Spotted Around Town

WINE TASTING @ COUNTRY HERITAGE VINEYARD
I recently went to the Country Heritage Vineyard for a pre-dinner wine tasting in LaOtto, Ind. A quick drive from the city, this beautiful setting is a fun way to kick off an evening with friends. The vineyard is owned and operated by Jeremy and Jennifer Lutter. They have planted their own grapevines, but until the grapes have matured, Country Heritage wines are made with carefully chosen grapes from farms around the country. The wine tasting is complimentary and each guest can choose five wines (a total of six are served; one is chosen by the sommelier). After my tasting, the clear winner was the Vignoles, a semi dry with notes of passion fruit and citrus zest ($13.95). I left with a few bottles and will no doubt be back for more. Bottles start at $9.95. 0185 CR 68, LaOtto; (260) 637-2980.

 

FRESH POT PIES @ JAMISON MEATS
When I think of pot pies, I think of cozy fall and winter nights. They are hearty and warm the body at the end of a chilly day. After one such day, I spotted the words “Fresh Pot Pies” on the marquee at Jamison Meats. I certainly didn’t feel like cooking, so I popped into this neighborhood gem and picked up dinner for my family. These individually sized chicken or beef pot pies are chock full of fresh veggies and creamy gravy, and at $3.99 a pie, they’re a steal. Since they’re super fresh, calling ahead is advised. The store can take call-ahead orders at least one day in advance. The pies take 30 to 40 minutes to bake, and since they will be coming out of your own oven, piping hot, you can technically claim to have made dinner! 3423 N. Anthony Blvd.; (260) 484-4158.

 

INNOVATION STUDIO @ MEMORIAL COLISEUM
Planning a unique and stylish event can be tricky, especially on a budget. The new Innovation Studio at Memorial Coliseum, helmed by super swell party planner Beth Noland, offers a new approach. I have had the pleasure of attending Beth’s private parties and am always blown away by her attention to detail and passion for the latest and greatest in design. Beth and her über-creative team have created a chic headquarters that puts their talents on display and can show you just how unique (and delicious) an event at the Coliseum can be. I fell head over heels with the presentation of their foods (macaroons in candy  machine-style clear plastic balls) and the unique and thoughtful décor (a wall covering so luxe I was shocked to find out it was wrapping paper). Call (260) 482-9502 to speak to an event coordinator. 4000 Parnell Ave.

 

CREATIVE COWORKING @ FOUNDERS
Fresh to the Fort Wayne scene is a co-working space “designed to serve the entrepreneurial and the creative at heart.” Founders is a community funded office space, perfect for freelancers, people with great ideas that need a sounding board or anyone in need of a meeting space and users donate what they can for use of the facility ($5 powers one hour). The doors open at 8 a.m. Monday through Friday and close when the last person leaves (sometimes the very wee hours). 614 South Harrison 46802; (260) 255-4451. www.atfounders.com