Schererville. 219.322.6800. ciaobellaonline.com. The cuisines of three different regions of Italy are featured at the newly opened Ciao Bella, a ristorante, pizzeria and wine bar. Patrons can sample a 12-inch gourmet pizza with a creative array of toppings like the Pizza Quattro Stagioni— tomatoes, artichokes, prosciutto and black olives—or the sauceless Pizza Al Fichi topped with goat cheese, figs and onions and drizzled with a balsamic glaze.

For those who like more traditional pies, there are thin-crust options with toppings such as sausage,

fresh garlic, salami and jalapeños. Or try such entries as Ciao Bella’s signature dishes, Rigatoni Boscaiola— spicy Italian sausage and rigatoni noodles topped with a tomato cream sauce—and the Chicken Pollo Ala Romana, a chicken breast sautéed in a white wine sauce with roasted tri-color peppers and then sauced in a tomato cream. There’s also a great selection of seafood, pork and beef. Desserts change frequently, but the tiramisu is always on the menu. The extensive wine list focuses on European and Californian wines.

Delivery and take-out available.

DUNELAND BEACH INN 3311 Pottawattamie Tr, Stop 33, Michigan City.

800.423.7729. dunelandbeachinn.com. Duneland Beach Inn is nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood just outside of New Buffalo, Michigan. The newly remodeled circa-1924 Inn houses eight guest rooms as well as the superb restaurant, catering to loyal locals and Chicagoans. Begin your Duneland Beach evening by unwinding in the cozy bar with one of their signature ice-layered martinis, or select from an extensive wine list like none other in the region (prices range from $26$336), or simply relax with a cold craft beer after a day at the beach. For dinner, choose the tranquil outdoor patio or the comfortable dining room. The dinner menu includes special chef’s features such as prime steaks, fresh fish and seafood, and seasonal cuisine. Culinary staff uses the freshest ingredients available for dishes like seared ahi tuna with soba noodle salad, veal chop Wellington, Maryland-style jumbo lump crab cakes, wasabi-coconut-encrusted Florida grouper, seafood risotto with black truffle oil, grass-fed filet of tenderloin, or a small plate designed for those with a lighter appetite. Looking for a casual dinner? Choose the best fresh burger in the area, tender smoky baby-back ribs, or the best fried chicken. For the total experience conclude the evening by reserving one of the restful, reinvigorating Jacuzzi suites with private bath and peeka-boo shower in the inn.

GAMBA RISTORANTE 455 E 84th Ave, Merrillville. 219.736.5000.

gambaristorante.com. The former owners of the Venezia Bar & Grill and Venezia Café, Benito and Hilda Gamba, have combined their efforts into the grand Gamba Ristorante. Located in Merrillville, this restaurant is housed in an architectural masterpiece, which is hard to miss with its circular design and copper roof. Modeled after upscale restaurants in exotic European locations, the menu offers classic Italian cuisine. The risotto alla Milanese features Arborio rice with saffron, “just like in Milan,” and the wine room boasts storage space for 1,000 bottles.

A banquet hall holds up to 200 people and looks out onto an open courtyard.

GAUCHO’S 597 US Hwy 30, Valparaiso. 219.759.1100. gauchosvalpo.com. At Gaucho’s, diners enjoy delicious and unique cuisine invented by the Gaucho cowboys of southern Brazil, who provided meats for the people of Brazil with their famous “Churrasco” barbecue. At Gaucho’s, this centuries-old traditional feast is created tableside as servers bring such offerings as filet mignon wrapped in bacon, chicken parmesan, pork sausage, garlic-roasted turkey breast, merlot-marinated leg of lamb, and a variety of other meats, during Gaucho’s traditional Brazilian-style dinner experience for $39.95. Seafood selections on Wednesday and Friday—just $29.95—include crab legs, shrimp, tilapia, perch, tuna, mahi mahi, salmon and clam strips, or add the meat selections for $45.95. All dinners include a 35-item salad bar, Brazilian mashed potatoes, and fried bananas. The lunch menu offers a large selection of sandwiches and salads. Start or finish dinner in the Twisted Martini Lounge upstairs for cocktails, cigars and live entertainment in a modern, intimate setting.

GINO’S STEAK HOUSE 1259 W Joliet St, Dyer. 219.865.3854. 600 E 81st Ave, Merrillville. 219.769.4466. ginossteakhouse. com. The chefs at Gino’s, who have more than thirty years of combined experience, use only the freshest ingredients in their homestyle cuisine. Starters

photo by THE TIMES

The information presented in Bite & Sip is accurate as of press time, but readers are encouraged to call ahead to verify listing information.

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GIOVANNI’S 603 Ridge Rd, Munster. 219.836.6220. giosmunster.com. This classic upscale Italian bistro is a local favorite, with charm, gracious service and an extensive menu. Innovative selections include a variety of appetizers, and specials are paired with recommended wine by the glass. A crab cake salad with fresh mozzarella and Bibb lettuce is a staple for lunch, and all entrées are accompanied by hot and crusty garlic Parmesan cheese rolls. You can indulge in a traditional multi-course Italian dinner or order by the item. For lighter fare, soups, salads and pizzas are served with cheerful dispatch. Sumptuous dinners include a renowned Veal Scallopine Piccata, served in a white wine sauce, and scampi sautéed in garlic, lemon, thyme and butter. The wine list is extensive but educational, and the desserts range from classic tiramisu to real Italian gelato.

Lunch entrées average about $12, while dinners cost $18 to $25.

LIGHTHOUSE RESTAURANT 7501 Constitution Ave, Cedar Lake.

219.374.9283. cedarlakelighthouse. com. Stunning water views through floor-to-ceiling windows are perfect for sunset aficionados and are just one more reason to stop at this restaurant nestled on the eastern shoreline of Cedar Lake. Executive Chef Ken McRae draws upon his 25 years of culinary experience

LUCREZIA 428 Calumet Rd, Chesterton.

219.926.5829. 302 S Main St, Crown Point. 219.661.5829. lucreziacafe.com.

Lucrezia has been a Northern Italian favorite since owners Michael and Nada Karas first opened it in the mid-nineties, in a historic downtown Chesterton building.

Several years later, the couple renovated the William Barringer Brown Mansion just off the downtown square in Crown Point, continuing their fine dining tradition. (In fact, Lucrezia won a 2006 and 2008 ROSE Award for “Putting Porter County on the Map.”) Signature dishes include chicken Vesuvio—slow cooked chicken served in a rosemary garlic sauce with roasted potatoes and fresh vegetables—and roasted lamb shank braised in its own juices accompanied by roasted potatoes and braised red cabbage. Specials include veal medallions with mustard and mushrooms topped with a roasted brandy cream sauce. Not to be missed is the zuccotto, a sinful domed-shaped chocolate sponge cake filled with white chocolate mousse and pistachios and sauced with both chocolate and raspberry.

Lunch entrées average $20, dinner $30.

STRONGBOW INN 2405 E US 30, Valparaiso. 800.462.5121. strongbowinn.com. The menu at this classic institution still includes a wide variety of turkey selections, but with daily specials that include barbecued pork ribs, seafood choices, prime rib and other comfort foods, one would never guess that the bakery and restaurant started as a sandwich stand during the Depression. Many families have had Thanksgiving catered by Strongbow— the meticulously prepared traditional meal that can be ordered as take-out is virtually indistinguishable from that produced by a family team working in the kitchen for ten hours. Also, the bakery has exploded with a range of treats created daily, including cinnamon rolls, cakes, pies, brownies, fruit tarts, truffles, crème brûlée and strawberry napoleons. Lunch entrées average $8, and dinner is $18.

TEQUILA RESTAURANTE 110 S Main St, Crown Point.

219.661.8226. tequilarestaurante. com. Striving to exceed any and all expectations of a typical Mexican restaurant, Tequila Restaurante offers a revolving menu that pairs fresh, seasonal offerings with the staff’s longtime traditional family recipes prepared in a scratch producing, labor-intense kitchen. Hearty plates are delivered to white linen, flower and candle adorned tables by devoted professionals. There’s something for everyone, starting with tableside guacamole, hand-cut carne asada, a build-your-own-plate of tacos, tostadas, sopes, enchiladas, tamales and flautas, as well as fresh ahi, mahi mahi, and sea bass tacos, to 21-day aged filets, one-pound pork chops and bone-in rib eyes. The seasonal cocktail selection boasts scratch-made 21-ounce margaritas and house drinks as well as a boutique of perfectly paired wines.

Established in 2009, Tequila Restaurante takes great pride in its current “on the

GIOVANNI’S

Welcome to Giovanni’s

P

rocopio LoDuca immigrated to the United States as a young boy. He achieved the dream of owning his own restaurant and began Giovanni’s on July 1, 1966.

Pro’s wife Nancy and daughter Mary continue to run Giovanni’s in a way that he would be proud of.

Giovanni’s offers expertly prepared veal, pasta, seafood and other Italian delicacies. The numerous dishes Chef Chris Pohl prepares daily will be decided upon early each morning, based on the availability of the market. Chef Pohl is eager to please you with his daily effort of serving fine food.

Our staff is here to explain the various dishes prepared by our chef and to expertly serve them to you during your Giovanni’s experience. You may find it no longer necessary to fly to Italy for the “Cucina Italiana.”

Book your holiday parties and events today . . . here at the restaurant, at your home, or office. Giovanni’s is available for catering large parties (50 person minimum) at your home or business. Our main dining room is available Saturday afternoons from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Reservation requires a minimum of 30 guests and can accommodate up to 60.

Advance reservation required and special menu applies.

Giovanni’s Giovanni’s gift certificates available . . .

603 Ridge Rd Always a gift in good taste! All items Munster, Ind. available for carry-out.

219.836.6220

Join our Family this Holiday Season.

We offer expertly prepared Pasta, Veal, Risotto, Seafood, and Steak cooked to perfection!

Be sure to save room for our delicious desserts!

Make your

Holiday Reservations!

Private parties and on-site catering is available. Please call for more information.

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DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

KELLY’S TABLE 5 7 2 7 N 6 0 0 W, M i c h i g a n C i t y.

219.872.5624. kellyscreekwood. com. Tucked away amidst 30 acres of woodland, the Creekwood Inn, built in the 1930s as a second home, is a delightful spot for those wanting to get away. But you don’t have to spend the night to enjoy a great repast at Kelly’s Table, located inside the inn. It’s here that chef/proprietor Patricia Kelly Molden creates a seasonal menu using the local bounty of the neighboring farms and orchards. Recent appetizer offerings include a rich Onion Soup Savoyarde with egg yolks and cream, topped with Gruyère toast as well as crabmeat and artichoke-stuffed mushrooms. Entrées range from the simple but delicious chicken tetrazzini to grilled cumincrusted tuna with a mango habanero salsa, and rabbit braised in wine and served with summer vegetables. Fresh pumpkin custard—topped with whipped cream and flavored with Grand Marnier and crystallized ginger—and chocolate mousse served in chocolate tulip cups accompanied by a berry sauce are among Molden’s to-die-for desserts.

