NWI PROFILE

SALON SORELLA: Renee Scearce and Friends
By: Mona Dickinson

" Life is an endless struggle full of frustrations and challenges, but eventually you find a hairstylist you like." ~ Author Unknown

With that said, four good friends and experienced stylists have joined the creative team at Salon Sorella on Summit Street in Crown Point.

The four – Renee Scearce, Natalie Gomeztagle, Aubree Thorsen and Kelsey Gibson - met in the business and became good friends. They bring a wealth of experience to Salon Sorella, a sister salon of the Thomas William Salon in Crown Point. (Sorella means “sister” in Italian and hence the name of the new salon.)

Renee Scearce has been a stylist for almost nine years. An Aveda educator, she also helped manage the last salon she was at.

Natalie Gomeztagle, also with nearly nine years in the business, managed her previous salon. A National Paul Mitchell Educator, she recently received her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University Northwest.

Aubree Thorsen has been a stylist for eight years and was an Aveda educator. She served as manager and educator with her previous salon.

Kelsey Gibson was a =n educator at her previous salon and has been a stylist for three years.

“Natalie and I joined the Salon Sorella and we started talking about what it would be like to have the perfect power team in one salon,” Scearce explained. “After a few weeks, Aubree and Kelsey decided to join us.”

They have trained throughout the country and across the globe with some of the top names in the business, according to Scearce. Members of the team recently returned from The Gathering – one of the industry’s top shows – in Las Vegas.

“Collectively, we have trained in London, Madrid, Toronto, Las Vegas, New York, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Indianapolis to name a few,” noted Scearce.

They have studied under world famous artists such as Zak Moscolo from Toni & Guy; Robert Cromeans, Kelly Cardenas, Scott Cole and Linda Yodice all from John Paul Mitchell Systems; Tristan Morrison and Ted Gibson from Aveda; Sonja and Christopher Dove and Nick Arojo from Wella; and Geno Stampora.

“We are also really blessed to have "in salon" education provided for us,” added Scearce. “Continuing education is so important to keeping up with the lastest techniques and styles.”

Salon Sorella offers color, cuts, extensions, Keratin Smoothing, perms, updos, waxing, manicures and pedicures. “We all specialize in precision to freestyle haircutting, coloring and keratin complex smoothing treatments,” said Scearce.

But it’s the overall experience that sets the salon apart from the others.

“We offer a variety of refreshments including beer and wine, hand massages, the most amazing shampoos you'll ever receive, and great hair,” Scearce said. “Our goal is to provide our clients an experience rather than just a haircut.”

“The key to keeping our clients is consistency and always making them feel appreciated,” added Scearce.

Keeping up with the latest trends is the key to a successful salon and the four attend the top trade shows in the business to keep up with the industry. “It’s a fast paced industry where you always have to work hard to stay on your toes,” she said.

Scearce said soft "beachy" curls are in, while Vidal Sassoon's revolutionary "bob" will always be a timeless style.

“In hair color, we're seeing a more natural look with tone on tone dimension,” she added. “The ‘sunkissed’ look is also replacing overly highlighted hair.”

The four agree that “hair is the window to a woman's confidence” and that there are a number of great salons in the region.

“What’s most important is to find a salon that best suits your needs and fits your personality,” said Scearce. “We are always happy to see new faces. If you haven’t enjoyed one of our services yet, come in and see us.”

With the popularity of today’s online social networks, you can keep up to date the team at Salon Sorella by checking out “Renee and Natalie at Salon Sorella" and "Aubree Kelsey" on Facebook. The stylists also post news and information about the industry, and some of their client have even posted pics of their new hairstyles.

“Our goal is to provide our clients with the most up to date styles and techniques the wonderful world of hair has to offer,” Scearce said. “We are continuously looking to grow and expand our business, referrals are always greatly appreciated.”

Their Facebook pages sum it up best - Peace, Love, and Great Hair.

Salon Sorella is located 1184 Summit Street, near the Buddy & Pal’s in Crown Point. You can check out the Facebook pages (noted above) or call (219) 310-2658 to make an appointment.

SUDS & COCKTAILS

ABSOLUT LEMONDROP: When life gives you lemons, make a lemondrop....
By: Pinky Tuscedero

God bless the Absolut vodka company for putting Ali Larter in yellow leather. Unless you’ve been living in a cave on mars with your eyes closed and your fingers in your ears you’ve probably seen the amazing new ad campaign featuring the former hero kill billed out and kicking ass like a big sexy banana. Brought to you by the good people at Absolut, the lemon drop campaign packs all the intensity of a Bond film and genuinely makes your taste buds curious. Whatever it is Ali is selling, we’re buying, after all she’s the whipped cream bikini girl from Varsity blues, it just so happens that she’s selling the most amazing citrus vodka in the universe.

No bachelorette party, reunion, or divorce celebration is complete without a round of lemon drops for the girls. A lemon drop shot is a ray of sunshine in a tiny little glass, and it’s a proven fact that the more of them you take the better you’ll dance. You may have seen the waitress bring lemon wedges along on the tray; well a truly perfect shot requires no extra lemon at all. The best shots are made with Absolute Citron, a crisp refreshing lemon based vodka that exploded on the scene in 1988 and was welcomed with open arms and immediately became the staple ingredient in any Cosmo worth drinking. For those of you that like to pretend you’re Tom Cruise in cocktail, you mix 1 part Absolut Citron, 1 part Hiram Walker triple sec, and 1 part fresh lemon juice, shake and strain into a sugar rimed shot glass. The result is absolute bliss. Lemon drops are the shot everyone can agree on, the shot you can always buy for the girl across the bar and know she’ll enjoy; the shot that you and grandma can take together.

If you’ve never tried Absolute citron before don’t hesitate any longer, if you need some inspiration check out www.lemondrop-movie.com and watch Ms. Larter bring the sexy swinging sixties into your living room.

A WOMAN'S POINT OF VIEW

EXERCISING FOR IDIOTS
By: Paige Turner

Ladies, the time to retire your swimsuit may be upon us but that doesn’t mean its okay to get lazy. Just a few short months ago you might have been freaking out over stuffing yourself into a suit once again, and if that’s the case then you were probably cursing the 8 months you spent at the bottom of the Haggen-Daazs container. Maybe you’re realizing that it could be a good idea to try and stay fit all year long or perhaps you’re just trying to figure out ways to distance yourself from your annoying boyfriend or bitchy roommates. Whatever your reason, I have some options for you to consider.

You could go the usual, boring route and join a gym. There, you can fight for machines that you absolutely hate (or don’t know how) to use while trying to ignore the fact that you’re sitting in someone else’s sweat. You might get lucky and catch some crappy TV or hear songs that were hits a decade ago. Oh, and don’t forget about membership dues and public showers. Obviously, the gym is not my favorite place but if you find these things help you stick to a workout, then more power to you.

If you’re more like me and hate the thought of feeling like a hamster on a treadmill, you can always try some sort of class. Gyms have lots to choose from, as do many independent studios. You’ll still have to pay a fee but participating in a group or class makes you responsible to people other than yourself, so it’s harder to slack off. Pilates and yoga are popular enough to find just about anywhere and if you’re feeling especially ballsy go for Bikram yoga, which takes place in rooms with temperatures over 100 degrees. You’ll be sure to break a sweat and becoming as flexible as a pretzel might come in handy down the line.

