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?”