For cocktails, consider Kelly’s Table Cosmopolitan: a delightful concoction of Absolut Citron, Triple Sec, Chambord, lime and cranberry or a capirinha made with Brazilian cachaça, fresh limes and turbinado sugar.

in creating a menu with such signature dishes as steaks—offered blackened or Cajun style upon request and served at a sizzling 500 degrees for the ultimate in flavor—plus lake perch and Chilean sea bass. For more casual fare, offerings include burgers, salads and pastas.

There’s an emphasis on local products from nearby farms and ice cream from Fair Oaks Dairy Farm. Bottles of wine are half price on No Whine Wednesdays.

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include traditional minestrone soup from a family recipe, salads with fresh, locally grown produce, and crusty bread with crocks of butter. The nine-ounce prime steak tops the menu and is itself topped with Roquefort cheese in its most popular rendition. All main dishes are served with the restaurant’s signature marinated peppers, and entrées include fish and lobster delivered daily. The dessert menu features créme brûlée and various cheesecakes, but the housemade tiramisu is the highlight—a rich blend of coffee, chocolate and cream cheese flavors. A premium selection of wine, beer and cocktails is available at the full-service bar, and there is a special children’s menu so the entire family can enjoy the dining experience.

bite & sip square” location, offering a one-of-a-kind “Mexperience” in its eclectic social dining room (children’s menu available), tequila cantina (21 and over) or outdoor seating (weather permitting). Reservations strongly suggested.

VENICE ITALIAN STEAK HOUSE 275 Joliet St, Dyer. 219.322.8565. veniceitaliansteakhouse.com. A quality restaurant with pickup and delivery services available, Venice Steakhouse offers a wide array of cuisines, from Italian-inspired meals to steakhouse classics. The menu includes dinner house specialties such as chicken saltimbocca, veal medallions, and roasted whitefish.

In addition to a variety of dishes, the eatery provides a stylish atmosphere for socializing and dining. Guests can mingle in one of the two outdoor dining areas—a glass-encompassed patio and an open-air patio—as well as enjoy a marble bar indoors.

WILLIAM B’S STEAKHOUSE at BLUE CHIP CASINO 777 Blue Chip Drive, Michigan City.

888.879.7711 ext 2118. bluechipcasino.com. Named after Boyd Gaming Corporation’s chairman and CEO William S. Boyd, William B’s is a world-class steakhouse in the tradition of the Stardust Hotel in Las Vegas. Executive Chef Rudy Paniuagua advises that you should not over-grill a great steak: “The flavor of the meat and the marbling should speak for themselves.” Rib eyes, T-bones, filet and porterhouse are the centerpiece of the menu—and all the little extras are available, including creamy horseradish, sautéed onions and mushrooms, and au poivre sauce with shallots, butter, cracked peppercorns and cognac—but you will also find fresh seafood, occasional exotic selections like ostrich, and exquisite pasta dishes, prepared in-house. There is a complete cocktail menu (the traditional martinis are excellent), as well as a fivestar wine list and complete appetizer and dessert selections. The average cost of dinner is $25, and reservations are highly recommended.

Michigan

BISTRO ON THE BOULEVARD 521 Lake Blvd, St. Joseph. 269.983.6600. theboulevardinn.com/bistro. This American Bistro on Lake Michigan has a welldeserved and unrivaled reputation in Southwest Michigan. The view through the French doors overlooking the bluff is spectacular no matter what season, though dining outside on the porch has its own special charm, particularly at sunset

or on a starry summer night. The interior of the dining room and cozy adjacent bar is impeccable. The menu changes frequently to accommodate seasonal, fresh and available fruits and vegetables, much of which are grown locally, but the basic entrée list—created by executive chef Ryan Thornburg, who worked as the restaurant’s sous chef for three years when it first opened—is extensive. Thornburg’s menu items include horseradish crusted salmon accompanied by sautéed spinach in a Michigan cherry vinaigrette, steak frites—a tallgrass 8-ounce top sirloin with pomme frites and herb butter—and crispy duck confit with sweet potato perogies, micro greens, and walnut vinaigrette.

Prices are reasonable, starting at $14 for the All American Burger with bacon, smoked gouda, lettuce, and tomato, to steaks for around $30. Be sure to check out the last Wednesday of the month sushi menu for such delights as seaweed salad with sesame dressing, shrimp tempura, avocado and cucumber with wasabi topikiko—as well as the choice of sakes.

Reservations are always helpful, especially on the weekends.

THE GRILLE AT HARBOR SHORES 4 0 0 K l o c k R d , B e n t o n H a r b o r.

269.932.4653. harborshoreslife.com/ grill. The 18-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course is the picturesque backdrop for the Grille at Harbor Shores. The new clubhouse restaurant will be open seven days a week during golf season (AprilOctober) and will schedule selected open days of the week in the off-season.

Executive Chef Mark Smith’s menu plans for breakfast, lunch and dinner will be focused on locally grown and sustainable food including a range of daily and weekly specials. While the lunch menu will have a variety of sandwiches, burgers and entrée salads, dinner will feature steaks, poultry, dish and signature dishes, also a complete wine list.

SIX.ONE.SIX at JW MARRIOTT HOTEL 235 Louis Campau Promenade NW, Grand Rapids. 616.242.1500. ilovethejw.com/ dining.html. Bringing the best through the door on the front end is the hallmark of this luxury hotel, located in this Michigan town on a growth trajectory. The menu is simple, and executive chef Justin Dalenberg satisfies the most discerning palate. Size, freshness and outstanding taste characterize the seafood. The mussels, oysters, salmon, tuna and scallops are cooked flawlessly and served in a variety of ways, including raw, grilled and poached in herb and broth combinations that coax out and mix perfect flavors.

3158 S. St. Rd. 2 Valparaiso, IN 866-761-3753

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Locally produced poultry, particularly the duck breast, gets an excellent treatment with specially designed, hand-cut vegetable sides. Steaks, chops and filets are held to a high standard, and the wine pairings exceed expectations. But the extras make the entire experience so memorable: the perfect martini with a choice of olives; spiced butter and cheese selections served with a variety of freshbaked crackers and breads; a cheese plate presented with separate garnishes for each type and slice; and housemade desserts, including a thick, rich and dense crème brûlée in multiple flavors. Even the coffee is a treat, especially when complemented by an aged Porto. The architecture, spacious interior design, orchestrated and technically perfect lighting, and impeccable service combine to create an atmosphere that enhances the experience. Entrées average $25-$35.

The specialty drink (the bar features a wall of blue Skyy Vodka bottles) and the wine list, like the menu, are high-quality and carefully chosen. Reservations are a very good idea; while the restaurant, Mixology bar and the atrium lounge fill the vast expanse of the first floor, at certain times on the weekends every seat is taken, and there may be a short wait.

TABOR HILL WINERY & RESTAURANT 1 8 5 M t . Ta b o r R d , B u c h a n a n .

800.283.3363. taborhill.com. Tabor Hill Winery’s restaurant is all at once elegant, urbane and semi-casual. Its windows afford ample, rolling vineyard views; the menu is sophisticated. Chef John Paul Verhage, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, gives a modified California-cuisine touch to signature dishes like raspberry chicken and the salmon wrapped in grape leaves. The extensive appetizer menu includes items like mini Morel Mushroom Pizzas and Kobe Beef Carpaccio. Though the restaurant is easy to find—just a half hour north of South Bend and 20 minutes east of New Buffalo—it’s not always easy to get in.

Reservations are suggested—but those who wander in unannounced can sip at the complimentary wine bar or purchase a glass and enjoy it on the stone terrace overlooking the vines. Tabor Hill produces a wonderful variety of award-winning wines, but for those who desire a harder libation, a full bar awaits.

WILD DOG GRILLE 24 Center St, Douglas. 269.857.2519. thewilddoggrille.com. Sam Kendall, co-owner of the Wild Dog Grille, says their Italian-inspired cuisine, with a new-age twist, has been delighting the public ever since they opened their doors in June 2007.

Start out with fresh spring rolls stuffed with crab meat and wrapped in a thin rice paper, or try the crab cake served with three dollops of Creole rémoulade for a flavor enhancement. Another tasty option is the pesto spinach cheese dip served with flat breads fired fresh in the stone oven.

Their trademark stone oven pizzas are fired in the best stone oven on the market for an old-world, thin-crust flavor. Fresh-cut steaks, such as the popular filet mignon and New York strip, are exceptional. Finish the meal with a vanilla panna cotta made from scratch from the chef’s family recipe, the Oregon berry cobbler or a Key lime tart. The restaurant has a liquor license, and the owners pride themselves on offering a laid-back atmosphere with the quality of high-end restaurants. Prices go up to $25.95 for the filet mignon, with most selections under $20.

Illinois

GLENWOOD OAKS RIB & CHOP HOUSE 106 N Main St, Glenwood. 708.758.4400. glenwoodoaks.com. The Jarosky family has been serving a solid menu of steaks, chops, fresh seafood and vegetables for a generation, with specials that reflect newly popular items or vegetables in season. But the clientele returns again and again for the staples, which include Angus steaks and chops, sautéed fresh lake perch, oysters Rockefeller done à la Isabelle, and salads of crunchy iceberg lettuce with house dressing. Armadillo eggs—fresh jalapeño peppers stuffed with cheddar, fried and served with salsa and sour cream—are the ultimate in comfort food. Dinner entrées average $20; lunch entrées run in the $12 range.

SIAM MARINA THAI CUISINE 80 River Oaks Center, Calumet City.

708.862.3438. 1669 Sibley Blvd, Calumet City. 708.868.0560. Chef-proprietor Tammy Pham has evolved into a legend for her mastery of a full menu with dozens of vegetarian options as well as traditionally spiced and marinated poultry dishes. The spring rolls and peanut sauce are prepared in-house daily, along with special soups. The authentic pad Thai has a loyal following, and fresh coconut works in many of the dishes, including dessert. A multi-course lunch averages $12, dinner $15.

For more restaurant listings, please go to visitshoremagazine.com.

¡Bienvenidos!

For Lunch & Dinner

The only Spanish restaurant in Indiana.

don Quijote Restaurante

Celebrating Our 26th Anniversary Outdoor Dining Available

Downtown Valparaiso

219-462-7976

www.donquijoterestaurantandimports.com

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CIAO BELLA RISTORANTE

T

Book your holiday parties and events now! Enjoy an expertly prepared meal in our new private party room and lounge.

Accommodations up to 100. Catering also available.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with us, now accepting reservations.

GIft CardS aVaILaBLE. Purchase a $100 gift card and receive a $20 gift card free

Weekly Dinner & Drink Specials Express Lunch 11am-2:30pm ~ $9.95 •

All You Can Eat Buffet Monday, Wednesday & Friday Create Your Own Pasta Tuesday and Thursday

1514 U.S. 41, Schererville, IN 219.322.6800 M-Th 11am-10pm | F-Sat 11am-11pm | Sun 11am-10pm

www.ciaobellaonline.com visit www.opentable.com to make your reservations.

DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

he holidays have always been a special time inside Ciao Bella Ristorante. Yet, the addition of a breathtaking new banquet room is sure to make this winter extra special at this Schererville eatery.