If you want to be more active than what yoga will allow, consider taking a self-defense or kickboxing course. Not only will you get a workout but you could also learn some skills to help you out the next time some pervert tries to follow you home from a bar. Or if you’re the type to encourage the creeps, sign up for belly-dancing or even one of those pole-dancing workshops. You can even practice the stripper moves in the comfort of your own living room, thanks to Carmen Electra and her strip tease workout videos. The pole might not be included with the video but I’m sure you could find a guy to stand in if need be. That could even lead to one of the best ways to burn some calories – yup, I’m talking sex. With your added energy from all this working out, your newfound flexibility from yoga and your moves from Carmen, you should be good to go for some romps in the bedroom.

Whatever form of exercise you decide on, just make sure you enjoy it. You’ll never stick with something you hate so you might as well try to have some fun. There are lots of other options out there besides the ones I’ve mentioned so it shouldn’t be too hard to find something that works for you. You could even start a pole-dancing, hot yoga kinky sex club that meets a few times a week – though incorporating some self defense moves into a meeting like that might be a good idea. So get creative, keep moving and stay sweaty.

NWI LAW

LOOK WHAT I FOUND
By: Randy Godshalk

I have started keeping track of some recent cases decided by the United States Supreme Court. You know, the big boys in Washington. Well it seems that some police officers standard practice of searching your car when you are stopped for a minor traffic violation or even arrested for a traffic violation has come up against its own roadblock. A case decided on April 21, 2009 by the Supremes has said “Police may search the passenger compartment of a vehicle incident to a recent occupant’s arrest ONLY if it is reasonable to believe that the arrestee might access the vehicle at the time of the search or that the vehicle contains evidence of the offense of arrest.”

So if you are like Rodney Gant from Arizona and drive around without a valid license and get stopped and arrested, the police cannot search your car if they arrest you and remove you from the car. The High Court of the land said that it was not reasonable for the police to believe that evidence useful in the prosecution of a driving while suspended charge could be found in the car. The also said that it was not likely that Mr. Gant would escape the back seat of a locked squad car and get anything from the car to put the officers’ safety at risk. This was important for Mr. Gant because when they searched his car they found his stash of recreational pharmaceuticals. I know you readers don’t have to worry about that, but I have some clients that this may help.

Don’t expect your next encounter with the police to change because of this new ruling. It takes a while for this type of change to trickle down to the street. Important safety tip: Don’t trying saying to the officer that stops you that because of Gant v. Arizona you can’t search my car. You will likely get a free ride to jail just for being a smart ___________. You fill in the blank.

Randy A. Godshalk

If you have any questions about any legal matter, feel free to contact Randy at his office at (219) 844-1300, or e-mail Randy at godshalklawoffice@comcast.net and we will try to feature it in a future edition of the Michiana Entertainer

NWI BAR

COACHLITE
By: Mona Dickinson

A family’s love is keeping a popular Chesterton bar going, thanks to the support of friends and patrons who are keeping a dream alive.

Val and George Wroblewski were known to the Chesterton/Duneland community for many years as owners of the Pine Tap in Chesterton. After selling the bar and retiring from the business, the couple watched as their son, Shawn Wroblewski, pursued his own dream when he bought the Coachlite on North Calumet Road.

After an unfortunate accident that left Shawn in a wheelchair, the Wroblewskis found themselves back in the bar business, keeping their son’s dream going. Shawn keeps tabs on how things are going at the bar and stops in for lunch and to visit with friends and patrons in between his therapy sessions.

“I really have a great staff here,” Val Wroblewski said. She stops at the bar five days a week to take care of the books, then transports Shawn to therapy. “If I need something done, I can count on them to do it.”

The Coachlite is a friendly, hometown bar, where you can enjoy a cold beer or after work drink at a reasonable price. The place was known for years as Holt’s Coachlite Inn, with the Holt family selling the bar several years ago.

The regular crowd shuffles in during the day or after work, and the bar has become a popular night spot, known for presenting some of the best in local talent. A variety of music, acoustic or even a jam session among local musicians is often featured at the bar.

“We have some fantastic local talent that plays here,” Val Wroblewski said. “They play to a mix of people, young and old.”

The kitchen is open seven days a week, offering daily specials and soups, along with munchies, sandwiches and baskets featuring shrimp, chicken fingers or the combo basket – chicken fingers, broccoli bites, mozzarella sticks, onion rings, cheese cubes, mushrooms, cauliflower and zucchini.

The menu features a traditional faire of bar sandwiches (burgers and such), and occasionally on Saturdays, fish tacos are featured as a special. “People really like them,” Wroblewski said.

The place has always been known for its Friday Night Fish Fry and its popular Seafood Platter for Two. Dinners come with potato and choice of soup or salad.

The Coachlite is often the site of local benefits for those in need of help with medical expenses or other charitable causes. “I love to help people and give back to the community,” Wroblewski said. She had just finished up with one benefit and held a meeting the next day to start working on another.

“Most people would do anything for Val and her family,” longtime family friend Tammy Pliske said. “She does so much to help people who are in need.” Pliske often helps out with benefits at the bar, seeking out donations and helping with the event itself.

And Wroblewski also likes to give back to those that support the bar throughout the year, through Customer Appreciation events, holiday gatherings and even cooking Thanksgiving dinner for those that don’t have family or a place to go.

At the rear of the building is an outdoor patio area which Wroblewski hopes to get open for bar patrons to enjoy. “Right now, we use it mostly for benefits or special events but we are working to have it open all the time,” she said.

Beyond the back parking area are lighted horseshoe courts, and the Coachlite sponsors teams in the local men’s and women’s leagues. Wroblewski said some corn hole/bean bag tournaments are being planned for the fall.

“We thought it would be something different to have here on the weekends for fun,” she said, noting that many of the regulars will stop in to watch the Bears game or a NASCAR race.

The bar occasionally benefits from its proximity to the Indian Boundary corridor and nearby hotels. Out of town guests find their way from their hotels to the nearest bar – the Coachlite - to relax and enjoy a cold beer or cocktail.

The Coachlite is located at 361 N. Calumet in Chesterton. The bar can be reached at (219) 926-1814 or you can check them out on Facebook for upcoming events and entertainment.

NWI PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW

LISA MOSER
By: Mona Dickinson

Portage attorney Lisa Moser is a fresh new face offering her legal expertise to residents of Northwest Indiana.

Moser’s office is located on the lower level of the Harper & Rogers Law Firm building at 304 W. U.S. 6 in Valparaiso. The location is symbolic for Moser, who got her start in the business as a secretary for Harper & Rogers back in 1989.

“I started out working for Bob Harper back in 1989,” said Moser, a graduate of Boone Grove High School. Moser pursued an associate’s degree in paralegal studies, and then completed her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at Indiana University Northwest.

”Going on to law school just seemed the natural progression, it was the next step in what I should do,” added Moser, who admits she wanted to be a veterinarian, but didn’t like the sight of blood. She graduated from Valparaiso University Law School in 2004.

Upon graduation, she returned to Harper & Rogers as an associate, and became a public defender with the Porter County Court System. When the firm downsized, she joined the ranks of Rhame & Elwood firm, then opened her own practice in her current office location.

Her background as a legal secretary was a tremendous help, noting that law school teaches you “how to think” but not the ins and outs of paperwork, deadlines and the behind the scenes work of being a lawyer.

Moser currently specializes in criminal defense, work comp and collections for businesses, along with some family law issues. She continues her work as a public defender for Porter County Judge Julia Jent’s court, where she spends about a fourth of her time.

