The History of Naughty Grapes!

The following article was written by Naughty Grapes own Marketing Operations Manager, Disobedient Deby and published in the July issue of NWI ENTERTAINER.
You can pick up the July issue of "Your Source for Northwest Indiana Happenings" at the Grapes or any other area club.

The History of Naughty Grapes Wine Bar Bistro

Naughty Grapes opened June 29^th 2001. John Desmaretz’s original concept was to build a small quaint environment that had great food, good jazz and great wines. It was designed for an affluent crowd; one that enjoyed the finer things in life and didn’t want to have to travel to Chicago. It took six months to open primarily because it was so unique—in an old house.

Why a house?

He knew the concept he wanted to display had to have a different type of environment. “Too many places fall short of great ambiance because they are working with storefronts and poorly designed buildings”, says John. It was love at first sight with 513 N Main Street. He knew he could shape it into something special and something people would remember. He worked hard to maintain a 17^th century feel but inundate it with pop art and unique dressings to make it interesting. It continues to have a warm feel with a perfect environment to cruise while listening to jazz and enjoying great culinary arts.

The house was built in 1906. It was family owned for many years then turned into a boarding house in the late 80’s. A mother and her daughter started gentrification in 1996 and it took them five years to complete. When John bought the house he added the bar, restaurant and internals to make it Naughty Grapes.

According to a couple of dining psychics who picked up some vibes, the house is haunted. One former chef insists that someone spoke in his ear as he was shutting off the lights upstairs one evening. There are also strange noises that occur at times. Things like the sound of someone walking up or down the stairs when you are in the other part of the house. As far as anyone knows, there have been no sightings.

John shares, “I have been told many times that there is no place like Naughty Grapes anywhere in the world. It needs to be experienced. Who else in Northwest Indiana has a Jacuzzi bathtub in their bathroom?”

Volume 1, Issue 2

We will be closed on Wednesday, July 4th—due to the lack of interest, however we will be celebrating...

BASTILLE DAY!

Saturday, July 14th!

Join us for Rich’s savoring French Onion Soup and other French cuisine special-al-ities.

We'll feature French wine specials. And our beautiful bartenders will be whipping up a Bastille Day Cocktail for the occasion. Look for fun events at Naughty Grapes in honor of this French national holiday.

FREEK JOHNSON comeback? John has hinted of a comeback. Stayed tuned.

Who is Freek Johnson? (borrowed from myspace, click on pic)

Freek Johnson is not your grandfathers jazz; their fans describe their sound as eclectic, tight, controlled chaos, and highly caffeinated. Going on their 9th year as a group, the Freek has built a hard-core, diverse fan base in Indiana and Illinois. Together, they create completely original compositions guaranteed to please old-school and new-school music fans. The Freek and its members have graced the stages of the Vic Theatre, Double Door, The Green Mill, The Backroom, and Andys, and were a regular feature at the Naughty Grapes for over two years.

LQQK! A new publication is in our area that features photos, articles, and tidbits about the Northwest Indiana nightlife (including Naughty Grapes Wine Bar Bistro). The magazine is free and loaded with good reading/looking material. And...it's FREE! Pick-up a copy at your favorite frequently fraternized bistro. You may see or read about someone you know. Did I happen to mention it's free?

MUSICAL LINE-UP & JULY DATES TO REMEMBER:

MONDAYS open mic nite at 8pm!

• 3-Tues. - David Mathis
• 4-Wed. - CLOSED
• 5-Thurs. - The Good Timez
• 6-Fri. - Bobby Troy
• 7-Sat. - George Colakoviv
• 10-Tues. - Bob Heckler
• 11-Wed. - Rich Boban
• 12-Thurs. - Blues Man Group
• 13-Fri. - Rich Boban
• 14-Sat. - BASTILLE DAY
  
• 14-Sat. - The Good Timez
• 17-Tues. - David Boban
• 18-Wed. - Rich Boban
• 19-Thurs. - Blues Man Group
• 20-Fri. - Rich Boban
• 21-Sat. - Bobby Troy
• 24-Tues. - Bob Heckler
• 25 -Wed. - Rich Boban
• 26-Thurs. - Blues Man Group
• 27-Fri. - The Good Timez
• 28-Sat. - George Colakoviv
• 31-Tues. - David Boban