Completed this past summer, the new private dining room space is designed to seat 60-70 guests and provides the perfect setting for all holiday dining needs.

“The Italian design and landscape of the existing restaurant found its way to our new banquet room, and it just couldn’t be a warmer atmosphere,” says Ciao Bella owner Giuseppe “Joe” Scalzo, whose talented design team completed the expansion this summer. “The antique doors can be closed to create a wonderful private dining experience, and the Italian artwork in that particular room is just gorgeous.”

Focusing on the very best in Italian Regional cuisine, Ciao Bella’s original recipes are truly what keep people from all across the Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland area coming back for more.

Entrées such as the delectable Rigatoni Boscaiola (mushrooms, Calabrese sausage and peas sautéed in a tomato cream sauce) and Tagliata Toscana (NY strip steak with rosemary and peppercorn, broiled and served with arugula and rosemary potatoes) are just some of the mouth-watering dishes Ciao Bella is known for.

Preparing to celebrate their third anniversary, Ciao Bella is already booking up when it comes to holiday dining reservations, especially within the new banquet room.

“This room came to be thanks to the request of our customers,” explains Scalzo, who emigrated to the United States 15 years ago when he was 27 years old. “This will be our first holiday season offering the new space to our customers, and we are really excited to be able to do it.”

Many other changes have also taken place at the popular eatery, including the addition of a new expanded bar area, a larger lounge area and a new menu with a number of scrumptious new offerings. And no longer is it just a place to get a good meal! A native of Calabria, Italy, Scalzo says they are always looking for ways to bring their “family of customers” together, so offerings such as monthly cooking classes and wine tastings have become quite popular in recent months.

“It’s really fun and exciting to be able to come together and share the love of food and wine together,” says Scalzo.

“Not only will you learn something, but also have yet another opportunity to sit amongst friends!”

Previously having worked with Rosebud Restaurants and owned two Chicago restaurants, Piazza Bella (since sold) and Via Carducci (now owned by his brother John), Scalzo’s experience with helping events become memorable actually spans many years and is something that ultimately sets him apart from the other restaurant owners in Northwest Indiana. It will be Scalzo that will undoubtedly be there to greet and extend his warm wishes to customers throughout the holiday season.

“This restaurant has always had a cozy feel, but there is nothing like Ciao Bella the warmth you can feel here when Ristorante surrounded by family and friends 1514 US 41 during the holidays,” he concludes.

Schererville, Ind. “There is no place like Ciao Bella to 219.322.6800 truly get in the holiday spirit.” ciaobellaonline.com

oin our table for the finest & freshest Italian flavors and an extensive wine list which is sure to please.

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Ciao Bella’s expanded space and menu are perfect for the holidays

We look forward to

S T E A K S • C H O P S • PA S TA • S E A F O O D Dyer Location – Last Sunday of each month • Merrillville Location – 3rd Sunday of every month

Enjoy a different menu each month for one all-inclusive price Limited Seating. Call for reservations.

January 2013 January 20th – Gino’s Merrillville January 27th – Gino’s Dyer

February 2013 February 17th – Gino’s Merrillville February 24th – Gino’s Dyer

Jack Daniels & Woodford Reserve Dinner $55 per guest

Chilean Wine Pairing Event $45 per guest

Enjoy a multi course dinner paired with flights of Woodford Reserve, Gentleman Jack, and other brands in the Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey family. Dessert is included, as well as live entertainment.

Guests will enjoy a sampling of 6-8 premium Chilean wines, paired with various fruits, meats and cheeses, along with a light appetizer buffet and dessert. Hosted by Simon Barrios of Crossroads Vintners, guests will also receive wine education and instruction throughout the event.

Live entertainment scheduled.

Each guest will receive a personally engraved 375 ml. bottle of Gentleman Jack or Woodford Reserve

CATERING, PRIVATE PARTIES, OPEN FOR LUNCH AT 11AM Join Ginos VIP Mobile Club Text GINOSDYER or GINOSMERR to 71441 and receive special offers and promotions throughout the month.

1259 W. US 30, Dyer, IN | 219-865-3854 600 E. US 30, Merr illville, IN | 219-769-4466 w w w. g i n o s s t e a k h o u s e . c o m

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

GINO’S STEAKHOUSE

Create holiday memories at Gino’s Steakhouse

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Style and Rigatoni pasta with Gino’s vodka sauce.”

Steakhouse 1259 Joliet St Of course, Gino’s is also known for Dyer, Ind. their appetizers and desserts menu, 219.865.3854 including the restaurant’s signature marinated peppers that come with 600 East Lincoln Hwy every meal, their shrimp cocktail and Merrillville, Ind. oyster Rockefeller and an amazing 219.769.4466 version of Tiramisu. “We offer daily ginossteakhouse.com specials that are offered by our servers to our customers that change on a daily basis,” explains Frangos. “We also have monthly specials that are updated and always mentioned on our website. We actually offer a number of online specials, including a chance for customers to text GINOSMERR or GINOSDYER to 71441 to receive one free cheesecake OR tiramisu. Also, customers will receive valuable offers each month and updates on special events.”

Holiday reservations fill up quickly, so it’s important to call soon to reserve a spot for your celebrations. “The holiday season is our busiest time of the year,” explains Frangos. “In addition to all of our usual business, we see lots of families come together, as well as holiday parties for both businesses and families, so make sure to call ahead.”

DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

he holiday season brings its share of stresses, but also countless opportunities to come together with dear family and friends over scrumptious meals and delicious drinks. For many residents, Gino’s Steakhouse offers the ideal setting for some of these memorable gettogethers.

Offering a Chicago steakhouse experience right here in Northwest Indiana, Gino’s Steakhouse attracts customers in search of casual fine dining in a quite comfortable atmosphere, perfect for good conversation throughout the holiday season.

Owners Steve Vlahos, Nick Vlahos and Dean Frangos say that the holidays are some of their favorite times of the year. “We also host dozens of holiday parties, as well as cater many outside holiday events as well,” says Dean Frangos, Owner/CEO of Gino’s Steakhouse in Dyer.

And while the Dyer location of Gino’s opened in 2004 and the Merrillville location opened in 2008, their history actually goes much farther back in time. “The original Gino’s was located in Harvey, Ill., for 60 years but eventually burned down,” explains Frangos, whose restaurant also offers live entertainment every Friday and Saturday at both locations from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., including jazz, oldies, R&B and soft rock. “When the restaurant first opened, there was a young 18-year-old girl named Ethel Wells working there as a bus girl. She eventually worked her way up to the head chef, and it was her who brought all of the recipes over to help open the new Gino’s in Indiana. She was the head chef there until she passed away from cancer in 2008. She passed on all of her knowledge to the current head chef for the Dyer location, Jose Vasquez.”

These recipes now find a home on Gino’s Steakhouse’s extensive menu. Offering a delectable selection of steak, pastas, chops and seafood, the restaurant offers separate menus for lunch and dinner. “One thing that separates us from the rest is we offer dry aged prime steaks,” explains Frangos. “Some of our other popular dishes include Gino’s Signature Filet with Roquefort cheese, Ahi Tuna, Chilean Sea Bass, Chicken Vesuvio

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Add a touch of sparkle and shine using accents with reflective finishes such as mirror, glass, pottery, shimmer, metal. Add these finishes when selecting coffee table accents (candles, runners, bowls and vases), wall art, or table lamps. Consider changing a larger surface such as window treatment panels or a coffee table to a finish with sheen or shine.

Tuck in a touch of animal print. Animal prints are everywhere this season especially cheetah print.

Tuck in an animal print pillow in the bedroom or living room. How about an accent chair or ottoman covered in leopard or cheetah for fun?

Go Global Chic with a blend of contemporary style and old world detail featuring vibrant color accents, textured fabrics and exotic accessories that give the impression of a world traveler. Look for upholstery coverings in Faux leathers with texture and woven textured fabrics. Introduce exotic colorful patterns on pillows and accent chairs and ottomans. Replace older wood tables with newer wood accent tables feature interesting inlays on the top surface such as mosaic patterns, slate or tile.

Accent with an area rug. An area rug can cozy up a seating area or dining space. Look for interesting textured rugs to contrast with smoother wood and upholstery finishes of a room, Consider an alternate rug shape to add interest like a square, oval or kidney shaped rug.

Add a touch of citrus. Adding this trendy hue of orange will awaken anyone senses during the winter season.

Citrus hues complement earthy, neutral and chocolate color schemes. Try adding a touch of turquoise or aqua as another complement to citrus.

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Sparkling

TRADITIONS TAKING THE HOLIDAYS TO THE MAX WITH CANNON FRANK

Blending generations of their family histories and their religious beliefs, Cary Frank and his partner John Cannon take the holidays to the max. • “It’s three generations and two family houses,” says Frank about the historic lakefront home in Union Pier and the Mies van der Rohe apartment in Chicago the two share. • And as the holiday time gets near, the two—owners of the Chicago based designed firm Cannon Frank—really kick their generational thing into high gear.

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WORDS BY JANE AMMESON . PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY V. MARTIN

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The 9-foot top of the Christmas tree in the Union Pier lakeside home belonging to Cary Frank and his partner John Cannon, twinkles with 1600 white lights and some 1200 holiday ornaments, a collection so large that they have their own closet.

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For Cannon—who remembers Christmas celebrated in the family home while growing up in Springfield, Illinois—and Frank—who celebrated Hannukah in Oak Park—it meant the merging not only of sparkling Christmas ornaments and a towering tree, but also Stars of David, menorahs and dreidels.

Each year the two, who have been together for 32 years, select a 40-foot blue or green spruce from Pat’s Tree Service in LaPorte, Indiana, and have the top 9 feet removed to use as a Christmas tree in their living room overlooking a native garden leading down the bluff to a large stretch of Lake Michigan beach. Cannon then uses the remaining limbs to fashion garlands and boughs to decorate both the home’s exterior and interior.

Anything left over he uses for compost for his extensive gardens.

Cannon likes to use the top of the tree because its open branches can hold the 1,200 or so ornaments passed down from his grandparents to his parents and then to him as well as those he and Frank have collected over the years to decorate the tree. The two have so many ornaments they dedicate a closet for storage—a large space filled with boxes and a steamer trunk that doesn’t include their lights.

“I have been decorating and collecting all my life,” says Cannon as he shows delicately beaded copper ornaments made by Nairobi women that he and Frank bought at a charity auction. “When I met Cary, it was someone to share it with.”

The two string 1,600 white lights on the tree, which in the evening could glow so brightly that they added a 1,500-watt dimmer switch when renovating the home after a fire five years ago. “We do all white lights because there’s every rainbow color in the ornaments and having colored lights would be too much,” Cannon says.

Outside floodlights go from white to red during the season and thousands more lights are strung on the tall evergreens in the large yard surrounding the house—though this year instead of lighting up 28 trees the couple are limiting it to 15. “Every year we buy new white lights for the tree,” Frank says, “and we use the old strings outside because we don’t want to have one of the inside strings die and have to take everything down.”