When she opened her private practice, Moser put her background to good work, filing her own motions and managing her office. As her caseload began to grow, she realized she needed an assistant - her husband, Eric, a former police officer and Animal Control officer, took over those duties.

“With long hours at the office and his experience and background, it made sense for him to become my assistant,” Moser said. “It also helps that we get to spend a little more time together.”

Eric’s background in law enforcement is also a help with police reports and procedures, along with investigations, Lisa said. “He knows the ins and outs of the criminal justice system.”

Moser finds herself in court three to four days a week in her own practice and another two or three days a month with public defender duties. In between, she’s meeting with the prosecutors and other day to day duties. Fridays are usually a catch up day, and then get ready for the next week of work.

The most challenging part of the job is helping people overcome the perceived fear of going to court.

“For a lot of people, they fear going to court,” Moser said. “They are afraid and expect the worse of what could happen.”

Moser said her job is to help calm their fears by explaining a sometimes complicated legal process and putting them at ease – which according to Moser is hard work and stressful at times.

“In this business, you hear the word ‘criminal’ and people think it’s always a bad thing,” Moser explained. “A lot of the time, people facing criminal charges are just average people who may have made a bad choice, they are not bad people.”

Another challenge is that each case is different. “You have the same basic principles of law, but each person’s circumstances, background and case is different,” Moser said.

And while her practice is one of three located in the building on U.S. 6 just west of Ind. 149, Moser doesn’t feel like she’s in competition with the other attorneys there.

“They mentored me for so many years, we’re like family,” she said. “I’ll go to them for advice and they have even come to me few times regarding different things.”

Moser said anyone that plans a career in law has to be ready to dedicate themselves to the profession. “You really put a lot of yourself into your work,” she noted.

In her spare time, Moser enjoys reality TV, reading and riding motorcycles – either with her husband or on her own bike – which she is getting the hang of.

“When I ride my own motorcycle, I’m decked out in all my safety gear,” noted Moser. “I’m still a little nervous out there on my own.”

Moser is a member of the Porter County Bar Association, the State Bar Association and the Indiana Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. She is also a member of Porter County ABATE (American Bikers Aimed Toward Education).

The office of Attorney Lisa A. Moser is located at 304 W. U.S. 6 in Valparaiso. The office can be reached at (219) 764-1952.

NWI EVENTS

CHICAGO SUPER SHOW PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION

July 15th, 2010 Rolando (Roly) Martinez (773) 416.0665

roly@chicagosupershow.com

CHICAGO SUPER SHOW rolls into Soldier Field on August 15^th with hundreds of hot rides and great entertainment.

The Midwest biggest Car Show and Concert of the summer!

CHICAGO, IL – Soldier Field will host the Chicago Super Show on Sunday, August 15^th, 2010 from 11:00 am until 7:00 pm. Soldier Field is located near the Downtown area on the Lake front at 1410 S. Museum Campus Drive in Chicago.

This event features hundreds of custom cars, trucks, motorcycles and Lowrider Bicycles along with a sound-off and hydraulic competitions. The Chicago Super Show is part of the Street Low Magazine National Car Show Tour.

Chicago Super Show features two stages full of music and culture for the whole family. The main stage will showcase national and local artists from many styles including Chicago House music, Freestyle, Latin Hip Hop, Salsa and Mexican Regional Music.

Performing Live:

FROST (Hip Hop) KINTO SOL (Latin Urban)

WHITE KNIGHT (House) MIGUEL REYES (Freestyle)

TOGETHER (Oldies Band) JUAN ZARETE (Latin Urban)

LA ERA NORTENA (Mexican) RICA OBSESION (Tropical)

YAYA (Latin Urban) SPIRIT & BIG TANK (Latin Urban)

DJ KID SCRATCH DJ BOBBY D

DJ GORDO DJ ROZZ

DJ MIKE 2 SMOOTH DJ DESTINY

DJ MAKE DJ LOUIE

DJ JAMMIN LUIS RUIZ DJ SLIDE

Please log on to www.chicagosupershow.com for a complete list of artists and DJs.

Be apart of the car culture and check out the Midwest’s best Lowriders, American Muscle Cars, Hot Rods, Classics, Imports, Exotics, Dunks, custom choppers and much more on Sunday, August 15^th at Soldier Field South Parking Lot, from 11:00 am until 7:00 pm. Advance tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets and at the Soldier Field Box office the day of the show.

For more information, please log on to www.chicagosupershow.com

NWI PROFILE

LATIN MEDIA
By: Stephanie Vega

The internet is filled with useful information like current events, job opportunities and even learning a new language but now one local company is rivaling those sites. “We serve as a conduit to the Hispanic community for media outlets who are trying to reach Latinos,” said Lisette Guillen, Director of Public Relations for Latin Media. “I see it as having a place where all the media can go.”

Latin Media can provide media outlets with a variety of bilingual services including interpreters, story ideas and issues specifically affecting the Latino community. An information hub of sorts, this newly rebranded company is seeking to meet the demands of a rapidly growing Latino population. “Lake County is the number one county in the state of Indiana in regards to Hispanic community growth,” explained Lorraine Guillen-Wentz, Director of Business Development for Latin Media. “Our goal is to assist the community, business and media to capture a whole other market…a growing market.”

And that’s why Latin Media has created a new website where not only media outlets can go but other companies looking to reach out to the Hispanic community. Latin Media offers services like advertising and marketing, billboards and brochures, and interpretation and translation. They even have a weekly Spanish lesson on their site. “It’s a place where people can learn conversational and occupational Spanish,” said Maria Guillen, Director of Bilingual Services. “There is nowhere else bilingually that provides the services we do in the area.”

The user friendly website stands out with their bold colors and provides a variety of information with the touch of one button. It’s a great way for people to get all the information they are looking for in one place. “Instead of getting your news from a variety of websites you can just get them all from ours,” said Lisette Guillen. “

For more information on Latin Media, visit their website at www.latinmedia3.com and for advertising opportunities; contact Lorraine Guillen-Wentz at (219) 791-0117.

NWI TUFF

BILLY JOHNSON
By: Joe Pawlus

ILLINOIS BOY HOPS BORDER TO GET HIS FIGHT ON

When Illinois native Bill Johnson first joined Torres Martial Arts Academy, he was somewhat overweight, a little out of shape, and only hoping to drop some pounds and learn some martial arts techniques. I know because I was one of the guys training him when he first started, and I was also sitting front row for Billy‘s first fight.

He started with the morning training sessions in 2007 and never looked back. Now, over three and a half years later, Johnson sports an impressive 7-0 record as a light heavyweight, and currently retains the light heavyweight amateur belt for the Total Fight Challenge.

“I used to hate watching the UFC,” Johnson admitted. “I loved football and that was my thing. But I kept watching a little more, and a little more, and I just fell in love with the sport.”

Going from morning kickboxing classes to jiu-jitsu, Johnson found himself staying longer in the gym and absorbing as much training as he could cram into the time allowed. He would go from kickboxing pad training to submission grappling to overall sparring, and eventually began training the complete package of mixed martial arts.

Billy Johnson is now, in every sense of the word, a mixed martial arts fighter.

“I wish I could do it full time as a job, but that gets kind of hard. Right now I work construction to make ends meet. All I do is work, eat, sleep, and train fighting.”

Anyone watching Johnson fight can tell this kid has all the makings of a natural combatant. He has the keen ability to keep his cool in tough positions, yet he is able to unload his arsenal when the time is right.

