NWI Business Ins and Outs: Mediterranean restaurant, Bubble tea and poke place, Puerto Rican eatery, chicken and fish joint, men’s clothing store and music venue opening | Northwest Indiana Business Headlines

McGowan & Sons, a seafood market in Valparaiso, has expanded its business to include cooking classes, a new to-go menu, lobster rolls, wine tastings and Friday fish fries.

The business at 1607 Burlington Beach Road specializes in fresh seafood, including a catch of the day, meal kits and freshly made salads. It’s now offering Bring Your Bubble Cooking Classes.

“Many of our customers loved our cooking classes that we offered before the pandemic,” owner Leslee McGowan said. “It’s a little more challenging now to mix people in communal seating so we have developed Bring Your Bubble Cooking Classes. The idea is to bring your group of friends, family and neighbors and we’ll host a cooking class complete with cocktails and fun.”

It’s also offering virtual cooking classes on Thursday evenings.

“These classes are now being offered on Thursday evenings,” she said. “Customers pick up their cooking class kit on Thursday and log in Thursday night to learn a few things, eat some good food and socialize virtually.”

McGowan & Sons is now frying up walleye on Friday and putting together a Summer Lovin’ catering menu that’s tailored toward graduate open houses and summer parties, as well as a Lent menu, a Mardi Gras menu and an Island Adventure menu.

It also has launched wine tastings.

“March 5’s tasting will feature our friends from Dablon Winery in Michigan. Chef Rob will serve some delightful treats as a preview to our summer menu that day as well,” she said. “This is a complimentary wine tasting and a good chance for customers to check out some of our boutique wines while featuring the wine experts and their knowledge.”

McGowan & Sons is open from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. It’s closed on Sundays.

For more information, call 219-299-2336 or visit mcgowanandsons.com.