The mantel atop of the painted and glazed brick fireplace (hand painted by their good friend Suzanne Frazier, an artist who lives in New Buffalo) are lined with menorahs belonging to Frank’s mother and grandmother. On the garage, Cannon set up a 5-foot Star of David illuminated with blue lights.

The home they share is a perfect backdrop for all this holiday splendor. Called the Harry Brown Home, it was one of two homes on the property built in 1916 by two sisters. Frank’s grandmother Huddel, the wife of Harry Brown, and her sister each bought one of the homes in 1931 and

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[Clockwise from upper left] Much of the furniture is original to the Brown family including their wicker furniture in the glassed-in porch. The couple’s sprawling home with its extensive gardens and breathtaking views, is one of two on the property built in 1916 by two sisters.

The two own a design firm in Chicago, and used those skills in creating the perfect beach home – one that is both casual and elegant their style can be seen in bedroom décor.

Cannon loves to cook and the couple also take their charitable activities very seriously so they often have fundraisers for such organizations. Frank [left], who is Jewish, loved the idea of a Christmas tree and Cannon [right] was a collector of ornaments.

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they’ve remained in the family since then.

Frank’s cousins live in the other home.

Much of the furniture is original to the Brown family, including their wicker furniture, though Cannon and Frank have added their own as well. Buying a plank of 400-year-old elm, they mounted it to an old table stand they had and use it in one of the hallways.

They took an elaborate and very large armoire owned by Frank’s grandmother and had the dark wood repainted in a lively Parisian pastel blue and cream style by Frazier to go more with their beach home.

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No matter the season, the Brown House is a perfect spot for entertaining and Cannon, who loves to cook, feeds anywhere from a small group to 200 (when they held a fundraiser for LAMBDA Legal that was attended by 450, they used the coach house on the property as a kitchen) for the many charities they support, including the Boys and Girls Club of Benton Harbor and the Robert R. McCormick Boys and Girls Club in Uptown Chicago (Frank serves on their board). They’ve also opened up their home and gardens to raise money for the Lakefront Supportive Housing and the Heartland Alliance for Human Needs and Human Rights—two foundations that strive to alleviate poverty and homelessness—and have home and kitchen walks each year as fundraisers. Cannon designed the center for Dunebrook in LaPorte County, Indiana, another organization they support that helps abused children, and he has served on the board of DIFFA Chicago (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) since its founding in 1984 and twice chaired the organization’s designer garage sale and also chaired the DIFFA Ball.

But it isn’t only their Union Pier home that gets the holiday treatment. In the city, they festoon a tree in different styles and shades of red lights including strings of red pepper lights, bubble lights, clusters of red berries, stars, frosted lights, old fashioned big bulbs and red LEDs. “There are so many red lights that when you’re on Lake Shore Drive at North Avenue three miles away from where we live, you can see the lights in our windows,” Cannon says.

Every Christmas season, Frank and Cannon drape a 17-foot tree on their Union Pier property with old fashioned multi-colored lights, another reminder of holidays past. The two say that every time they hang an ornament or add a string of lights it brings back memories of other holidays.

“I had always wanted a Christmas tree,” Frank says, “but I never had one until John and I met each other.”

[Clockwise from top] The holidays here are for celebrating the family traditions and religious observations, including the food that comes to the table in the dining room. The original brick fireplace in the living room where the tree is placed each Christmas was hand painted and glazed by good friend Susanne Fraiser, an artist who lives in New Buffalo.

Menorahs belonging to Frank’s mother and grandmothers line a table.

Old fashioned looking, oversized windows in the master bedroom offer views of the extensive gardens planted with natives including dune grasses and stately trees and the lake waters, in the large master bedroom with its “beach” colors of sand and blues.

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shore things MARY & MARTHA HOME ACCENTS

2044 45th Street, Highland 219.924.3820 Mary & Martha offers a wide selection of home accents to help shoppers find the perfect accent piece. Their Highland showroom is filled with gorgeous lamps, unusual wall décor, artful centerpieces and other unique home accents that make a statement in home décor.

build Indiana

CK BUILDING & DESIGN CORPORATION 877.448.1516. ckbuildinganddesign.com. With more than 20 years of experience, the builders at this company specialize in custom homes and green building, as well as renovations and remodeling. CK Building works throughout Lake and Porter Counties in Indiana and Will and Cook Counties in Illinois.

DEAN’S LANDSCAPING 238 Kennedy Ave, Schererville. 219.864.9078. deanslandscaping.com. Dean Savarino and his team at Dean’s Landscaping specialize in designing outdoor rooms for the home. Using a variety of hardscape structures such as patios, walkways and retaining walls, combined with other materials and patterns, Dean’s can create a custom backyard for each customer. Customers should call to schedule a consultation.

Michigan

MC COLLUM ARCHITECTS 6109 Red Arrow Hwy, Union Pier. 269.469.9211. mccollumarchitects.com. This full-service architectural firm has spanned 40 years and 100 miles, and has built everything from urban to second home communities, low to upscale housing, single family to multi-family homes, tiny boutique restaurants and even upscale urban eateries. The firm is involved with renovating and creating new housing, amphitheaters, day care centers, and special community development projects designed to create flexible environments.

WATER PLACE 18853 W US 12, Ste 3, New Buffalo. 269.231.5153.

The Water Place is a decorative plumbing and hardware products superstore. With whirlpools, faucets and cabinets, this facility has “everything you need for plumbing services.”

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MARUSZCZAK APPLIANCE 7809 W Lincoln Hwy, Schererville. 219.865.0555. maruszczak.com. For decades, this award-winning, family-owned company has been selling and servicing major home appliances in the Munster area. Its broad inventory includes refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, washer/dryers and more, made by virtually every brand in the market. The company is factory-authorized to service everything it sells, and professional in-house delivery and installation services are also available.

design Indiana

STEINER HOMES 4825 W 100th Ln, Crown Point. 219.916.3744. steinerhomesltd.com. Steiner Homes offers affordable homes throughout Lake, LaPorte and Porter counties. The in-house residential home designer works with clients’ ideas, either from a previous plan or starting from scratch. Clients can build on their own lot, or Steiner has access to a variety of lots throughout the area. A variety of features are available, and Steiner is committed to keeping those options at the highest quality and most affordable price.

THE BEACH HOUSE 619 E 3rd St, Hobart. 219.942.0783. The 1,000-squarefoot showroom at the Beach House features “beachy,” cottage-style home furnishing and accessories. In the store’s lower level, The Wicker Gallery, custom orders are accepted. The store began as and still houses an upscale showroom of very current, high-quality, preowned furniture known as Like New.

ARCHITECTURAL ACCENTS, INC 9760 Indiana Pkwy, Munster. 219.922.9333. archaccents.com. This architectural millwork shop specializes in one-piece curved wood molding and radius millwork. In addition to radius casings for windows and doors, Architectural Accents can customize products for any shape and wood specie.

HOMENCLATURE 1 9 4 8 4 5 t h Av e , M u n s t e r. 2 1 9 . 6 9 7 . 2 5 4 8 . myhomenclature.com. This furniture store’s

ever-changing high quality inventory includes new and gently used home furnishings-complete living room sets, armoires, footstools, candlesticks and more-and original one-of-a-kind décor. Homenclature offers a range of styles from traditional, modern and contemporary to retro and eclectic.

INDIANA FURNITURE 1807 E Lincolnway, Valparaiso. 219.465.0545. athomeatlast.com. Since 1980, this family-owned and -operated company has offered quality home furnishings and customer service. A wide range of home furnishing providers are represented here, including Ashley, Lane and La-Z-Boy. MC INTERIORS 1102 Franklin St, Michigan City. 219.872.7236. mcinteriorsin.com. MC Interiors offers a variety of home décor products including window treatments, floor coverings, draperies and upholstery. Services include free in-home consultation and estimates, plus installation of drapery, blinds, carpet, hardwood and ceramic flooring.

Michigan

BAYBERRY COTTAGE 510 Phoenix St., South Haven. 269.639.9615. bayberrycottage.com. One of South Haven’s most well-known shops, Gwen DeBruyn’s Bayberry Cottage features home furnishings and accessories which include furniture, wall décor, rugs, florals and bath and body products. Interior design services are also available, and items can be special ordered if not in stock.

CUSTOMS IMPORTS 430 S Whittaker St, New Buffalo. 269.469.9180. customsimports.com. This exotic gallery hosts a large, distinguished inventory of global art, furniture and antiques from India, Indonesia, China, Morocco and Vietnam. Dee Dee Duhn’s showroom features teak root benches, textiles, Indonesian pottery, unique new furniture and an extensive mirror gallery. Claudia Lobao’s Global Dreams jewelry can also be found here.

photo by TONY V. MARTIN

The information presented in Shore Things is accurate as of press time, but readers are encouraged to call ahead to verify the listing information.

RED ARROW GALLERY 1 3 6 4 8 R e d A r r o w H w y, H a r b e r t .

269.469.1950. redarrowgallery.com.

Red Arrow Gallery is the largest gallery in southwestern Michigan dedicated to bringing art lovers a vast selection of art from the most talented and unique artists in the area. The collection includes oils, acrylics, sculptures, jewelry, art lamps and sculptural furniture. The gallery offers a varied collection of fine art by established wellknown artists as well as talented emerging artists. Furniture artists are available to design and construct one-of-a-kind pieces that could be the centerpiece of a home.

SANCTUARY at CUSTOMS IMPORTS 430 S Whittaker St, New Buffalo.

269.469.9180. customsimports.com. Born out of a desire for inner peace amidst the nation’s current economic turmoil is Sanctuary, the new store-within-a-store at Customs Imports. Owner Dee Dee Duhn has dedicated this space to feature items promoting quiet and tranquility, including art, music, candles, fountains and incense.

SAWYER HOME & GARDEN CENTER 5865 Sawyer Rd, Sawyer. 269.426.8810. sawyergardencenter.com. The Sawyer Garden Center offers a large inventory of items for the garden, including annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees, plus a variety of high-quality lawn accessories. A large gift shop and gourmet shop—featuring produce, breads, sauces and cheeses—are also on site.

drive Indiana

ARNELL CHEVROLET 2 3 9 M e l t o n R d , B u r n s H a r b o r.

219.787.9200. arnellmotors.com. One of Northwest Indiana’s largest auto dealers features an impressive inventory of new and used Chevrolets, Hummers and Corvettes. Parts, servicing and financing are also available.

B&E MARINE 31 Lake Shore Dr, Michigan City.

888.603.2628. bemarine.com. This familyowned and -operated boat store-slashmarina features a large inventory of new Sea Ray and Boston Whaler models, along with an ever-changing selection of used and brokerage boats. Its waterfront location allows B&E Marine to provide on-the-water services, including boat slip rental, storage, hoists and fuel dock.

HARBOR AUTOMOTIVE GROUP 9 9 1 1 W 3 0 0 N , M i c h i g a n C i t y.

219.879.6789. harborcars.com. This auto dynamo features new and pre-owned vehicles by Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, GMC, Honda, Jeep and Pontiac.

On-site parts, servicing and financing are also available.

THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON SHOP OF MICHIGAN CITY 2968 N Hwy 421, Michigan City.

LEXUS OF MERRILLVILLE 3957 US Hwy 30, Merrillville.