“I remember my first fight. My opponent had my back and I just wasn’t doing a whole lot. I looked over at my corner (Miguel Torres and Gene Calderon) and they had this look like I was done. I knew I couldn’t let them down. Then I remember you (the author) yelling ‘Knees! Knees!’ Ha ha ha! That did it. I clinched the guy on the cage, threw a couple knees, and took control of the fight.”

Bill Johnson is also the kind of guy that is hard not to like. He’s fun to hang out with, has a good sense of humor, is fiercely loyal to his friends and family, and makes an excellent training partner. Oh yeah, and he is a big, intimidating dude, topping the scales at 6’3” and walking around between 220 and 230 pounds. Johnson logs hundreds of hours on the mats and has earned his home at Torres Martial Arts.

“The guys I train with are my role models. I learn and take a little something from everybody, Miguel, Gene, all the guys at the gym,” Johnson said affectionately. “Miguel is the best fighter in the world and I love him….he is SO Mexican!”

The Torres Martial Arts fighter has one brother and one sister and he said they love to see him fight. As a matter of fact, they haven’t missed one of his fights yet. He also has a girlfriend and says he’ll keep her around if she stops picking on him. But take my word for it, this guy can take a lot of punishment.

When asked where he sees himself in five years, Johnson replied: “I don’t care where I’m at in five years. I just want to push myself harder every day and make myself a better fighter, a better person.”

When it comes to cuisine, Johnson prefers to smash on pizza. He also hopes there is a fishing trip to Canada in his near future. He has recently moved to Hammond so that he can be closer to his training facility, considering he was making the drive from the Midlothian (where he was raised) Alsip area of Illinois.

“It’s a little tough because I’m kind of spread out right now, but I’m making it work.”

Johnson is also appreciative of the fans who support the sport and likes the fact that it is catching on.

“It takes a lot of work to train and fight. It’s definitely not for everyone.”

NWI PYSK

Tim Heidbreder Buddy N Pals
By: Mona Dickinson

Crown Point businessman and developer Tim Heidbreder knows how to put together a winning combination – the successful developer has turned what he calls his hobby into three successful bars in Lake County.

Buddy and Pal’s Place – with locations in Crown Point, Schererville and Winfield – has been dubbed the best place for sports and entertainment in Northwest Indiana. The clubs have repeatedly been named among the best in Northwest Indiana by readers of The Times and Post-Tribune.

The first Buddy & Pal’s opened in October of 2001 at a smaller location on Summit Street, just down the road from its current site. Heidbreder was a successful businessman in heating and cooling, construction and as a developer when he decided to pursue his hobby and open a bar. “That first year was better than I ever imagined,” he said.

In 2002, he bought BinWilly’s on the north side of Valparaiso, but after a few years, decided that the Porter County location was not a good fit for what he wanted.

Back in Lake County, he looked to open a second location, and the Winfield site seemed to fit his plan, opening in October of 2003.

“The Winfield bar is a neighborhood ‘Cheers’ bar,” noted Heidbreder, “where you’ll find the same people in the same seats on any given day.” Winfield also features an outdoor patio area, with seating for 30-40 guests.

As the original site continued to grow in popularity, Heidbreder started to think about a bigger location and the current location in Millennium Industrial Park was the answer. He knew the area, developing most of it in his construction and development business.

“We wanted to do more, but were limited in our first location due to size and parking,” he said. The new facility opened in 2007, with a longer bar, 13 flat-screen TVs lining either side. The building’s high ceilings created the perfect atmosphere for Heidbreder to bring in some of the best entertainment in the Midwest.

The Crown Point bar also pays tribute to some of the old bars of Crown Point, as Heidbreder – a collector of neon signs – has had some logos of the old time bars (Pete’s Irish Pub, Triple Play, Gridiron Tap, Warner’s Corner and Fricke’s ) recreated in neon lighted signs that adorn one wall of the building.

Heidbreder said everything in the bars was built with steel, masonry and concrete, in keeping with the industrial park. The walls are brick and have some blocks etched with the signature Buddy and Pal's frogs.

Laying roost atop the corner of the building is a Bullfrog – a cross between the bar’s frog mascot and the Crown Point High School bulldog. So where did the frog logo come from?

“I love frogs, you can’t think about frogs and not smile,” Heidbreder said, adding that he would always find frogs out by his swimming pool. “They just kind of grew on me.”

Over the years, he and his wife, Cathy, have collected frogs of all shapes and sizes. “What better mascot than a cigar smoking, beer drinking frog, and his pals,” said Heidbreder.

In 2008, Heidbreder expanded to the west, with its third bar on U.S. 30 in Schererville. He bought the former Second Dimensions and totally remodeled it into the same sports bar décor as the two other locations.

“Our Schererville location has become popular for our Wednesday night car show,” Heidbreder noted. “At times, the parking lot will have nearly 200 classic cars.”

As for the name Buddy & Pal’s, he said the words “buddy” and “pal” are the two most frequent words used by bartenders.

“You walk into a bar, and the bartender says “hey buddy, how’s it going”. When you leave, most of the time you hear, “see ya later, pal,” said Heidbreder. “The words buddy and pal are friendly, and that’s the feeling you’ll get at Buddy & Pal’s – a warm friendly feeling. There are no strangers here.”

Heidbreder said you can walk into any of the Buddy & Pal’s locations on any given night and feel comfortable. His crowd is a mix of blue collar, white collar, young and old, and everything in between.

“We cater to the after work crowd,” he said, noting that he can relate to people who want to relax and unwind after work. “We always have daily drink specials and no juke box till after 7 p.m.”

Throughout the week, Friday and Saturday nights, Buddy & Pal’s offers a mix of some of the finest entertainment in the region and the Midwest, and best of all, there is never a cover charge.

“We don’t raise our drink prices when the band starts either,” added Heidbreder.

Of note is the Wednesday night line up at the Crown Point location, featuring the “Tribute to the Stars” with Jim Bulanda and Harley Hehr. The duo puts together a show with some stand-up comedy and musical tributes to Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Bing Crosby.

“Their show appeals to all ages,” Heidbreder said.

Heidbreder has also put together a winning combination for food at each location, joining with Maggie’s & Us in Crown Point and Winfield, and Bronko’s Pizza in Schererville.

Maggie's & Us specializes in roasted, smoked and BBQ meats, slow-roasted over a hickory wood charcoal spit. From appetizers to desserts, Maggie’s offers the perfect compliment to Buddy & Pal’s and features some of her family favorites on the menu.

“Maggie’s has the best ribs around and some of the best home cooking you’ll find anywhere,” said Heidbreder. Her catering menu can be adapted for any type of gathering in the cantina party room at the Crown Point location.

“And in Schererville, everybody loves Bronko’s pizza,” he added, noting that the longtime pizzeria is a perfect fit in that location.

Buddy & Pal’s definitely caters to the sports crowd, and Heidbreder says “he lives and breathes Bears football.” For all Bears games, a complimentary Bears buffet is featured at the Crown Point bar.

With the Chicago Blackhawks recent Stanley Cup victory, Heidbreder said that in his nine years, he’s never seen a larger turnout in all three locations. “We were packed for every game during the playoffs,” he said.

Heidbreder runs his construction and development business each day and still manages to make the rounds to each location throughout the week. He also relies on his top notch managers at each location to keep things running smoothly.

“I still like to stop at each bar and see what’s going on, I just love people,” Heidbreder admits. He makes the rounds throughout the week and no matter what spot he’s in, friends will stop to chat.

“He’s definitely a people person,” his wife Cathy said. “He’s always bringing his work crews coffee or lunch when he stops to check on things.”

