Jun 4, 2019
Cool Cars...No Boundaries

Call it a revival. A rebirth… Valpo’s downtown is hot again and it has everyone talking. In today’s Cool Car…No Boundaries, you’ll learn why! You’ll take a ride with Valpo’s popular Chef, Carlos Rivero from don Quijote. Carlos reveals to you the best things to do in Valpo… and the secrets to a summer to remember in the downtown. 

 

summer to remember

 

 The ultimate al fresco experience… better than downtown dining? 

Chef Carlos is driven. His drive to create a remarkable dining experience leads him to become Valparaiso’s first restaurant to feature international cuisine, outdoor music, and al fresco dining. For nearly 30 years, Carlos has challenged anyone to “top his al fresco dining experience.”

Today, Carlos has a challenger… and it’s coming from his good friend, Dave Rodgers from Griegers Motors.  Can the new 2020 Jeep Gladiator convertible top al fresco dining for fun? 

HAPPINESS IS… al fresco driving!

Perhaps you’ve seen the Downtown Valpo Restaurants newest slogan on their new website or billboard. “Happiness is… al fresco dining.” 

Griegers Blog- best summer ever

  I think you’ll agree, nothing can challenge al fresco dining for happiness… until today.   

Griegers summer to remember...al fresco dining or driving?

Today, al fresco dining has a challenger.  The Griegers’ all new 2020 Jeep Gladiator. This convertible truck is the biggest, baddest Jeep in history…and it’s a convertible. You might say it’s al fresco driving. Today, you’ll drive with Carlos as he reveals to you the best things to do in Valpo, the secrets to a summer to remember, and what’s the ultimate al fresco experience!

CONTENT:

  • VIDEO Chef Carlos drive to make Valpo top food & wine destination
  • 2019 Cultural & Activities in Downtown Valpo
  • 2019 Festivals & Events in Valpo Downtown
  • VIDEO Chef Carlos reviews the Downtown Valpo Restaurants
  • Guide to Downtown Valpo Restaurants
  • Carlos’ Drive and the New Jeep Gladiator

While Valpo brings back one popular leader…its says goodbye to another.

 

Tips to a summer to remember in Valparaiso's downtown

Everyone is talking about downtown Valpo these days, and why not? The Downtown Valpo Restaurants have brought back the excitement, energy, and leadership of Chef Carlos Rivero (don Quijote) and Paul Loduca (Pikk’s). Carlos and Paul helped establish the Dining Group at the very beginning.

Mayor Costas swan song will be a cultural celebration!

And while the downtown welcomes back two of its leaders, it says farewell to another. A series of events and festivals are planned as a way to celebrate the swan song of Valpo’s culture-loving Mayor. What better way to say farewell to Jon Costas than with a festival consisting of great music, food, and a summer to remember! 

You won’t want to miss next month’s Cool Car…No Boundaries.  You’ll cruise Valpo with Mayor Jon Costas as he shares his best memories, experiences and what drove him.   

Watch Chef Carlos share his drive!

https://youtu.be/Ljj9Ctmor6M

Best tips for a Summer to Remember in downtown Valpo

 

Farmers Market


 Cultural & Activities in Downtown Valpo

Farmers Market- Every Tuesday and Saturday

Summer Outdoor Movies- Every Tuesday at Dusk

Memorial Opera House

Poco Museum

 Festivals & Events in Valpo Downtown 

https://valparaisoevents.com/events/valpo-brewfest/

Valpo Art Festival

Shakespeare in the Park- Chicago Street Theatre 

Wine Festival

Summer Concert Series Every Thursday

Popcorn Fest

BrewFest

 

Chef Carlos reviews the Downtown Valpo Restaurants

Downtown Valpo Restaurants 

Valpo’s downtown is a special place and at the core of this experience is the Downtown Valpo Restaurant Group. These restaurants came together as friends 14 years ago to promote Valpo’s downtown food and culture.

Blue Point Oysters and Sushi Bar.  

Chef Eddy is known as one of Valpo’s most accomplished Chefs and has been with the Downtown Valpo Restaurants since it originated. This Chef knows Valpo and what his customers want….located in the heart of Valpo, across from the magnificent Court House, Chef Eddie serves Northwest Indiana’s largest fresh oyster selection. Although the Chef is known for his seafood, fans love his steaks, chicken entrees, and pasta dishes.

Don Quijote Restaurante   

Marco Villarreal, selected to Valpo's top band, musicians and sound

 

Passion…No other words can better capture the essence of Spanish cuisine or the don Quijote experience, says Chef Carlos Rivero.  “In Spain, every meal is an opportunity to get together with friends and family, and food is one of the foundations of Spanish culture. Almost all Spanish food is made for sharing… whether its tapas, a huge paella pan shared between friends or a fine bottle of Spanish Wine.”

Furin Japanese Restaurant & Bar  

Griegers- downtown- valpo- BLOG

Downtown Valpo Restaurants couldn’t be more excited to welcome Daniel Young Hui Wang and his Japanese culture to Valpo’s world-class portfolio.   Furin’s diverse menu includes classic Japanese cuisine with an infusion of modern rolls, steak, sushi, sashimi, ramen, teriyaki and bulgogi. 

Furin’s remarkable cultural experience will capture your heart. Furin has quickly become a downtown favorite and a welcome boost of energy to the Downtown Valpo Restaurants.

Main + Lincoln      

Main + Lincoln

The menu consists of dishes that celebrate all the ethnicities that have impacted America’s ever-evolving cuisine. 

The M+L interior space is impressive. For a unique experience, sit at the M+L bar and watch Chef George orchestrate his culinary art- this is must-see entertainment. 

