"About Last Night"... Gia Crosses the Line


Wednesday, February 3, 2010




True, I did cross the line when chasing down Reggie Bush across the lobby for an autograph whilst here in Miami lounging with the Saints at the Intercontinental Hotel. True, I did cross the line when I approached Drew Brees in the Spa clacking around in plastic flip flops just to get his autograph. And yes, I was almost physically removed from the hotel when I flagged Jeremy Shockey out of an Escalade to get what I felt was the "Trifecta" of autographs. I'm a girl who likes to cross the line. (all true events)
But, the place I'm going to tell you about has nothing to do with these fine fellas, it's a place "...to come when you're alone and want to be around people with a glass of wine. A place to bring dates (my personal favorite), and a place for kids. I crossed the line and went to Cafe Borgia in Northwest Indiana. I want to insert a few jokes here (and because I used to live in NWI, I feel it socially appropriate), but that would not be an appropriate opening for what Mike Jesso, Chef, Owner, has done to bring some amazing cuisine to this corner of the state. The Cafe is brilliantly decorated, adorned with bright, inviting lighting, murals that take your breath away, and artwork by Jeffery Hennecke. The place is just lovely. I took the recommendations on the food and dove right into the
Minestrone, which as my Italian companion can vouch, was very authentic. I couldn't agree more. The Stuffed Mushrooms appetizer were light and delicious, as expected, but the Calamari Salad was absolutely out of this world. There was no breading on the Calamari so the pink little pieces swirled around in a vinaigrette with a fresh salad and truthfully, this could have been the meal in itself. It was amazing. The Chicken Vesuvio Romana was simply outstanding. The chicken was juicy and sat in a sauce that was light and buttery. The vegetables were fresh and crispy and complemented the potatoes and chicken, and the whole meal was absolutely worth a repeat.

When talking to Chef Jesso, who was a very sweet and humble person he simply wanted to make a place for people to enjoy. A place where the "customer is always king", or Queen in my case.
Make the trip, it's worth it. No traffic, or parking issues. No overpriced valet. I say "DO IT".
But then again, I like crossing the line.

Now, back to getting these Saints in line and ready for Sunday!

Cafe Borgia is located 10018 Calumet Ave. Munster, IN 219.922.8889

In photos: Gia Claire, Professional Bloggess, and Chef Mike Jesso (right)