Heidbreder also feels it’s important to give back to the community and Buddy & Pal’s locations often host benefits, bikini car washes and other special events.

Did Heidbreder ever think his hobby of owning a bar would grow like it has?

“My original line of thinking was that I wanted to own a bar where I could have a cold beer and cigar,” Heidbreder smiled, noting that he’s looking to take Buddy & Pal’s south to Lafayette in the future.

More information on Buddy and Pal’s Northwest Indiana locations can be found at www.buddyandpals.com or you can also checkout the listings on Facebook.

NWI Bar

Encompass Night Club/Blue Orchid Lounge
By: Mona Dickinson

Celebrating its 14^th anniversary during the month of August is Encompass Night Club and Lounge in Lake Station.

A party on Saturday, August 14, will feature special guest appearances, impersonators, music and more, according to owner Lou Carravetta. The evening will be a “Best of Encompass” featuring appearances by Miss Encompass 2010, along with Mr. Encompass 2010 and Miss M.I. (Male Impersonator) 2010.

Carravetta, with a background in restaurant management, took over the club 14 years ago. “I was a patron at the former club, and the owner thought that I might be interested in taking it over,” explained Carravetta. He chose the name “Encompass” to bring all kinds of people to together.

“First and foremost, we’re not just another bar, it is a place where anyone can come in and have a good time,” Carravetta said, “I think people have become more open minded over the last 14 years and we cater to a diverse crowd, not just the GLBT community, a community that “Encompass’ ALL.”

According Webster’s, one of the meanings for “encompass” is to include comprehensively, and that’s just what the club hopes to do. Encompass is an alternative lifestyle club that welcomes all people. The club offers a clean friendly environment where anyone over 21 can have fun.

“Anyone who comes in will have a good time,” added Carravetta. “If you don’t like the music or atmosphere of the club side, you can move to the lounge area.”

For those who prefer a quieter, more intimate atmosphere, The Lounge is located within the club, with a full service bar, lounge seating and cozy fireplace. Between the club area and the lounge is a game room with pool table and darts.

The club underwent extensive remodeling when Carravetta took over its operations. “We upgraded the sound system and remodeled the stage area, and updated the look,” said Carravetta. “We wanted to have shows and special events on a regular basis.”

We did most of the stonework along the bar, the entryway and the grand fireplace in the lounge. A baby grand piano anchors the lounge, and guest piano players are occasionally featured.

The anniversary party will include local and featured impersonators, some comedy, and a revue style show, along with house D.J. T. Todd, who Carravetta says is one of the most talented DJ’s in Northwest Indiana and the Chicagoland area...

“If you haven’t heard her, she will definitely blow you away,” he said, noting that she has a great rapport with any crowd. Her music ranges from hip hop to mainstream club.

The reigning Miss Encompass, Veronica Blake, will be joined by Mr. Encompass and Miss M.I. in hosting the celebration. They are selected during annual shows (usually in March, April & May) by a panel of judges. Contestants are judged on personal interview, talent, stage presentation and audience appeal.

“We have a lot of fun with our annual shows,” said Carravetta. “The judges really have a hard time selecting the winners.”

Monthly shows usually have a theme, Carravetta said. Previous shows have featured Glamazons of Rock, Madonna, Cher and the like. The club also hosts holiday events and benefits throughout the year.

The club has received some great reviews for its entertainment, special events and theme parties. A straight couple who lives nearby said, “We live down the street from Encompass and as a straight couple we love it. It's a friendly, welcoming place with good music and a lot of people having a lot of fun. A great bar!”

Carravetta said all the bartenders are very friendly and make sure that all guests feel welcome, whether they are regulars or first time visitors. “Friendly, customer service is important in any bar or club and it’s no different here,” he said.

Daily drink specials are featured and short order food items are also available. The house drink is the Lady Gaga Long Island - 22 oz. Vodka, Rum, Gin, Triple Sec, Tequila Grand Marnier, Sweet & Sour, and a splash of Red Bull. The drink was featured in the July issue of NWI Entertainer and House Bartender Brian said, "Straight to the dance floor after one of these!!! With your Glowstick!"

Encompass Night Club and Lounge is located at 2415 Rush Street in Lake Station, a block off the intersection of Ripley (Indiana 51) and Central Avenue. For more information, visit www.encompassnightclub.com or call (219) 962-4640 for more information. News and upcoming events are also posted on the Encompass Facebook Fan page.

NWI DINING

THE CHARLEY HORSE RESTAURANT
By: Mona Dickinson

The Charley Horse restaurant and sports bar caters to families and hockey enthusiasts at its new Munster location.

Operations Manager Bryan Sord said the success of two other Charley Horse locations in New Lenox and Tinley Park, IL, and their affiliate 94 West Steak and Seafood in Orland Park, IL, has followed them to their new Northwest Indiana location at 8940 Calumet Avenue. This site formerly housed Charlie’s Ale House, which opened in 2004 and closed late last year.

With a focus on hockey – a definite shot in the arm with the Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup championship – the Charley Horse has become a favorite spot for hockey fans around the NW Indiana and greater Chicagoland area.

“There are so many hockey fans on the south side of Chicago,” Sord said. “Instead of going into Chicago, we want to attract everybody from northwest Indiana and the south suburbs that enjoy hockey.”

The popularity of the restaurant has grown as the Charley Horse regularly hosts some of the biggest names in Chicago hockey and sports history. In June, Blackhawks left wingers Kris Versteeg and Andrew Ladd were featured at an autograph session which packed the place.

“We were honored to have Ladd and Versteeg join us to celebrate the Stanley Cup victory with hockey fans here,” said Sord.

Past celebrities have included Blackhawks legend, Bobby Hull, former Blackhawks goalie, Tony Esposito and his brother, former Blackhawks center, Phil Esposito. Both Espositos, as well as Hull, have been honored with admission into the NHL Hall of Fame.

Along with guest appearances from some of the greatest names in sports, the bar also features one of the only “Ice Bars” in the region.

“The Ice Bar is a section of the bar that is made of solid ice. Our customers love it,” Sord said. “It is a tough challenge to maintain, but it adds a special ambience to today’s sports customers demand.”

The menu includes various sports-themed items, from its appetizers to desserts and spirits. Under “Leading Off and Playing Appetizer” on the menu, you’ll find spicy meatballs, hand-cut cheese sticks, wings, nachos, potato skins, calamari and buffalo shrimp; or choose the All-Star Team, featuring a sampling of its appetizers.

For a lighter appetite, “The Field of Dreams” offers everything from the classic house salad to Charley’s chicken salad – a mix of grilled chicken, avocado, bacon, cheddar cheese, black olives, tomato wedges, shredded carrots, red onion, cucumber and croutons all on a bed of lettuce. Or the Black and Bleu Steak Salad - sliced steak and bleu cheese crumbles, over mixed greens, topped with carrots, tomato and Italian dressing and garnished with seasoned fries.

Wraps feature chicken, steak or shrimp, and several Super Mex entrees are featured, along with fish or chicken and chips.

“The Wide World of Sandwedges” features quite a selection of sandwiches, all served with a choice of fries, cole slaw, rice pilaf, vegetable medley or baked beans, as are the selections from the “Hamburger Hall of Fame”. The special toppings you’ll find on the hamburgers can also be made into sandwiches with chicken breast or turkey burgers.

Entrees or “Main Events” come with your choice of house salad or the Charley Horse’s house soup - San Diego Chicken Soup. The featured steaks are some of the same great cuts you’ll find at Sord’s 94 West Steak House in Orland Park.