Pikk’s Tavern    

Cool Cars..No Boundaries, a look at the best things to do in downtown Valparaiso

This is perhaps the most innovative restaurant you’ll ever go to. A 1940’s Chicago Tavern theme with a transfusion of American, Italian and Mexican cuisine. Chef Paul Loduca’s innovation was inspired by his father, a renowned Chicago chef, and restaurateur. If you’re looking for a classic Chicago dinner, Pikk’s” raises the steaks”. When it comes to Ribeye, New York Strip or Filet Mignon, nobody in Chicago does it better. The innovation doesn’t stop with the interior space. The Pikk’s outdoor dining overlooks Valpo’s Central Park and features the best seat in town for a downtown festival…if you can get a seat!

 Pikk’s is a destination for craft beer fans. Just sit at the bar, order a delicious Tavern Burger, and start sampling! Cheers!

 

Radius

Radius has it all…a diverse menu, a great bar and weekly live music which features Valpo’s best musicians. The menu is one of Valpo’s most diverse.  It includes roast beef, sandwiches and hamburgers alongside fresh and innovative cocktails. Radius also has one of Valpo’s best selections of craft beers. 

The Radius outdoor dining space is direct across from the iconic Courthouse.  Many locals consider Radius the best spot in town for al fresco dining. The interior space also shares a mesmerizing view of the Courthouse. For a night of remarkable entertainment on the Square… 

Ricochet Tacos   

Griegers- downtown- valpo- BLOG-Cool Cars...No Boundaries

 Always fresh…always real. This is a restaurant that stands for values without compromise. Since 2011, Cory and Blair Muro  have developed a huge following with their unique concept eateries. Cory’s insatiable desire to innovate is only equalled by Blair’s desire to create a fresh and wonderful experience for customers.   

Ricochet offers a limited menu of creative, thoughtfully delivered food with a complex flavor profile, all wrapped up in an unassuming taco. The attention to detail extends from house-made chips and salsa and aguas frescas to a specialized offering of craft tequila and whiskey cocktails.

SAGE   

Griegers- downtown- valpo- BLOG-Cool Cars...No Boundaries

Downtown Valpo Restaurants are made up of some real characters…perhaps none more than Sage’s Chef Joe. Chef Joe exemplifies Valpo’s character. Tough, loyal, tenacious, passionate…and will do anything to create an amazing experience for his customers. His inspiration came from his Italian heritage where cooking was an expression of love. 

Chef Joe never ceases to impress! Hand crafted entrees and unique dishes. Sage’s signature cocktails will elevate your spirits and please even the most discerning palette. The Sage selection of wine is personally selected by Chef Joe and craft beers are ever evolving and changing!

- a valpo top venue for music

 

 

The Downtown also features some remarkable restaurants that are not members of the Downtown Valpo Restaurants. You’ll want to try these out.  

 

Lincoln Flats

Our family is proud to make Lincoln Flats a beautiful addition to downtown Valparaiso. 

We look forward to providing innovative cuisine, impeccable service and top-notch wines, beers and spirits in a relaxed environment. We welcome everyone to “Eat. Drink. Gather!”  -Steve Buck

Griegers-Jeep Gladiator-Cool Car-No Boundaries

Cool Jeep…No Boundaries

Meditrina

Valpo's best-Summer ever- at Meditrina

Traditional Mediterranean cuisine, with it’s variety of flavors and textures, is meant to be shared. Its where health and happiness come together! You get the best of both worlds with lean fresh dining for the whole family to enjoy.

Valpo's top music venue- cool car...no boundaries blog , Griegers

Valpo Velvet

We take great pride in continuing to make Indiana’s Finest Ice Cream. We are constantly adding new flavors to meet the ever-changing needs of today’s market. We have the best premium ice cream on the market and hope that you have the chance to try it. You will not be disappointed!

Fluid hosts Griegers blog

Fluid Coffee  

Fluid Coffee Bar in Downtown Valparaiso – New Wave Coffee and Tea Concoctions For Every Palate. This place brews a cool atmosphere.

Griegers in Valparaiso is a family of musicians and music lovers. They stock vehicles with remarkable sound systems

Parea  

Enjoy fine dining at Paréa Restaurant! Paréa features American cuisine, private events, daily specials, restaurant events, and outdoor dining

Ram- top-sound-acoustics-Valpo , Kevin Pazour of Poco Muse reviews Ram

Stacks

Cozy library-themed restaurant serving updated comfort classics, plus craft beer, wine & cocktails.

Franklin House

The Franklin House, established in 1857, is one of Northwest Indiana’s oldest and favorite places to relax, drink, meet friends, and have a good time. 

Griegers Cool Car-No Boundaries-Elements

Elements

Elements Wine Bar is a place to gather for people who love wine and good music.

Griegers Cool Cars...No Boundaries

The new Jeep Gladiator & Wrangler- al fresco driving!

 The ultimate el fresco experience…  downtown dining or the 2020 Jeep Gladiator? 

We asked Chef Carlos which is the ultimate al fresco experience… al fresco dining or al fresco driving. According to Chef Carlos,  “al fresco is defined as staying cool, and nothing tops driving downtown in a convertible Jeep Gladiator and dining outdoors….especially when you’re with friends.”

Thanks for taking a ride with Cool Cars…No Boundaries. On behalf of the Griegers family, we hope you enjoyed learning the best things to do in Valpo… and the secrets to a Summer to Remember in the downtown! 

 

More Reading:

 Cool Car….No Boundaries. Your Blog for Fun things to do in Northwest Indiana.

 

Author-Jim Jano Janesheski is also author for Griegers blog, cool car...no boundaries.

Written by Jim Jano Janesheski