Restaurant Scene by Eloise Marie Valadez

Restaurant Scene: Dishcrawl progresses in Valpo

May 24, 2013 12:00 am • Eloise Marie Valadez Eloise.Valadez@nwi.com, (219) 933-3365

Looking for a progressive dining experience in the Region? Local foodies will want to attend the first area Dishcrawl May 29 in Valparaiso.

Dishcrawl is a national startup which focuses on bringing communities together through food and socializing. Attendees will have the chance to sample four restaurants throughout the course of the evening.

Hoosier native Jennifer Jackson-Outlaw, Dishcrawl's Chicago Brand Ambassador said she's looking forward to bringing the event to the area. "It's an excellent opportunity to highlight the incredible dining choices that await Chicago foodies just beyond the Indiana border," she said.

Restuarant Scene: Taste of Valpo and annual Restaurant Show

May 17, 2013 12:00 am • Eloise Marie Valadez Eloise.Valadez@nwi.com, (219) 933-3365

Food, glorious food will be in the spotlight from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 23 during "A Taste of Valparaiso" at Porter County Expo Center, 215 Division Road, Valparaiso.

The event, presented by Tri Kappa, will feature food from various region restaurants as well as a silent auction. Among participants and restaurants will be ACF Chefs of Northwest Indiana, Asparagus, Bistro 157, Bon Femme Cafe, Designer Desserts, Don Quijote Restaurant, El Salto Mexican Restaurant, Margaritas Bar & Grill, Semento's Napoli Cafe, Strongbow Inn, South Bend Chocolate, T.J. Maloney's, Vegas Baby at Blue Chip Casino and many more.

Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Tickets are available at Town and Country, Strongbow Inn & Bakery, Purdue University North Central, Bartholomew Insurance, and Tudor Floors Carpet One

Restaurant Scene: Mother's Day feasting

May 10, 2013 12:00 am • Eloise Marie Valadez Eloise.Valadez@nwi.com, (219) 933-3365

If you're still looking for places to take mom for a feast on Sunday, there are a variety of venues in the area that will be celebrating moms with a special menu. The following is just a sample of options.

Mother's Day at Miller Bakery Cafe

The new Miller Bakery Cafe, 555 S. Lake St., Gary, will be celebrating its first Mother's Day with a special meal on Sunday from 2 to 8 p.m. For reservations, call (219) 427-1446.

Restaurant Scene: Celebrating opening of Miller Bakery Cafe

May 03, 2013 12:00 am • Eloise Marie Valadez Eloise.Valadez@nwi.com, (219) 933-3365

Restaurant Opening

A celebration is in order. The Miller Bakery Cafe had a soft opening Thursday. The eatery, at 555 S. Lake St., Gary, will be open for regular business hours beginning Tuesday however guests may visit the eatery from 5 to 10 p.m. today and Saturday and 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday. For reservations and more information, call (219) 427-1446.

Mother's Day Brunch

Restaurant Scene: Celebrating a new eatery and stellar chefs

April 26, 2013 12:00 am • Eloise Marie Valadez Eloise.Valadez@nwi.com, (219) 933-3365

There's a new restaurant making a splash in East Chicago.

The South Shore Club Bar and Grill recently opened at the East Chicago Marina. "The space had a natural ambiance to it, surrounded by water with beautiful views," said Daniel Urquiza, owner and manager of the new eatery, which is a stone's throw from Ameristar Casino.

Urquiza's family also operates The Restaurant at the Lost Marsh and they're the spark behind Rodizio's at Meyer's Castle in Dyer. The eatery's menu is categorized as American comfort food. FYI: (219) 391-7102

Restaurant Scene: Mixed bag of culinary events

April 19, 2013 12:00 am • Eloise Marie Valadez Eloise.Valadez@nwi.com, (219) 933-3365

Join fans of chef Robert Irvine, star of Food Network's "Restaurant: Impossible" for a theatrical cooking show at 9 p.m. Eastern today at Silver Creek Event Center at Four Winds Casino, New Buffalo, Mich. and 8 p.m. Saturday at Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, Ill.

"It's a multi-sensory show," said Irvine. People will "see, smell and taste" during the interactive production that's more than your average cooking show. Irvine will be given challenges to accomplish and also invite audience members to participate. Ticket prices start at $25 for Four Winds engagement and $29 to $153 for Rialto Square Theatre. The $153 tickets at Rialto include a VIP cooking seminar with Irvine.

Tea Party

Restaurant Scene: Elegant parties and themed dinners

April 12, 2013 12:00 am • Eloise Marie Valadez Eloise.Valadez@nwi.com, (219) 933-3365

Parents searching for interesting and cultural activities for their children, may want to plan a trip to Barker Mansion in Michigan City soon.

The mansion's annual "American Girl Doll Tea Party" will be held at 2 p.m. April 20. The featured doll during the event will be Molly. Girls may bring American Girl dolls or any other dolls to the party. Featured during the event will be a tea party etiquette lesson, World War II-inspired treats such as sugar-free apple tarts, thumbprint cookies, s'mores, cupcakes, tea and lemonade, which will be served in the Drawing Room.

Tickets are $8 for girls age 5 and older; $12 for adults. A minimum of one adult should be present for every two children attending. Prepaid reservations are necessary. Call (219) 873- 1520. Barker Mansion is located at 631 Washington St., Michigan City.

Mexican favorites star at Casa Blanca

April 05, 2013 12:00 am • Eloise Marie Valadez Eloise.Valadez@nwi.com, (219) 933-3365

East Chicago's Casa Blanca has been serving authentic Mexican recipes with the Tellez family culinary touch for nearly 40 years.

"Everything is quality here and nothing has changed (with our recipes). Everything's been the same for 38 years," said Manuel Tellez, owner of Casa Blanca.

Tellez said he's happy with the successful repeat customer base as well as the number of people who visit his eatery to celebrate special occasions in Casa Blanca's banquet hall.

Restaurant Scene: Spotlight on Easter egg hunt and dinner series

March 29, 2013 12:00 am • Eloise Marie Valadez Eloise.Valadez@nwi.com, (219) 933-3365

Plan to go in search of Easter eggs in the region.

Westfield Southlake, 2109 Southlake Mall, Hobart, will have an Easter Egg Hunt from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. The Easter Bunny will make an appearance during the event which takes place throughout the mall. Kids will have a chance to collect eggs to obtain prizes and candy.

Exclusive golden eggs filled with candy and gift cards will also be given away. Other festivities include a petting zoo, crafts, photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny and more. FYI: (219) 738-2265

Restaurant Scene: Munster's Brunacci among 'Check Please!' finalists

March 22, 2013 12:00 am • Eloise Marie Valadez Eloise.Valadez@nwi.com, (219) 9333365

Noted chef and truffle king Frank Brunacci has a shot at being the next host of WTTW's show "Check, Please!"

Brunacci, of Munster, is one of 17 finalists chosen to vie for the spot on the popular restaurant review series. The chef, co-owner with his wife Lillian of The Chef's Diamond Company, a truffle importing business, is no stranger to outstanding food. He was the former executive chef of Sixteen Restaurant at Chicago's Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago and has worked in kitchens around the world.

A native of Melbourne, Australia, Brunacci, his wife, and two children, moved to Munster in 2007 just as he was getting ready to step into the chef's role at Sixteen.