“Our steaks are some of the best around, and our ribs are also a pretty popular item,” Sord noted.

Italian specialties include chicken, veal or eggplant parmigiana, chicken ala salerno and fettuccine alfredo with broccoli and your choice of chicken or shrimp.

Several new selections have been added to the menu including old-fashioned pot roast and homemade meatloaf, pulled pork, Italian beef, and Italian sausage and meatball sandwiches.

Topping “The Thrill of Victory and the Agony of Dessert” is the Chocolate Chip Cookie Monster, which serves two or more. The menu recommends that you order it with your dinner, as cooking time is 20 minutes. The giant chocolate chip cookie is baked fresh and served hot and gooey in the pan. (It can also be loaded with ice cream, chocolate syrup, caramel and whipped cream, if you dare!)

The Charley Horse also hosts a Sunday Brunch and is available for banquets and parties. Banquet packages can be custom designed with the guest in mind.

The Charley Horse Restaurant in Munster is family oriented and all age groups are welcome. The restaurant is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. A kids menu is also available.

For more information, check out www.thecharleyhorse.com or call (219) 836-4040.

www.chicagosupershow.com

NWI EVENTS

CHICAGO SUPER SHOW
By: Mona Dickinson

The Street Low Magazine 2010 Tour rolls into the Midwest as the Chicago Super Show hits Soldier Field on Sunday, Aug. 15. The Chicago Super Show will be the largest custom car show held in the region in a few years.

The SLM Chicago Super Show captures the scene with hundreds of the hottest rides, Lowriders, Imports, American Muscle, Massive Trucks and Motorcycles and along with live entertainment from the hottest music genres in the country today. The event also offers a unique family friendly experience along Chicago’s lakefront.

The first show in Chicago of this type took place in the early 1990’s at the International Amphitheatre by promoters Rolando Martinez and Jorge Ortega, both 20 plus year veterans in the field of event production and promotions.

“We were the first promoters to produce a large scale custom/Lowrider/Urban car show in Chicago,” Ortega said. “It grew into a successful series called the “Mega Shows” in the late 1990's at McCormick Place.”

The motor sports culture and Lowrider scene exploded in the late 90’s-early 2000 when various magazines covered the sport and culture. “The Hip Hop culture made the Lowriders/Impalas the ride of choice,” Ortega explained. “Hydraulic powered classic Chevys were everywhere on TV, music videos, songs, etc.”

In the aftermath of 9-11, a lot of things changed, Ortega said. The industry took a big hit and no one wanted to go to large scale events or spend money on their cars. Producing large scale events became risky and promoters of the original successful shows in Chicago went on to pursue other interests.

Ortega stayed in the scene and produced three more large scale car shows - one in New York City two days before 9-11; a five-city car show tour in 2002; and The Masters of the Streets at McCormick Place in 2005, which was the last large custom car show in the area until now.

The Chicago Super Show LLC, based in the Chicagoland/Northwest Indiana area, was created to revitalize the Automotive Entertainment Lifestyle scene in the region. Its promoters combine over 50 years of experience in car show and event production, promotion and marketing in the entertainment sector along with a lifetime in custom car building and promoting the Lowrider culture. “As an event production manager, sound engineer, artist's manager and promoter for over 20 years, putting together events is my art form and life's work,” Ortega said. Other promoters of the Chicago Super Show are Rolando Martinez who has 20 plus years in the field of event production and promotion and is currently Publisher of the Entertainer magazines which highlights nightlife and entertainment in Northwest Indiana, Michiana and Chicago Suburbs. Luis Ruiz of Jam Trax Productions has been a part of the lowrider scene for 30 years understands the culture and lifestyle of the scene bringing a unique perspective to the team.

The Super Show will feature a custom vehicle exhibition with over 1,000 exhibit spaces available for custom cars, trucks, motorcycles and Lowrider bicycles, all competing for thousands of dollars in cash and prizes.

There will be Lowrider Hydraulic Competitions (Jump Off and Hop), and an exhibitors and Auto Aftermarket Row, with vendors showcasing some great deals on everything from auto customizing parts, wheels, rims, audio and video, Urban gear, music, etc.

Two stages of live entertainment will feature multi-genre artists and dozens of Chicagoland’s hottest DJ’s. Featured on the main stage will be artists from Latin Urban, Old School Freestyle/ House, Hip Hop, Tropical and Mexican music, including Billboard award-winning group Kinto Sol, Kid Frost, Hip House legend White Knight and Together, a Oldies band of Northwest Indiana.

The Urban Lifestyle Stage will feature DJs, local groups and breakers along with extreme sports demos and art installations done live by up and coming visual artists. The line-up of DJs includes DJ Bobby D, Kid Scratch, DJ Rozz, DJ Gordo and many more to be added to the roster.

The event will be officially judged by the Street Low Magazine Tour Judge Team. There are over 30 classes and more than $15,000 in trophies, cash prizes and awards.

Sponsors include Hollywood Customs, NWI Entertainer Magazine and Jam Trax Productions. Special mention and thanks to all the custom shops, car clubs and bike clubs for their support.

General admission tickets are $25 in advance. Tickets for children age 6-12 are $10 in advance with a paid adult ticket. Children age 5 and under are free with a paid adult ticket. At the gate, general admission tickets will be $35, with children’s general admission $15. This event is for the entire family.

For more information on the Chicago Super Show and updates on entertainment and activities or vendor opportunities, visit www.chicagosupershow.com or contact info@chicagosupershow.com.

Tickets for the event are available through www.ticketmaster.com.

NWI EVENTS

CHEF DAISY MARTINEZ @ THE VENUE
By: Mona Dickinson

Tickets are still available for a very special culinary event on Sunday, July 18, as Chef Daisy Martinez of the Food Network brings her love for cooking to The Venue at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond. Martinez will show how to turn everyday meals into unforgettable memories to be shared with family and friends in the 4 p.m. show.

Martinez will showcase recipes from her new cookbook - Daisy: Morning, Noon and Night, which combines timeless Latin American dishes with vibrant recipes from Spain, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Peru, and Argentina.

To say Martinez is passionate about food is an extreme understatement as she thrives on sharing her culture—its music, history, and most of all, its food. A chance meeting with food icon Rachael Ray led to Ray’s company producing Viva Daisy, on the Food Network, as a follow-up to the PBS show, Daisy Cooks.

At the Venue event, you will learn how to make the Latin staple dish Arroz con Pollo (a traditional rice with chicken dish) and Daisy’s own version of Cleriquot for a festive Cinco de Mayo or any other summer celebration. Cleriquot is the Argentine cousin to white sangria. Daisy’s recipe for the drink can be found in her new book, Daisy: Morning, Noon and Night.

The afternoon will also include ideas on how to spice up your next dinner party with Arroz con Pollo, Mussels with Corn and Tomatoes and a beautiful Borinquen Sunset dessert.

Limited tickets are still available – beginning at $75 for on-stage seating which offers an interactive experience with Martinez.  Included are tasting opportunities as she prepares an incredible menu and a signed copy of her book.

Additional front table seating will accommodate 220 guests are $45 each, which also includes a signed book. Orchestra tickets are $20 each and mezzanine seating is $15 each.

A Brooklyn native, Martinez lived at her grandmother's house until she was almost five years old.   Between her grandmother, Valentina, and her mother, Conchita, she learned that the kitchen is the happiest room in the household, filled with love, family, and delicious food. With an extended family of relatives from Central America, Spain, and other parts of the Spanish-speaking world, Martinez grew up appreciating the diversity of Latin cuisine.