219.769.4545. lexusofmerrillville.com.

Lexus vehicles and customer-service focused sales teams can be found at this dealership, which features new and preowned vehicles—including luxury and sport sedans, SUVs and convertibles. Financing, vehicle services and parts and accessories are also available.

SCHEPEL AUTO GROUP 2 9 2 9 L i n c o l n H w y, M e r r i l l v i l l e .

866.724.3735. schepel.com. This renowned auto dealer in Northwest Indiana offers new and pre-owned vehicles by Cadillac, Hummer, Saab, Buick and Pontiac. The experienced sales staff, plus the extensive online inventory, helps consumers find the car most suited for their needs. Repair services are also available.

Michigan

RUSSELL’S FOREIGN CAR REPAIR 8754 US Hwy 31, Berrien Springs.

269.473.3088. This dealer alternative provides service, repairs and maintenance during the vehicle’s factory warranty and beyond. Russell’s Foreign Car Repair services all imported car makes, but specializes in upscale European and Asian vehicles.

give Indiana

BARK & MEOW 108 Lincolnway, Valparaiso. 219.477.3600.

For nearly six years, this pet accessory boutique has featured clothing and toys for dogs and cats. Bark & Meow also carries a large selection of treats like bacon cheese balls, tuna sticks, bagels and, of course, the almighty dog bone.

COPPER BUTTERFLY 120 S Main St, Crown Point. 219.663.1506.

This contemporary boutique features a large selection of Franz porcelain and jewelry, along with original art, interior accents and custom florals. Millicent and Maruca Fine Handbags and fragrances

by Elizabeth W. and Hill House are other popular items.

SCHOOLHOUSE SHOP 278 E 1500 N, Chesterton. 219.926.1551. schoolhouseshop.com. This quaint collection of shops—located inside a schoolhouse built in the 1800s—features a wide array of gifts, antiques and home décor. Adelaide clothing boutique and the Magic Pantry—which features Marilyn’s Bakery products—are popular favorites at this shopping destination.

WHITING FLOWER SHOP 1341 119th St, Whiting. 219.659.0326.

Established in 1900, this reputable flower shop offers a large variety of floral styles, for an equally large variety of occasions.

In addition to flowers, the shop carries a wide selection of giftware and collectibles, as well as plants.

Michigan

THE CHRISTMAS TREE. 675 Mizpah Park Road, Benton Harbor.

269.849.3360. This year-round Christmas

store is located 4 miles north of St. Joseph, Michigan. The store boasts beautiful, unusual, sparkling Christmas gifts and decorations, as well as gift ideas for other holidays and occasions.

Illinois

HOMEWOOD FLORIST 18064 Martin Ave, Homewood.

708.798.0326. homewoodflorist.com.

Serving the Chicago area for more than 40 years, this full-service florist offers friendly and prompt service. Homewood Florist boasts a large inventory of fresh flowers and also specializes in tropicals, plants, European gardens, high-style floral, silk and dried arrangements, and gourmet and fruit baskets.

eat Indiana

FAIR OAKS FARM 856 N 600 E, Fair Oaks. 877.536.1194. fofarms.com. This family-owned and operated dairy farm is one of the largest in the United States. The Dairy Adventure gives visitors an up-close experience, including a tour of the cheese factory, where all different types of cheeses are made, and the birthing barn, where about 80 calves are born every day.

GREAT LAKES CATERING 701 Washington St, Michigan City.

219.898.1502. greatlakescatering.com.

With a combined 150 years of experience, Ed Kis and family have formed one of the area’s leading catering companies. A full range of services is available for all kinds of events, including catered foods and beverages, bands, tents, tables and more.

For 10 years in a row, Great Lakes Catering has been voted Northern Indiana’s premier caterer and special event planner.

Michigan

OLIVE MILL 220 Culver St, Saugatuck. 269.857.5900. olivemillsaugatuck.com. The Olive Mill offers imported and flavored olive oils, nut oils, aged balsamic vinegars, and dipping spices for bread, along with chips and dips, tapenades, spreads and sauces.

Patrons can sample from the wide variety of olive oils and balsamic vinegars in the store, and items can be purchased online as well. Several tasty gift sets are available, as well as serving pieces and bath and body creams, oils and shampoos. The Olive Mill also has locations in Geneva and Naperville, Illinois.

heal Indiana

CENTER FOR IMPLANTS, SEDATION AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY 890 Richard Rd, Ste A, Dyer. 219.227.5084. chicagonodentures.com. The doctors at this state-of-the-art dental office—Dr. Irfan Atcha, Dr. Jasmine Sandhu, Dr. Nilofer Khan and Dr. Romal Sediq—specialize in full or partial implant services. The staff at the center is up to date on the latest technology and offers a pleasant, peaceful and even fun experience with friendly service and a gentle touch.

CARE POINTE EAR, NOSE AND THROAT DOCTORS 801 Macarthur Boulevard, Munster.

219.836.2201. carepointe.net. The otolaryngologists at Care Pointe spend most of their time listening to understand patients’ concerns, and responding with the best treatment options. CarePointe Ear, Nose, Throat and Sinus Center uses the

most advanced and up-to-date techniques and treatments, such as minimally-invasive sinus treatments, in-office CT Scanning, balloon sinuplasty, and allergy testing to accurately diagnose and quickly treat patients.

COMMUNITY HOSPITAL 9 0 1 M a c A r t h u r B l v d , M u n s t e r.

219.836.1600. comhs.org. This awardwinning hospital is a not-for-profit acute care facility with 354 beds and a medical staff of more than 530 physicians.

Community’s services include a surgery center, oncology center, women’s diagnostic center, pain clinic and rehabilitation center.

One of the hospital’s newest endeavors is the daVinci Surgical System, which is a cutting-edge technological system for prostate cancer.

FRANCISCAN PHYSICIANS HOSPITAL 701 Superior Ave, Munster. 219.922.4200. franciscanphysicians.org. Franciscan Physicians Hospital offers nearly 50 medical specialties and subspecialties in a 63-bed acute care hospital setting. Physicians and staff provide award winning services, stateof-the-art technology and best-in-region staffing ratios to deliver the highest quality of care. An endovascular program led by world-renowned Dr. Paul Jones provides NWI patients the best in heart care.

FRANCISCAN ST. ANTHONY HEALTH 301 W Homer St, Michigan City.

219.879.8511. saintanthonymemorial.org.

This acute care hospital, serving LaPorte, Porter and Berrien Counties, boasts an integrated health care network that is made up of an intensive care unit, a new birthing unit, an emergency department, behavioral medicine, rehabilitation services, medical surgery units, oncology, pediatrics and a multidiscipline physician practice.

FRANCISCAN ST. MARGARET HEALTH 5454 Hohman Ave, Hammond.

219.932.2300. smmhc.com. One of the largest acute-care hospitals in Northwest Indiana, Saint Margaret Health offers myriad services in their Dyer and Hammond locations as well as multiple off-site facilities. The hospital offers all private inpatient rooms, a wide variety of health care services, and state-of-the-art technology.

METHODIST HOSPITALS 600 Grant St, Gary. 219.886.4000. 8701 Broadway, Merrillville. 219.738.5500. methodisthospitals.org. With two fullservice campuses in Northwest Indiana, these not-for-profit, community-based hospitals have a reputation for being one of the region’s leading health care providers.

Methodist’s physicians, staff and volunteers proclaim a dedication to quality service, with specialties in multiple areas of physical and mental health, including cardiovascular, oncology, neuroscience, rehabilitation and behavioral health.

OBSTETRICAL & GYNECOLOGICAL ASSOCIATES, INC 1101 E Glendale Blvd, Ste 102, Valparaiso.

877.462.6249. weunderstandwomen. com. The board-certified obstetriciangynecologists—Drs. Murphy, Rutherford, Short, and Strickland—at this clinic specialize in pregnancy care, family planning, infertility and menopause, along with general women’s wellness. Patients are made to feel at ease because of the clinic’s state-of-the-art equipment and a skilled staff.

PINNACLE HOSPITAL 9301 Connecticut Dr, Crown Point.

219.796.4150. pinnaclehealthcare.net. This

DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

DORMAN GARAGE, INC 1317 Lake St, LaPorte. 219.324.7646. dormangarage.com. With more than twenty years of experience, Dorman Garage specializes in classic car restoration.

Aside from offering restoration services, there is also a large inventory of restored classic automobiles for sale.

219.878.8885. hdmichigancity.com.

While the Harley-Davidson brand needs no introduction, the Michigan City store stands out in the crowd, being a member of the largest Harley dealer in the state.

A large selection of new and pre-owned motorcycles are available for purchase or for rent. The store also offers accessories, repair services and periodic events.

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HARBOR TOWN INTERIORS 613 Broad St, St. Joseph. 269.983.7774. harbortowninteriors.com. Harbor Town Interiors offers home décor items such as furniture, mattresses, bed coverings, rugs, and home accessories. Gift items and full service design consultation are available.

shore things acute care hospital prides itself on its small facility; with only 18 beds and 5 operating suites, each patient receives high-quality care and undivided attention. Owned and operated by physicians, Pinnacle offers a full range of specialties, including orthopaedics, spinal surgeries and women’s health, and is the home to the Indiana Breast Center, led

by Dr. Marylyn Rosencranz.

PORTER REGIONAL HOSPITAL 85 E US 6, Valparaiso. 219.263.4600. 3630 Willowcreek Rd, Portage. 219.364.3000.

650 Dickinson Rd, Ste 150E, Chesterton.

219.926.7755. porterhealth.org. The new Porter Regional Hospital is a five-story 430,000-square-foot center with all private patient rooms sitting on a 104-acre site with room for growth far into the future.

With ten facilities in two counties, Porter provides health care that is recognized on local, state and national levels and offers a continuum of specialized services such as emergency/trauma, cardiology, family medicine, surgery, obstetrics, pediatrics, orthopedics, oncology, sleep lab, physical rehabilitation care and more.

ST. MARY MEDICAL CENTER 1 5 0 0 S L a k e P a r k Av e , H o b a r t .

219.942.0551. Known for its outstanding patient care, this nonprofit, acute care hospital has 190 beds and a medical staff of more than 300 physicians. Services featured include an award-winning joint replacement program, comprehensive bariatric and weight loss services, women’s diagnostic center with same-day results, acute care rehabilitation, functional/ integrative medicine, heart valve institute, and multiple outpatient facilities throughout Lake and Porter counties.

Illinois

UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO MEDICAL CENTER 5 8 4 1 S M a r y l a n d Av e , C h i c a g o .

773.702.1000. discover.uchospitals.edu.

Since 1927, the University of Chicago Medical Center has been one of the Midwest’s most reputable hospitals. Aside from basic health care, the Medical Center consists of a children’s hospital, a maternity and women’s hospital, multiple outpatient facilities, and the renowned Pritzker School of Medicine.

invest Michigan

MUTUAL BANK, KATHY SELLERS 307 W Buffalo St, New Buffalo.

269.469.5552. bankwithmutual.com.

