M'ville T.G.I. Friday's suit alleges racial bias

HAMMOND | Twenty-seven people are suing the T.G.I. Friday's restaurant in Merrillville, claiming they were denied the ability to eat there because they are black, according to federal court complaint filed Tuesday.

Valpo OKs facade grant for new restaurant

VALPARAISO | The city could be getting another downtown restaurant soon.

Paula Deen with sons Bobby (left) and Jamie

Mom Paula Deen has passed on her fun and flair for southern cooking to her sons Bobby (left) and Jamie, along with helping fine-tune some recent new options for a healthier spin on traditional menu favorites.

Valpo diner plans new kind of car grill

VALPARAISO | After taking her food truck to festivals, car shows and other events, including the Popcorn Festival, Laine Kasarda is ready for a more permanent dining facility in Valparaiso.

Travis Strickland

Travis Strickland, executive chef of The Local Chicago, stands in the dining room of the American-themed restaurant.

The Local Chicago.

Among Strickland's specialties at The Local Chicago are the Shellfish Bouquet, Jalapeno Cornbread and Burrata and Vine-Ripened Tomatoes.

Travis Strickland

Chef Travis Strickland prepares a salad of Burrata and Vine-ripened Tomatoes at The Local Chicago.

New owners of Miller Bakery Cafe plan spring opening

GARY | New owners of the shuttered Miller Bakery Cafe plan a grand opening in late March or early April after they spruce up of the iconic eatery at 555 Lake St. in the Miller Beach section.

Investigation of fire at M'ville restaurant continues

MERRILLVILLE | A Wednesday night fire at a Merrillville restaurant caused about $75,000 in damage to the business, according to the Merrillville Fire Department.

Phil Smidt & Son Vintage Post Card

Phil Smidt & Son was a restaurant landmark in Hammond from 1910 to 2007 and famous for their frog legs signature dish.

FROM the FARM: Early reader Christmas gift with recipe request

Reader Diane Merrick of Munster was very happy on Monday to get some recipe help.

Sword Served: Fogo de Chao carving a dining niche for a decade

Northwest Indiana diners know all about the entertaining and appetizing ambiance of Brazilian steakhouses.

Merrillville restaurant receives variance for enclosed patio

MERRILLVILLE | The Villa Del Sol restaurant plans to install a glass enclosure around its patio.

American Michael Ellis leads French Michelin guide

Something new is in the stars for the Michelin Guide — the French restaurant reviewing institution is getting an American accent.

Women report wallets stolen while at Hobart restaurants

HOBART | Two women who were dining Friday night at U.S. 30 restaurants reported that wallets were stolen from their purses, police said.

Ciao Bella

Joe Scalzo, owner of Schererville's Ciao Bella, is preparing to welcome guests to a "Wild Game Dinner" scheduled for Nov. 13.

Don Quijote Owner and Chef Carlos Rivero

Don Quijote owner and chef Carlos Rivero puts final touches on a Paella in the kitchen of his restaurant. Don Quijote Restaurant is one of the Valparaiso restaurants highlighted at the Oct. 25 event led by Porter County chambers of commerce.

Strongbow Inn Restaurant in Valparaiso in the 1950s

A former turkey farm, Strongbow Inn, shown depicted in a 1950s postcard, has remained a favorite dining destination along U.S. 30 in Valparaiso for 75 years.