Enjoy Copper Rock's shining seasonal menu

Steaks aren't the only standout at Copper Rock Steakhouse at Four Winds Casino Resort in New Buffalo, Mich.

During a recent dinner to debut updated items at the restaurant, Executive Chef Barry Rhodes displayed his magic with seasonal dishes.

The casino's white tablecloth restaurant features steaks prominently but other offerings such as duck, seafood and chicken also star on the menu.

The dinner fare was served in the eatery's private wine room. On Copper Rock's menu that evening and among items guests will often find on the regular menu or as an occasional special: mini crab cakes with corn sauce; a delicious and colorfully presented lobster cocktail, (occasional special) nicely flavored with a Michigan asparagus and blood orange vinaigrette; a petit roasted beet salad; and a 16-ounce prime 35-day, dry-aged New York strip steak.

One of the dishes also well received was the sauteed Dover sole with lemon butter sauce, a recipe one doesn't often see on many restaurant menus anymore. The dish was accompanied by truffled gratin potatoes and buttered broccolini.

Chef Rhodes tweaks and updates his menu seasonally so guests should check the restaurant's website for updates. FYI: www.fourwindscasino.com/dining/copperrock.asp

In addition to its a la carte menu offerings, Copper Rock Steakhouse is also continuing with its "Copper Classics" dinner selection. The three-course dinner is available for $35 and includes a choice of a starter, entree and dessert.

The restaurant recently earned Wine Spectator Magazine's 2010 Award of Excellence for its wine collection. It's the third year Copper Rock was honored by the popular industry magazine.

Fingerlickin' good barbecue

Big Daddy's BBQ, 4213 Cleveland St., in Gary, recently took first place for best barbecue restaurant in the 8th annual Steve Harvey Hoodie Awards. Comedian, actor and radio personality Harvey started the awards to honor community leaders and businesses around the nation.

Candidates are voted for online. Big Daddy's owners Darquia and Gordon Biffle were presented with a plaque as well as a gift package from Kodak during the awards ceremony in Las Vegas on Aug. 28. For being nominated as a finalist, the Biffles also won their trip to the awards ceremony.

"We're very happy about this. It's a very popular contest," said Darquia Biffle.

The Biffles, who opened Big Daddy's BBQ less than six months ago, will have an official grand opening party as well as a celebration of their Hoodie win from noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 6 at their eatery. A ribbon cutting, food and entertainment will be featured.

Looking for the best salsa

The Lowell Labor Day Festival will feature a Salsa Contest and Cook-Off at 5 p.m. today at the American Legion grounds in downtown Lowell. FYI: (219) 696-7794

The opinions expressed are solely the writer's. Reach her at (219) 933-3365 or eloise.valadez@nwi.com.