Kathy Sellers is a Mutual Bank agent who services both first-time home buyers and seasoned investors. Mutual Bank specializes in investments and wealth management for businesses and personal clients.

live Indiana

2 VISITSHOREMAGAZINE.COM 9

COLDWELL BANKER, DAWN BERNHARDT 2110 N Calumet Ave, Valparaiso.

219.241.0952. dawnbernhardt.com.

Dawn Bernhardt is the go-to agent for homes in Chesterton’s luxurious Sand Creek subdivision, along with other properties in Porter, LaPorte and Lake Counties. The website offers an abundance of resources for both buyers and sellers.

COLDWELL BANKER, DONNA HOFMANN 219.331.1133. dhofmann.com. Donna Hofmann, Coldwell Banker and Residential Brokerage, specializes in residential properties in the Indiana Dunes.

SOURCE ONE REAL ESTATE 855 E North St, Crown Point. 219.662.5445. source1re.com. This independent real estate company provides residential and commercial real estate sales to individuals, small businesses, large corporations, nonprofit organizations, home builders and developers throughout Northwest Indiana.

Owners Roger Lain and Joe Gambril bring a combined 30+ years of experience in real estate sales and customer service.

Michigan

AMERICAN HOMES, SHARON HALLIBURTON 4532 Red Arrow Hwy, Stevensville.

269.208.3862. sharonhalliburton.com. For more than 30 years, Sharon Halliburton has specialized in property management, having been licensed as a real estate agent and a broker more than 10 years ago. Her expertise covers residential, lakefront and vacation properties, plus farms, golf courses and vineyards.

COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE 10 N Whittaker St, New Buffalo.

269.469.3950. coldwellbankeronline.com.

New Buffalo’s premier real estate firm features properties in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin. Both the in-office staff and the Coldwell Banker website offer multiple services and resources for buyers and sellers.

HARBOR SHORES REALTORS 584 Lake St, Saugatuck. 269.857.3900. harborshoresrealtors.com. Principal broker Tammy Kerr and team specialize in helping their clients buy and sell properties in the Saugatuck/Douglas area. Each of the agents are members of the National Association of REALTORS. HARBOR SHORES RESORT 269.932.1600. harborshoresresort.com.

Southwest Michigan’s biggest, most talked about project is underway in Benton Harbor. The residential community will include a Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, marinas, an indoor water park and a luxury spa. The property is surrounded by two rivers and five beaches. Custom home sites and cottages are available.

PRUDENTIAL RUBLOFF PROPERTIES 439 S Whittaker St, New Buffalo.

269.469.8300. rubloff.com. Since 1930, Rubloff has been one of the premier real estate firms on the local scene. Serving clients all along Lake Michigan’s southern coast and beyond, the certified sales associates at Rubloff proclaim great success in buying, selling and renting properties along the lakeshore.

Illinois

DEWITT PLACE 900 N DeWitt Pl, Chicago. 312.642.7020. dewittplace.com. This 82-unit vintage building, built in 1924, offers corporate housing, temporary furnished apartment rentals and long-term temporary housing solutions. These studio and one-bedroom apartments come with a variety of amenities, including a fully equipped kitchen, wireless Internet access, DirecTV satellite service and an exercise room.

pamper Indiana

COSMEDIC SKIN & BODY CLINIC 210 E 86th Pl, Merrillville. 219.795.1255.

58 E Walton, Chicago. 312.377.3333. cosmedicclinic.com. Dr. James Platis, who has been featured on local and national news programs and has been applauded by

Dr. Phil, specializes in all forms of surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures, particularly breast surgery, body contouring and facial aesthetic surgery. Less invasive procedures include tanning, waxing and facials.

EBONY & CO 888.909.5911. ebonyandcompany.net.

Ebony & Co. is a licensed cosmetology firm specializing in bridal and special events.

They hold special events for clients and anyone interested in their services, and strive to provide the best cosmetology services in Northwest Indiana.

ELLE SALON 113 W 8th St, Michigan City. 219.874.3553.

This upscale salon, situated in Michigan City’s historic district, offers full-service hair care, plus manicures, pedicures and facial waxing. Retail products include skin care, body care, a men’s line, wooden styling tools, a full line of Aveda products, and other calming items such as Aveda teas, candles and oils.

STUDIO ONE 9228 Indianapolis Blvd, Ste 3, Highland.

219.923.1915. Dennis Schram and his staff at Studio One present a home-away-fromhome atmosphere at their salon. Seven stylists work on the floor, and they offer a range of services including hair, nails and massages.

VANIS SALON & SPA 221 US 41, Ste J, Schererville. 219.322.5600.

1620 Country Club Rd, Valparaiso.

219.465.6414. 107 N Main St Ste A, Crown Point. 219.663.5200. vanis.net. One of Northwest Indiana’s premier salons, Vanis features a well-trained, professional staff for hair care, nail care and spa body treatments.

Group and corporate retreats (for four to twenty people) can be arranged.

Michigan

HEATH & COMPANY 419 S Whittaker St, New Buffalo.

269.469.4247. This Aveda-concept salon is one of the familiar businesses greeting visitors to New Buffalo from the south.

Owner Rick Heath and his staff gel their expertise and friendliness, making a trip to this salon more of an experience than a necessity. Services include hair care, nail care, massage therapy and waxing.

party Indiana

AVALON MANOR 3 5 5 0 E U S 3 0 H w y, M e r r i l l v i l l e .

219.945.0888. theavalonmanor.com. Along with exceptional service, the Avalon Manor boasts elegant interior décor, exclusive bridal suites and a stunning staircase that leads into a beautiful ballroom.

CASA DEL ROMA 7 1 2 C a l u m e t A v e , Va l p a r a i s o .

219.465.0478. casadelroma.com. This fullservice banquet facility offers a wedding chapel, catering services for up to 700 people, and a quaint Italian ambience.

There are five banquet rooms from which to choose, to accommodate any size and style of wedding.

CENTER FOR VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS 1040 Ridge Rd, Munster. 219.836.1950. cvpa.org. Up to 450 guests can share in your joy at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts, which features a variety of table options, glass and crystal table settings, and elegant extra touches. The center offers visually stunning elements, including crystal chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor brick terrace.

LUBEZNIK CENTER FOR THE ARTS 1 0 1 W 2 n d S t , M i c h i g a n C i t y.

219.874.4900. lubeznikcenter.org. This art center is a sophisticated venue that can transform a wedding into its own work of art. Located on Michigan City’s lakefront, the building features impressive architecture both inside and out. With fine art, photography and sculpture as a backdrop, its three galleries, including the library with its lake view, provide a variety of spaces. Capacity of main gallery: 150 banquet, 250 cocktail.

PALAIS ROYALE 1 0 5 W C o l f a x Av e , S o u t h B e n d .

574.235.5612. palaisroyale.org. Built in 1922, and a member of the National Registry of Historic Places, this premier banquet facility has a rich history of hosting big bands and dance parties.

Newly renovated and reopened in 2002, the Palais Royale’s majestic, garden-themed ballroom accurately reflects its former 1920s splendor-complete with a fabulous chandelier and hardwood floors-and is available for wedding receptions, banquets, corporate events, reunions and more.

Michigan

THE BOULEVARD INN AND BISTRO 521 Lake Blvd, St. Joseph. 269.983.6600. theboulevardinn.com. St. Joseph’s famous hotel is available for small, intimate wedding receptions, as well as for bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, and morningafter brunch. The inn can also be a place for guests to stay, no matter where the wedding takes place.

CASTLE FARMS 5052 M-66 North, Charlevoix.

231.237.0884. castlefarms.com. This historic venue, known for its unique charm, elegant décor and outstanding customer service, boasts spectacular architecture, stunning outdoor courtyards, lush gardens and more. Couples can choose from six beautiful rooms, all with views of the gardens and courtyards. Capacity: Up to 500.

Illinois

GLENWOOD OAKS 106 N Main St, Glenwood. 708.758.4400. glenwoodoaks.com. The private dining rooms at Glenwood Oaks can accommodate 20 to 250 guests. Valet parking, complimentary wedding cake and free limousine services are available.

play Indiana

BLUE CHIP CASINO, HOTEL & SPA 777 Blue Chip Dr, Michigan City.

888.879.7711. bluechipcasino.com. The casino portion of Blue Chip features 65,000 square feet of gaming, all on one level, including more than 2,100 slot games and all the classic table games. The 22-story Spa Blu Tower features a state-of-the-art hotel, luxury spa and convention center.

Dining options include It’s Vegas Baby! and The Game, along with the fine-dining restaurant William B’s Steakhouse.

HORSESHOE CASINO 777 Casino Center Dr, Hammond.

866.711.7463. horseshoe.com. The legendary Jack Binion’s Horseshoe is one of Indiana’s largest casinos, located just minutes from Chicago. More than 46,679 square feet of gaming space includes 2,000 slot machines and 49 table games such as blackjack, craps and roulette. The pavilion’s many dining options include Jack Binion’s Steakhouse, JB’s Gourmet Sandwiches, Village Square Buffet and Uno Express.

FOUR WINDS CASINO RESORT 11111 Wilson Rd, New Buffalo.

866.494.6371. fourwindscasino.com.

Four Winds offers 130,000 square feet of gaming. Patrons can enjoy 3,000 slots, featuring the area’s biggest progressive jackpots and a large selection of table games including blackjack, craps and traditional and automated poker in a World Poker Tour poker room. Dining includes three restaurants, from Copper Rock Steakhouse to an all-you-can-eat buffet.

stay Indiana

BLUE HERON INN 1110 Lakeside St, LaPorte. 800.575.3880. pleastshore.com. Situated on scenic Pine Lake in LaPorte, the Blue Heron Inn features luxury rooms with jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces. Guests can choose from a variety of room selections and special packages. Floating boathouses-equipped with a queen bed, sofa and outside deckare also available for lodging during the summer months.

INN AT ABERDEEN 3 1 5 8 S S t a t e R d 2 , Va l p a r a i s o .

219.465.3753. innataberdeen.com.

Located in the beautiful and prestigious Aberdeen neighborhood, just minutes from downtown Valparaiso, the Inn at Aberdeen is a comfortable and convenient place to stay. A variety of unique rooms and suites are available, as well as a Flavia coffee and tea bar, a full gourmet breakfast every morning, and all of the amenities needed for both a personal and business stay. A conference room is available for business meetings and private parties.

INSPIRATION WOOD 642 E. Inspiration Road, Westville.

219.983.9922. inspirationwood.com.

Inspiration Wood is a serene, private environment perfect for retreats, meetings or reunions. Nestled among 60 acres of soaring pines, woodlands and grassy meadows, Inspiration Wood is a tranquil and peaceful setting perfect for any occasion you might have. The Wood encourages wholesome recreation and provides a positive setting for learning and growth.

THE RADISSON HOTEL AT STAR PLAZA 800 E 81st Ave, Merrillville. 219.769.6311. radisson.com/merrillvillein. This Northwest Indiana staple recently underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation, which means new carpets, wall coverings, draperies and upgraded bathrooms and beds—Sleep Number!—in the guestrooms. The hotel also features modern meeting facilities, a spa, two swimming pools and whirlpools, and several restaurants and lounges.

