OFFBEAT: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa welcomes expansion, including new Rise Kitchen eatery

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Freedom of choice

Freelancer using laptop computer

OFFBEAT: Studio 54 owner ready to share and relive nightclub memories

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Blue Plate Special: Blue Chip's William B's Steakhouse offers a delicious and different menu

There's a certain secret to assured success when preparing and serving a thick and tender stuffed pork chop.

OFFBEAT: Sheryl Crow coming to Four Winds to 'break guitar' at New Hard Rock

Four Winds Casino and Hotel in New Buffalo has snagged Sheryl Crow to perform an exclusive concert at 9 p.m. EST on Sept. 7 for the grand opening night of the property's new Hard Rock Restaurant.

Endless Vacation

Four Winds General Manager Matt Harkness in the Stage Space of the New Silver Creek Event Center

Four Winds Casino and Hotel Matt Harkness for the New Buffalo gaming property unveiled the interior of the 1,500-performance space of the new Silver Creek Event Center Friday for a media preview. In addition to chair seating, additional riser seats can be added at the back of the ballroom.

Four Winds ready to unveil event center, Hard Rock Cafe, in July

NEW BUFFALO, Mich. | Four Winds Casino and Hotel in New Buffalo is ready to welcome 400 new employees, plus new guests and rock star Rod Stewart, all in July with a new expansion.

Tourism chief mapping resurgence to boost NWI hotel occupancy rates

The South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority is developing strategies to attract more visitors to Lake County and boost hotel occupancy in the area.

S'ville approves hotel proposal

SCHERERVILLE | A sluggish economy in 2008 might have stalled plans for a hotel development in Schererville, but it didn't eliminate them.

S'ville commission to discuss hotel development proposal

SCHERERVILLE | The Schererville Plan Commission is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. Monday at Town Hall, 10 E. Joliet St.

Developer ready to move on stalled S'ville hotel proposal

SCHERERVILLE | After years without proceeding, a hotel development in town could be moving forward with some changes.

Ceremony planned to celebrate Hammond hotel renovations

Renovations are complete on the Residence Inn in Hammond, according to the company that manages the property.

Ameristar ups ante with hotel renovation

EAST CHICAGO | Ameristar Casino Hotel has completed $7 million in room and suite renovations, keeping the four-star hotel overlooking Lake Michigan in the top tier of Chicagoland lodging.

Ameristar hotel renovations

The Ameristar Casino hotel in East Chicago recently underwent $7 million in upgrades, the first one since the 288-bed facility opened in 2001. The rooms rent for anywhere from $109 to $199 a night.

Ameristar hotel renovations

The Ameristar Casino hotel has recently invested $7 million in upgrades improving rooms, sizes and amenities. The rooms rent for anywhere from $109 to $199 a night.

Sewage floods basement

The Beke family has been staying at a hotel for a week after sewage backed up into their Valparaiso home. Clockwise from left are Molly, Nolan, Nicholas, Augustine, Alex, Mary, Jack, Ella, mother Sarah, and Ben. Not shown are Beke's husband, John, and Antonio, a foster child they are trying …