She met her husband, Dr. Jerry Lombardo, while attending Long Island University. Martinez dedicated herself to raising her family, and often hosted festive gatherings, featuring delicious food - a tradition that she happily continues to this day. He sent her to cooking school as a birthday gift and Martinez pursued a lifelong dream.

She launched her new career with Daisy Cooks! on PBS in 2005, and her cookbook, Daisy Cooks! Latin Flavors that Will Rock Your World, which was an IACP nominee, and American Category Finalist, as well as winner of the Best Latino Cuisine Cookbook in the World by the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards.

Viva Daisy! continued her focus on celebrating life and family through food, while demonstrating her knowledge of the broad spectrum of Latin cuisine.  In addition to the show, Martinez is also a regular columnist for Every Day with Rachael Ray and Selecciones magazines.

Martinez said she hopes to get people excited about the diversity of Latino food and says her cooking is always user-friendly.

Her cooking is a peek into her life, her home and her kitchen, as Martinez has shared her family and her heritage with the public, through sharing meals that she has shared with her own family and friends.

Though her inspiration and heroine, her Abuela, Valentina Martinez Perez, passed away at 99 years old, she left a wonderful legacy rich in memories and love. While she is sorely missed, Martinez is ever appreciative to her for teaching her the love and nurturing of family and friends through food.

Martinez is continuously featured as a guest on popular TV shows all over the country, and travels all over the USA and abroad for cooking demonstrations and books signings.

A dedicated mother of four fantastic children, Daisy and her family reside in Brooklyn, NY, where her husband is a medical doctor.

For more information on this special culinary event at The Venue at the Horseshoe Casino on July 18, visit www.horseshoehammond.com.

To learn more about Daisy Martinez, her books and shows, you can visit www.daisymartinez.com,www.daisycooks.com or www.thefoodnetwork.com.

NWI EVENTS

STUDIO 54 DISCO NIGHT, THE VENUE
By: Mona Dickinson

Step back in time to the disco nights of the 70’s on Friday, July 23, as The Venue at the Horseshoe Casino hosts “Studio 54 Disco Night” with music and entertainment by the world-famous Afrodisiacs.

Hosted by Mark Nilsson of ABC Channel 7’s “190 North”, the evening promises to be an entertaining salute to the disco era, according to Josh Holmes, Special Events Coordinator for the Horseshoe Casino Hammond.

The evening will be a high energy show, along with costume and disco dance contests.

The World Famous Afrodisiacs are not just a dance band, but an entertaining, high energy show exploding with funky costumes, style and attitude that leaves audiences astonished and overwhelmed – feeling like they have time warped back to the disco nights of Studio 54, the world-famous Manhattan disco in the 70’s and early 80’s.

Originally a theatre, then radio and television studio, the building was THE place to be in the disco era. The club established itself on the celebrity scene and was frequented by musicians, actors, actresses and many other celebrities in its day.

The Afrodisiacs will take you away from everyday life and fly you straight to funky town. They add a unique dimension to their performance, demonstrating the common ties between '70s Disco and today's popular music. To learn more about the band, check out its website at www.afrodisiacs.net.

The winners of the costume and dance contests will get a Horseshoe gift basket featuring steakhouse gift certificates, The Venue tickets, a navigation system, plus more.

Tickets are just $10 general admission for this fun filled evening, with limited seating available. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. with the fun starting at 7:30 p.m. The event is for guests age 21 and up.

The Venue has established itself as Chicagoland’s premier entertainment destination. For tickets or more information on the Studio 54 Disco Night or other upcoming events, call (866) 711-SHOE or (219) 473-6060 or visit www.chicagohorseshoe.com.

NWI BAR

SET 'EM UP
BY: Mona Dickinson

After an almost two year hiatus, the bowling lanes and lounge at 135 N. Broad Street in Griffith are open again. Set ‘Em Up Lanes & Lounge opened eight weeks ago with a new name, new owners and a new look.

Owners Tony Hobson and Ralph McCampbell re-opened the building that formerly housed the Bowl Arena in downtown Griffith. The building was vacant for nearly two years when Hobson attended the Redevelopment Commission meeting and learned the building was still for sale.

Hobson and McCampbell had talked about opening up a business and were in the process of looking. Hobson said. “I knew the former owner and I shot pool here in a league. I thought the building had sold, but it all kinda fell into place after I attended that meeting.”

The new name – Set ‘Em Up Lanes and Lounge was developed by Ralph’s wife Jane. “We wanted to keep a bowling theme, and just came up with that,” said Hobson. “Our motto is ‘We set ‘em up…. You knock ‘em down.”

Hobson, a financial planner, also owns Hobson Financial Group, Hobson and Scott Insurance and Hobson and Scott Remodeling. When the sale went through, Hobson and his crew undertook an extensive remodeling project.

The remodeling project included a new roof, new flooring and a bigger bar, along with new ceiling tiles and fans. A stage for live entertainment or DJ’s was added along with a small dance floor in one corner of the area which houses the eight bowling lanes. A new PA system was also put in to pipe music to the lanes and bar. All new tables, pub tables, chairs and bar stools completed the look.

“The lanes and lounge were well established in previous years,” Hobson said. “We wanted to bring in some entertainment and special events and try some new things.”

The bar selection was expanded adding more domestics, imports and craft beer selections. A slushy machine serves a dual purpose – slushies for the younger crowd on the lanes side and as a base in some blended frozen drinks on the bar side.

A full kitchen menu is also available including sandwiches, munchies, pizza, wings and the house specialty, Hoagie. “Our wings are pretty popular, we offer seven different sauces and the wings are the jumbo wings,” noted Hobson.

The bar was a pretty popular place to watch the Blackhawks in the Stanley Cup playoffs last month. Special events are planned for the Bears games, since both Hobson and McCampbell are self-proclaimed die-hard Bears fan. Flat screens are located throughout the bar and game and lanes areas making this a great place to watch games and events.

Along with daily drink specials, Set ‘Em Up offers Karaoke on Wednesdays, Entertainment on Thursdays and Fridays and Live bands on Saturdays. Hobson and McCampbell have booked some of the area’s most popular bands for Friday and Saturday nights in July which includes The Crawpuppies, Jack Adams and B.A.M., Rockzilla, The Unit and Zodiac.

The bar features two pool tables, complete with new felt and sticks; dart boards and a Golden Tee machine. Hobson plans to get involved with the local pool and dart leagues this fall, sponsoring teams and having leagues play at the bar.

Over in the lanes, the kids bowling birthday parties have been pretty popular. Family bowling specials are also offered, such as a game of bowling, hot dog, chips and a pop all for $5.

A Kids League is getting underway for the summer and leagues are starting to organize for the fall.

“We want to provide entertainment for all ages, whether bowling or listening to a band in the bar,” added Hobson. He invited residents to stop in and check out all the new amenities Set ‘Em Up has to offer.

“We are all about customer service and providing a friendly atmosphere,” Hobson noted. “We have a good group of regulars and you’ll feel welcome anytime. Whether you’re 21 or 80, you will feel welcome here.”

Hobson and McCampbell also plan to utilize the bar’s adjacent parking lot for outdoor events and activities. An outdoor concert with The Crawpuppies and barbeque is planned for July 3 and their plans are to participate in Griffith’s downtown activities, such as the Rock and Rail Festival in August.