JW MARRIOTT 235 Louis St NW, Grand Rapids.

888.844.5947. ilovethejw.com. Grand Rapids’ newest attraction is the luxury hotel JW Marriott, which accommodates 340 well-appointed rooms and suites on 23 floors. Other amenities include wireless Internet access, 32-inch flat-screen TVs and luxurious bedding. Guests residing on the Concierge Floors have access to the stylish Concierge Lounge.

MARINA GRAND RESORT 600 W Water St, New Buffalo. Hotel Reservations: 877.945.8600. Condo Sales: 888.630.7770. marinagrandresort.com.

Situated on the New Buffalo Harbor, this brand-new, boutique condo-hotel features luxury finishes and fixtures, European

SNOOTY FOX 1 3 4 1 6 R e d A r r o w H w y, H a r b e r t .

269.426.5101. snootyfox.com. The Snooty Fox strives to provide a unique lodging experience in which each guest cabin will possess its own piece of nature. The Main Lodge provides the many luxuries and modern amenities such as kitchen facilities, library, sauna and your own private singleoccupancy bathroom, all state-of-the-art and only stones away from the cabins. We welcome individuals, couples, families and groups of all ages, nationality, race, creed and pets too.

visit Indiana

THE BACH INSTITUTE AT VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY Center for the Arts, 2510. 1709 Chapel Dr., Valparaiso. 219.464.5073. valpo.edu/bach.

The institute was established to ensure the legacy of the music and theological perspective of Johann Sebastian Bach for future generations. The Institute explores the life and music of Johann Sebastian Bach from its proper historic, musical and theological context through faithful and artistic performances, seminars and other academic activities.

INDIANA WELCOME CENTER 7 7 7 0 C o r i n n e D r, H a m m o n d .

219.989.7770. lakecountycvb.com. Sandy beaches, four lakefront casinos, arts and culture, family activities, historical sites, thousands of restaurants and year-round events and festivals are all just a short drive away from both Chicago and Southwest Michigan. The friendly and knowledgeable staff at the Indiana Welcome Center will help visitors plan their trips to Lake County.

NORTHWEST INDIANA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 1040 Ridge Rd., Munster. 219.836.0690.

The orchestra, a group of 75 rostered professional musicians is under the leadership of Music Director and Conductor, Kirk Muspratt. The orchestra plays a full season of subscription concerts, in addition to a number of educational outreach initiatives, designed to allow interaction and personal involvement by students represented in each program.

TALTREE ARBORETUM & GARDENS 450 W 100 N, Valparaiso. 219.462.0025. taltree.org. This breathtaking 360-acre reserve is filled with formal gardens, woodlands, wetlands and prairies. Visitors can hike on the trails or view themed displays such as the Native Plant Garden, Oak Islands and—new this year—the Railway Garden.

Several outdoor concerts and special events take place at Taltree throughout the season.

Michigan

FERNWOOD BOTANICAL GARDEN & NATURE PRESERVE 13988 Range Line Rd, Niles. 269.695.6491. fernwoodbotanical.org. Situated on 105 acres of cultivated and natural land, Fernwood is composed of gardens, forests and trails for visitors to peruse. An art gallery, fern conservatory, nature center, cafe and gift shop are also on site, and there are several learning and enrichment opportunities as well.

NEW BUFFALO BUSINESS ASSOCIATION 888.660.6222. newbuffalo.org. The New Buffalo Business Association is made up of more than 100 members representing New Buffalo and neighboring communities.

ROUND BARN WINERY 10983 Hills Rd, Baroda. 800.716.9463. roundbarnwinery.com. Located in a historic round barn in Southwest Michigan, Round Barn Winery produces some of the premier Michigan wines from local grapes and ingredients. Tastings and events available.

SILVER BEACH CENTER 333 Broad St, St. Joseph. 269.982.8500. silverbeachcarousel.com. Brand new to St. Joseph is this family-friendly center, which features an abundance of fun and unique activities for people of all ages.

The primary attraction is the Silver Beach Carousel, a spectacular structure that features 44 colorful, hand-carved horses.

Also at the center is Curious Kids’ Discovery Zone, the Shadowland Ballroom, Whirlpool Compass Fountain, and Michigan’s tallest kaleidoscope.

SOUTHWESTERN MICHIGAN TOURIST COUNCIL 2300 Pipestone Rd, Benton Harbor.

269.925.6301. swmichigan.org. The natural attractions of Southwest Michigan—the dunes, miles of scenic Lake Michigan beach, rivers and parks with hiking trails and biking paths—offer beauty in every season. The friendly staff at this nonprofit organization can assist travelers whether they seek solitude or a group learning experience.

ST. JOSEPH TODAY 421 State St, St. Joseph. 269.985.1111. sjtoday.org. Visitors to St. Joseph will find a variety of helpful information—on shopping, dining and events—at this welcome center. St. Joseph Today is a nonprofit organization that assists and encourages local business and tourism development.

wear Indiana

ALBERT’S DIAMOND JEWELERS 711 Main St, Schererville. 219.322.2700. albertsjewelers.com. Besides the fact that Albert’s showcases 5,000 square feet of jewelry, the store in itself is an entertainment destination. A bar, largescreen TV, dance floor and karaoke are among the many ways that patrons can let loose while browsing every type of fine jewelry imaginable. Brands include Tacori, Bulgari, Cartier and Bez Ambar, and the store’s entire back wall is devoted to bridal jewelry and accessories.

ELEGANCE WEDDING AND EVENING WEAR 2820 Highway Ave, Highland.

219.923.0977. elegancewedding.net.

With a dedication to its customers and commitment to excellence, Elegance Wedding & Evening Wear is a one-stop shop for all bridal needs, including gowns, jewelry and invitations.

ENGSTROM JEWELERS 820 E Lincolnway, LaPorte. 219.369.6580.

A new fixture of LaPorte’s downtown is a branch of the Munster-based Engstrom Jewelers. Offering fine-quality jewelry, diamond and gemstones, as well as repairs and custom design, Engstrom adds a shimmer where once was a pawn shop.

Brands include Gelin Abaci, Citizen Watch and Movado.

JUDEE’S 1104 Indiana Ave, LaPorte. 219.324.6443.

judees.com. Owner Judee Gartland and her daughter frequently travel to the garment districts in New York and Chicago to build the inventory in their store, which is situated in a stately Victorian home in downtown LaPorte. Clothing for all occasions is available here, including formalwear.

Designers include Not Your Daughter’s Jeans, Neon Buddha, Alex Evenings and Brighton bags and accessories.

L.R. MEN’S CLOTHIER & TUXEDOS 205 Lincolnway, LaPorte. 219.324.5072. lrclothingco.com. High-quality menswear and tuxedos are the highlight at this shop, which is one of the only men’s clothing shops in downtown LaPorte. Tuxedos come from brands like Ralph Lauren, Perry Ellis and Ecko, while menswear designers include Austin Reed and Tallia.

LIGHTHOUSE PLACE PREMIUM OUTLETS 6 0 1 W a b a s h S t , M i c h i g a n C i t y.

219.879.6506. premiumoutlets.com.

Located near the lake in the historic district of Michigan City, this aptly named outlet store has become one of the largest shopping destinations in the region. With 120 outlet stores in an outdoor village setting, patrons will find savings at places like Burberry, Coach, J.Crew, Polo Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger.

MORIARTY’S GEM ART 126 S Main, Crown Point. 800.348.4499. moregems.com. Owners and in-house artists Nancy and Steve Moriarty customdesign jewelry in platinum and 18- and 14-karat gold, using fine diamonds and rare collector gems. With thirty years in the business, world travel to Tanzania, Kenya, Madagascar, and other international destinations, Moriarty’s has been recognized in the trade as one of the finest gem cutters and jewelry designers in the U.S. URBAN SOLES 6 2 4 F r a n k l i n S t , M i c h i g a n C i t y.

219.221.6508. urbansolesinc.com. This brand new boutique—located in Michigan City’s downtown arts district—features a diverse array of high-quality shoes and accessories from brands like Poetic License, Dansko, Ugg, Toms and Sanuk.

Jewelry, hats, purses and scarves are available, and there’s even a men’s room with men’s shoes, hats and sunglasses, plus comfortable seating, a TV and a stocked refrigerator. Art from local and Chicago artists is featured throughout the store.

Michigan

CRESCENT MOON 413 Phoenix Street, South Haven.

269.637.5119. Situated in downtown South Haven, this boutique features women’s apparel that ranges from dressy to casual to sportswear. Brands include Lole, Fresh Produce, and Pure. Also available are shoes, jewelry and home décor items, including Mariposa serving pieces.

STUDIO K 43 E 8th St, Holland. 616.393.7900. This contemporary women’s boutique adds a spice of new flavor to Holland’s impeccable historic downtown district. Clothing (for work and play) from designers such as Trina Turk, Fashionista, Hale Bob and Joe’s Jeans are available in sizes two to twelve. A distinctive collection of handmade jewelry, belts and purses can also be found here.

For more business listings, please go to visitshoremagazine.com

DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

Michigan

kitchens, fireplaces, outdoor seating areas, and stunning lake and harbor views.

Pool facilities, fitness and game rooms, and a waterfront restaurant make up an impressive list of amenities. Buyers will benefit from the hotel management’s maintenance and cleaning services and have the option to rent out their residence when not in use.

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Michigan

shorecast predictions by fran smith

For more astrological advice, be sure to check out Fran Smith’s regular blog on visitshoremagazine.com.

comedian JON STEWART

[sagittarius] NOVEMBER 23DECEMBER 21 KEY WORDS in December: Center Stage. It’s a superb way to close 2012. Desired meetings advance situations and projects.

SIDESTEP the offbeat.

[pisces] FEBRUARY 19-MARCH 20 KEY WORD in December: The Top—if you allow your personal magnetism to thrive. Reality and fantasy now blend into success. SIDESTEP shyness.

KEY WORDS in January: Secret Objectives. Getting what you want is exactly what you’re interested in.

Know that detail and self-discipline (on your part) are required. You have hidden backup. SIDESTEP the bizarre.

KEY WORDS in January: Income, Possessions and Lifestyle. Leave no stone unturned in your quest for financial security. Rely on your own ability to sort things out mid-air. SIDESTEP being difficult to reach.

KEY WORDS in February: Tucked Away. There you are—planning, plotting and creating one or two devastating new projects away from prying eyes. Stay with this and keep your own counsel. SIDESTEP an uneven approach.

KEY WORD in February: Dialogue. The whole concept of what you say, what you write—and who you contact—takes on new meaning.

And in several situations, new importance. SIDESTEP all forms of game-playing.

[aries] MARCH 21-APRIL 20 KEY WORDS in December: Calls and Contacts. Ignite the work scene with daring new ideas. It’s the perfect close to the year. SIDESTEP vagueness.

athlete MUHAMMAD ALI

[capricorn] DECEMBER 22JANUARY 19 KEY WORD in December: Privacy. No time for distraction as you rework secret strategies.

Only you know the total game plan. SIDESTEP perplexity.

KEY WORDS in January: Personal Endeavors. What a wonderful time it is, as your personal New Year begins.

