Meyer's Castle offers fine dining in 'a piece of American history'

Motorists making their way down U.S. 30 in Dyer along the bustling stretch of shopping and dining establishments likely don't realize what a huge piece of history they are driving past. Hidden by heavy foliage behind iron gates up a winding drive at the top of a hill sits an architectural gem that many Hoosiers may not know about – Meyer's Castle. A simple turn south and all that hustle and bustle evaporates, transporting you to another place and time.

Completed in the early 1930s and designed by architect L. Cosby Bernard, the home was the dream of Joseph Ernest Meyer, founder of the Indiana Botanical Gardens in Hammond. An example of Jacobethan Revival Architecture, it was inspired by a castle Meyer had seen in Scotland, constructed with Indiana limestone and detailed by European craftsmen. The millionaire botanist enhanced the grounds with extensive gardens, and lived in the home until his death in 1950. In 1984, the home was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Today, the mansion is another man's dream. Sergio Urquiza now owns the home and operates a wedding and banquet business, restaurant and upscale nightclub at the location along with wife, Elizabeth, and their three adult sons. Urquiza calls it "a piece of American history" that he was able to obtain by following the "American dream."

"It's a part of American history. I just happen to be responsible for the mortgage and upkeep," he chuckles. "It's interesting that I have been able to do this. I love old things and I love tradition. It's been a lot of burden to have it, but a lot of fun."

A native of Argentina, he came to the U.S. at age 14 and immediately fell in love with the country and its people. He lived in Denver with his mother and worked in a factory following high school and served in the U.S. Army.

"My mother told me, 'You have to learn a profession,'" said Urquiza. Her suggestion? Hairstylist. "I came from a ranch. I castrated bulls and rode horses. I thought, 'How can I be a hairstylist?' But I went to school to please my mother."

It proved to be a good decision. In a matter of months, he'd gone from an unhappy factory worker to a successful hairstylist who was helping with a daytime television show geared toward fashions and style for women. He went on to own several hair salons and later opened a couple of pizza franchises, which was his introduction into the restaurant business.

In 1987, the Urquizas purchased the property and began the restoration process on the home that had sat vacant for many years and sustained extensive water damage. To help fund the ongoing expenses to maintain the property, the Urquizas soon opened the site for weddings and private parties. "It's a huge house. There's always upkeep, so it's expensive. It takes a lot to keep up this beautiful house," he said.

It's become quite a popular spot both for a ceremony site and reception hall. Two banquet areas are available and can accommodate groups up to 300. The lush gardens make for a serene backdrop, and a horse carriage is available for the bride to arrive in fairy–tale fashion.

Rodizio's was later opened for dining that was available to the public, specializing in Argentine hard wood charcoal broiled meats. The restaurant is open Wednesday through Sunday and also for other special occasions, like Valentine's Day, which falls on a Monday.

A four–course dining experience is offered, prepared the "Gaucho way" of broiling over organic hard wood as done by the South American cowboys. On Friday and Saturday, the meal costs $34.50 and on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, it's discounted to $25.50. It begins with a shot of caipirinha for guests 21 and older (a Brazilian beverage intended to "awaken the taste buds") accompanied by an empanada, followed by a visit to the tapas bar for salads, seafood and cold meat dishes. Next is a visit to the pasta bar for a custom made dish from a variety of pastas, sauces and accompaniments. Last are large swords of rotisserie cooked meats – six cuts in all – carved at your table. "Everyone should experience it once," said Urquiza. "You'll never walk out hungry. We brought the techniques of an Argentine Steakhouse and we added the Latin flavor."

A menu of individual appetizers, salads, sides and entrees is also available, which Urquiza said was developed with the ladies in mind, who might opt for a lighter meal. "I want to offer a good value," said Urquiza. "If someone comes in with just $20 to spend, they're still going to get a good meal." Salads start at $5.50 and a meal from the pasta station is $11 (with additional charge for chicken or shrimp). A variety of chicken, fish and steak entrees start around $15. He's also running a birthday special, where you're treated to a complimentary meal within your birthday week when dining with at least one full–paying guest and showing proof of birth date. Reservations are strongly suggested, especially on weekends, but walk–ins are also welcome.

Meyer's Castle also provides food for events at the new Lost Marsh Golf Course's banquet facility in Hammond, where the menu focuses more on classic American comfort foods.

"What gives me the most enjoyment is when the grandchildren of Mr. Meyer come and visit and dine with us. They appreciate that we've restored it," said Urquiza, who came to be friends with the Meyers family.

The dining room is situated on an enclosed porch area where every table has a window seat and outdoor seating is added in the warmer months. Later, the lower level of the home, which was once a gathering place for the Meyer family to entertain, was opened as an upscale lounge on Saturdays and some Thursday evenings. "It's got a downtown–type atmosphere. The 'kids,' as I call them, they have a good time. They can get dressed up and we don't allow smoking. It's a nice hangout."

A coach house beside the main house has been converted to office space with a bridal suite upstairs. The upper level of the castle is living quarters for the Urquiza family.

While formal tours of the grounds are not available, Urquiza invites dinner guests to linger and explore the outdoor beauty of Meyer's Castle. Swans nestle in the pond and peacocks roam freely among the greenery that will soon return once the snow melts away. He said it's common for couples to get a glass of wine and go outside to enjoy a relaxing walk together.

Urquiza is pleased his three sons are all heavily involved in the business and plan to continue it for many years to come. "This beautiful house is still here and I hope it will always be here," said Urquiza. "It's part of history and I'm just here for now."