Hobson and McCampbell said they’ve been pretty “hands on” getting the bar and lanes up and running again. They both plan to pull back and concentrate on their other careers, Ralph at Cargill, and Hobson a financial planner. Hobson and McCampbell wanted to thank all involved in the start-up, in particular Jane and Ashley McCampbell.

Set ‘Em Up Lanes and Lounge is located at 135 N. Broad Street in Griffith. For more information on leagues or upcoming events, call (219) 924-3181.

NWI DINING @ DUSK

INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
By: Mona Dickinson

Step into the Industrial Revolution Eatery and Grille and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a moment frozen in time. Valparaiso’s newest restaurant and pub opened just two months ago, saluting America’s greatness.

Owner Mike Leeson, of Schererville, says he always wanted to open a restaurant. A self-proclaimed risk-taker who owns a steel fabrication business, in Lansing, IL, said he wanted to pay tribute to what made America great.

"I've always had it in the back of my mind that it would be really cool to have a restaurant themed on industry," said Leeson, and no detail was spared in transforming the former Brewski’s on U.S. 30 into the new restaurant.

“We gutted everything down to the studs and started from square one,” Leeson said. “I wanted it to look like the building was frozen in time, in 1932. Not focusing on the Depression, but instead focusing on bringing back the good times and saluting America's greatness.”

The restaurant features laminated steel beams rusted through a chemical process and sealed with a clear coat, distressed woodwork, copper tin ceiling plates, 100 year-old cobble bricks (inside and outside), a G-scale model train on a track suspended above diners, and an outdoor dining area with granite cobblestones.

"It's all dedicated to the people who protect and build this country," Leeson said. "It’s a place where we celebrate freedom, progress, innovation, invention, hard work, and the progress of the industrial revolution.”

Leeson explained that the clinker bricks used inside and outside the building were actually rejects that were tossed out because they were over-fired. The cobble on the outdoor patio is about 200 years old.

The train makes it way around the restaurant every 15 minutes, complete with smoke, lights and sounds. Photographs throughout depict working class America.

Atop the building’s west side, just above the entrance, 11 life-size ironworkers sit along the roof eating their lunch. If the scene looks familiar, the sculptures were created based on the famed 1932 photograph of ironworkers perched on a beam almost 800 feet up during the construction of the Rockefeller Center in New York City called "Lunch Atop a Skyscraper."

The photograph caught the imagination of Italian-born artist Sergio Furnari, who immigrated to the U.S. He was recreating the ironworkers as life-size sculptures at the time of the 911 attacks on the World Trade Center.

As Leeson explained, Furnari quickly completed the sculptures and brought them to Ground Zero, where they were displayed for six months as a tribute to those who built the Twin Towers and those who cleaned up the damage.

The artwork was then taken on a national tour by the sculptor, who then tried to find a good home for them. Leeson not only found the home the artist wanted, he commissioned additional sculptures for his restaurant, including a gentleman saluting guests as they enter; a carpenter working at one end of the bar; and another finishing the concrete on the walk near the entrance.

"The sculptures fit the concept perfectly," said Leeson, noting that the artist himself installed the ironworkers atop the restaurant prior to opening.

The location in Valparaiso worked for its size and because of the region's industrial base, Leeson said. He hopes to open additional Industrial Revolution themed restaurants in other cities built on industry, such as Cleveland and Pittsburgh.

"I think this kind of concept is more fitting in an industrial area," he said. "The whole concept is very special, and it is something a lot of people will have a good feeling about. Hopefully, it will be inspiring to those who dine here."

Guests will also be inspired by words of wisdom – motivational and inspirational quotes that are etched on the brickwork inside the building in an Old Railcar font. Among those quoted are Vince Lombardi, George W. Bush, Albert Einstein, Michael Jordan, Hubert Humphrey and many others.

“The quotes seemed to fit the vision of the place,” Leeson said. “We searched and searched for the right quotes, then selected a spot for each one that seemed appropriate.”

Most fitting are words from the Lee Greenwood song, “Proud to Be An American,” which adorn the outside brickwork near the entrance. Just inside the door, the saluting sculpture sits beneath a wall with the insignias of the Armed Forces, the police and fire departments.

The menu, created by Head Chef Javier Fuentes, features American fare and traditional favorites like hamburgers and pizza, all with a gourmet twist. From its starters to its All-American red, white and blue cheesecake, there is something for everyone.

Mom’s Doubleshift Pot Roast has been pretty popular so far, along with the Baja perch tacos, Leeson said. Specialty pizzas are cooked in a brick oven and the kitchen features an open concept design, where guests view the cooks at work.

A variety of appetizers include Molten Cheese Dip, Welded Nachos, Iron Tenders and Brick Oven Wings. House specialty soups include Liberty Chili, Loaded Baked Potato Soup and Vintage Onion Soup. Salad selections can be topped with your choice of chicken, steak or shrimp.

Sandwiches and burgers are served with garlic herbed potato wedges. Of note, on the sandwich menu are the Cajun-blackened Industrial Burger, topped with bleu cheese, red pepper, onion and pepper jack cheese, and the signature Smoked Bacon Burger – a bacon-stuffed burger basted in BBQ sauce, topped with white cheddar on a pretzel roll bun.

Seafood selections include Garlic Shrimp, Grilled Salmon, and the Chef’s Creation. Fettucini, mostaccioli and stroganoff are the featured pastas.

Under “Sweet Endings” you’ll find the Red, White and Blue cheesecake, homestyle bread pudding, Oatmeal Cake, a chocolate crème brulee and All-American apple pie.

In addition, hand-mixed fruit flavored teas are a popular item, Leeson said. The eatery offers weekly specials.

A full service bar is available, complete with 16 beers on tap – most of which are craft beers from local breweries. Camp 4 Nut Brown Ale from the new Figure 8 Brewery in Valparaiso is one of the featured beers (The craft beer is also used in a signature steak sauce on the Valpo Strip Steak). Drafts are served in a “muscle mug.”

Adding to the ambiance, TV’s throughout the restaurant run loops of “Modern Marvels” and other historical shows related to the restaurant’s theme. As an added twist, the men’s room has episodes of “The Three Stooges”, while the ladies’ room offers “I Love Lucy.”

Industrial Revolution Eatery and Grille is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends.

For more information, go to www.industrialrevolutioneatery.com, or call 465-1801.

NWI LAW

SHUT YOUR PIE HOLE
By: Randy Godshalk

Poor Van Chester Thompkins (that has a nice ring to it).  The Supreme Court of the United States, (The Supremes as they are sometimes called), decided that if you want to exercise your right to remain silent they you better say something.  WHAT????              The police questioned Van Chester for three (3) hours before he uttered the word “Yes” when he was asked if he prayed for forgiveness for shooting someone.  He was found guilty of murder.

Van Chester’s problem, it seems, was that he had the right to remain silent, but not the ability;  to steal from comedian Ron White.  Van Chester had apparently responded yes or no to various other bland questions after a long silence.  You have two choices according to the Supremes,  shut your pie hole and let the police question you indefinitely about the whereabouts of Jimmy Hoffa or simply say “I am exercising my right the remain silent.”

Oh, by the way, it would be a good idea to also tell them you want a lawyer.  Let’s just try to cover all the bases.

Enjoy your next police interrogation, or strip search, whichever comes first.

See ya next month!

-Randy

If you have any questions about any legal matter, feel free to contact Randy at his office at (219) 844-1300, or e-mail Randy at godshalklawoffice@comcast.net and we will try to feature it in a future edition of the NWI Entertainer.

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