Focus on what you intend to accomplish. Nothing is more powerful than that.

SIDESTEP self-doubt.

KEY WORDS in February: Coin of the Realm. An absolute favorite—money in all forms—dominates your thoughts and actions this month. Opt now for new and exhilarating ideas.

SIDESTEP yesterday’s way of doing things.

tv personality OPRAH WINFREY

[aquarius] JANUARY 20FEBRUARY 18 KEY WORDS in December: Getting What You Want. Actually, your heart’s desire is about to drop into your lap. Think about it.

SIDESTEP hesitation.

4 VISITSHOREMAGAZINE.COM 9

KEY WORDS in January: Confidential Plans. The creation of new strategies—even a new point of view—permeates your world. Just keep working, regardless of what others do or say. SIDESTEP stopping, even for a instant.

KEY WORDS in February: A Key Time—as several closeto-the-heart plans now translate from theory into reality. Take nothing for granted; yet, be prepared for the best possible conditions to surface.

SIDESTEP reticence.

KEY WORDS in January: Career Advancement.

Dramatic developments continue, much to your advantage. However, know which position you want. You may just get it. SIDESTEP an unwillingness to even try.

KEY WORDS in February: Secret Agenda. In an ongoing drama, friends and associates play a pivotal role. So, select with care. Whatever the situation, your personal power must remain intact. SIDESTEP uncertainty. [taurus] APRIL 21-MAY 20 KEY WORD in December: Revitalization. Timing and detail are now your best friends. Money is involved, so pace yourself. SIDESTEP a lack of focus.

KEY WORDS in January: Plans and Proposals. As 2013 begins, your sense of purpose and direction are restored. In fact, you’ve just entered an amazing new dimension within work-related matters. SIDESTEP isolation.

For more about what’s going on in the firmament, check out Fran Smith’s website at starcast12.com.

good thing is possible. Time now to rely completely on that raw instinct of yours, as current conditions demand it. Relax. SIDESTEP a tendency to sidestep.

KEY WORD in February: Vibrancy. Allow it to permeate your existence—mentally, emotionally, physically, financially and spiritually. Using your innate vision, you do this easier than most. SIDESTEP being late. [leo] JULY 23-AUGUST 22 KEY WORD in December: Love. A relationship or a project now demands your attention and total involvement. Supply it. SIDESTEP being reclusive.

KEY WORD in January: The Workplace. This can be your power play month. Forge ahead and stay absolutely focused. You’ll be astounded at just how resourceful you really are. SIDESTEP an inclination to argue.

KEY WORD in February: Arrangements. Fortified with your natural grace, you now touch base with associates for the reworking of an agreement. Whether written or oral, stay with this. It’s doable. SIDESTEP confusion. [virgo] AUGUST 23-SEPTEMBER 22 KEY WORD in December: Security. Lighten, but don’t release, your grip on home-related issues. You have planetary backup. SIDESTEP hostility.

KEY WORDS in January: All for Love. That’s where you seem to be right now. Intense dialogue fills the air. Be certain that what you say will strengthen your cause.

Otherwise, say nothing. SIDESTEP strain.

KEY WORDS in February: Great Projects. Certainly no stranger to hard work, you’re absorbed with aggressively getting what you want. However, it’s time now to try the light touch. SIDESTEP any pace that isn’t your own. [libra] SEPTEMBER 23-OCTOBER 22 KEY WORD in December: Words. A frisky month develops as unexpected visitors pull you in different directions. Celebrate! SIDESTEP frostiness.

KEY WORD in February: The Prize—and it can be what you desire. Applies to both your personal and careerrelated worlds. Time to deal effortlessly with those in power positions. SIDESTEP being unavailable.

KEY WORDS in January: Home Base. Your best partner is still yourself. With that in mind, quiet time is now called for as you sort through recent events. Money and possessions are involved. SIDESTEP stern words.

[gemini] MAY 21-JUNE 20 KEY WORD in December: Alliances. New ideas have it!

Research them, outline them, present them—and let them win. SIDESTEP impatience.

KEY WORDS in February: Love is in the Air. You’re more than ready for love and laughter, whatever form they take. Relax your mind, your body and your emotions—totally. SIDESTEP sarcasm, yours—or someone else’s.

KEY WORDS in January: Hidden Resources—mental, emotional, physical, financial and spiritual. Focus your mercurial energy, and take it—one project at a time. It works! SIDESTEP the wrong-for-you relationship.

KEY WORDS in February: Unique Plans—that reach out to those near and at a distance. Create viable formats and outlines that define your skill and ability to launch the fantastic idea. SIDESTEP a distrust of optimism. [cancer] JUNE 21-JULY 22 KEY WORDS in December: Working Environment. Let Jupiter (Lady Luck) govern this sector. And close 2012 with laughter. SIDESTEP distraction.

KEY WORDS in January: Valuable Agreements. Every

[scorpio] OCTOBER 23-NOVEMBER 22 KEY WORD in December: Abundance. Substantial backup appears out of nowhere. It’s precisely what you need now. SIDESTEP discordant notes.

KEY WORDS in January: Point of View. Private conferences with power players are threaded throughout the month. Don’t ignore this, as you weave vital details into those conferences. SIDESTEP the confrontation.

KEY WORDS in February: Dwelling—where you live and where you work. Quiet scintillation best describes it—with an underpinning of suspicion, on your part.

It works very well. SIDESTEP over-explaining the situation.

WANT MORE? please go to page 30 or visitshoremagazine.com for a full listing of the area’s best events.

Dec 6-9

Jan 31-Feb 3 Dec 7

HOLLY DAYS 5-7pm Downtown Valparaiso 219.464.8332 valparaisoevents.com This free family event offers holiday musical performances, a giant ice sculpture, a live nativity scene complete with live animals, sidewalk carolers, specials at downtown restaurants and stores, and more.

MICHIGAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW 3-10pm Thu, 11am-10pm Fri, 10am-10pm Sat, 10am-6pm Sun DeVos Place 303 Monroe Ave NW Grand Rapids 616.447.2860 showspan.com This popular show features more than 300 new vehicles and soon-to-be-released models by car manufacturers from around the world.

Feb 1-3

ICE BREAKER FESTIVAL 2013 Downtown South Haven 269.637.5171 southhavenmi.com Visitors can celebrate “The Four Seasons of South Haven” in the city’s downtown winter wonderland with pro and amateur chili cook-offs, an ice sculpting competition, and seasonal activities for the whole family.

Lake Michigan

DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

95

ONE OF A KIND SHOW AND SALE 11am-8pm Thu-Fri, 10am-7pm Sat, 10am-5pm Sun The Merchandise Mart 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago 800.677.6728 oneofakindshowchicago.com Chicago’s most exciting holiday shopping show and fine art and craft festival features original work from more than 600 artists from across the country, along with gourmet cafés, fashion shows and live music.

shore picks

last resort

Liz & Dick & Me A VICARIOUS LOVE STORY

by PAT COLANDER

A

6 VISITSHOREMAGAZINE.COM 9

s far as a celebrity role model though, the Elizabeth Taylor/Marilyn Monroe train left the station before I even got to the platform. The female heroines I worshiped were more along the lines of Grace Slick, Linda Ronstadt and Gloria Steinem.

Ten years went by and the next thing I knew, there was John Belushi, doing an unflattering imitation of Liz on Saturday Night Live. She was married to Senator John Warner by then, whom I imagined to be one of the Warner Brothers. Then for a long time I forgot about Elizabeth Taylor.

I only began to think about her and Richard Burton when I saw a production of Noel Coward’s Private Lives at Chicago Shakespeare in 2010. The program notes made a big deal out of the production starring “Liz & Dick” in 1983 that started in New York and played in other major cities across the country. The Private Lives tour was after the Burtons second divorce and unlike the couple in the play, they were never re-united, although they never stopped communicating either. (Some people wondered why women were so attracted to Richard Burton, but I never did-—it was his voice.)

I didn’t get interested in Elizabeth Taylor again until she died in March 2011 and then I did the strangest thing—I bought the special photo album issue of People magazine dedicated to her life, and began to learn and appreciate how powerful and smart she was. That prompted me to buy Sam Kashner’s book Furious Love, published a month later, which was full of interesting stories about the couple’s drinking, fighting and attempting suicide.

Elizabeth Taylor had a big, full life that was rarely perfect, and one of its greatest imperfections was that every second was scrutinized in detail. She had gigantic diamonds and the best luggage.

She made Mike Nichols direct his first movie, raised four children, a fortune for AIDS, and left a $600 million estate with huge growth potential. She never disappointed anyone unless they took her for granted.

Foolishly, people did.

More stuff happened: I read Stacy Schiff’s best-selling biography of Cleopatra. Schiff’s book prompted me to watch the Liz & Dick movie version of Cleopatra which I had always kind of wondered about. Not only did Elizabeth Taylor get paid the most money ($1 million) any

actress ever made to star in a movie—and dumped Eddie Fisher for Richard Burton in the process—somehow she had enough artistic control to make sure all the men wore short, silly-looking togas and the women were in ankle-length, low-cut gowns. The most flattering fashion choice for her.

Next, I saw the Steppenwolf production of Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, starring Tracy Letts and Amy Morton. The contemporary cast wasn’t anything like the cast in the movie, but the play and the script are so compelling and elastic that the play somehow had the capacity for the star power of Liz & Dick.

If you’ve never seen the movie, you should—it’s probably the most perfectly arranged film ever made; writing, acting, casting and directing. Elizabeth Taylor got an Academy Award for Martha; Richard Burton did not get an Oscar that year or ever, even though he deserved the award for his portrayl of George.

According to Furious Love, Burton didn’t take the Hollywood snub very well.

Then my husband (who was now as involved in this as I was) and I rented as many Liz & Dick movies as possible. A couple of them were halfway decent, like The Comedians and The Night of the Iguana (Liz is not in that movie, she was just there, holding back Deborah Kerr and Eva Marie Saint). Then there was The Sandpiper, which was ridiculous. (Elizabeth Taylor, a hippie single Mom living on the beach?) The Spy Who Came in From the Cold, was another excellent movie Liz wasn’t in.

Her visits to the set were said to irritate Burton’s co-star Claire Bloom.

In summary, we sucked every bit of juice out of the Taylor-Burton romance we possibly could.

And then it was over. Almost.

We sometimes speculate about their reunion in the afterlife.

Burton’s still-alive widow was jealous enough to turn Liz away from his funeral saying that she would cause a distraction.

Now Lindsay Lohan is starring in a made-for-Lifetime movie about Liz & Dick on television November 25th. Watch it if you must, but understand there is no substitute for the real thing. Not in this case.

Spend your money instead on the recently published book of Richard Burton’s diaries.

I’m sure it’s worth every penny.

illustration by APRIL BURFORD

I became interested in Elizabeth Taylor late in life, when I was finally old enough to understand what made her superhuman and special. • Before I was paying attention, I thought Elizabeth Taylor was just another famous and wealthy movie star who men coveted and women envied.

I was jealous of her too, especially when I was a teenager, realizing that she probably never had to clean her own room or go to a regular school.

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