Thursday, August 23, 2012

The Loft at Traders Point Creamery--Revisit


We finally got around to taking the kids to Traders Point Creamery for lunch the other day—my in laws were in town and we thought it would be a nice place to go with everyone.  I haven’t been since my last post and honestly, couldn’t wait to try the grilled cheese again. I remembered it being so good.
Since there were so many of us, we also got a starter—it was the  “Bloomy Puff” ($14) which is one of Traderspoint’s cheeses wrapped in puff pastry and served with a bunch of fruit and veggies alongside—there were apple slices as well as zucchini, squash, and peppers.  There was also a bit of fruit preserves on the side.  The bloomy cheese is a fairly mellow cheese—it sort of has the texture of a goat cheese, although it is a cow’s cheese.  It is light and has just a little tangy kick—and when you wrap any cheese  in puff pastry, I am going to be a fan.  I did think the portion of cheese, particularly for the price, was a little small. I was expecting something a little bigger.

To continue with the cheese theme (it is a dairy after all), I got the same thing I ordered last time—the grilled cheese with avocado and bacon ($9) and upgraded my side dish to the mac and cheese ($4).  Sadly, I was disappointed with my sandwich.  The bread was much thicker and not really grilled much at all (I would call it very lightly toasted) and there was nowhere near enough cheese (just look at the one I had in my first post, they look really different).  The bacon and avocado were plentiful and tasty, but you really want to taste the cheese here.  Last time, the bread was really thin and grilled even flatter with a nice crispy exterior.  This sandwich made me a little sad, because I was so hyped up for it (and had recommended it to everyone at the table).  The side of mac and cheese was my saving grace—everyone really liked it and I ended up having to share mine with hubby and both my kids.  It was not over creamy, and had good flavor from the Fleur de la Terre cheese (which is a Gouda and also happens to be one of my favorite Traderspoint cheeses).  I will say, I thought it needed a little salt and pepper, which I added, and then it was perfect.  I picked up some of the cheese and am making my own variation of it at home tonight.

Hubby ordered the patty melt (we actually split half and half) ($12) and we both liked it much better than the grilled cheese. They raise their own cattle and the beef was great (and cooked to order properly).  There was Swiss cheese and grilled onions as well as a “special sauce.”  The meat was really super tender and juicy and there was more cheese here than there was on the grilled cheese.  The thicker bread worked on this sandwich because there was a lot of filling—you needed it with that big patty.  It was a good burger.

I like the atmosphere of the place—and the fact they have beer and wine.  The interior is like the inside of a nice barn—woodsy but with modern tables.  The service was good and very friendly. And my kids liked checking out the cows after lunch.  I just wish they hadn’t changed my grilled cheese, but at least now I know I will try something else next time.

The Loft
Traders Point Creamery
9101 Moore Road
Zionsville, IN 46077
317/733-1700

7 comments:

  1. I bet that you were upset that they didn’t; have any nacho cheese at this joint. I mean, are you ever happy with a place? I guess that grass fed artisanal cheese and beef is not good enough for you? Amazing

    Btw, what is the point of this blog?

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  2. Erin,

    They guy who posted his negative comment about your review is way off base. You write the best food reviews in Indy by far and as good as anywhere else, too. This guy probably works there or doesn't understand what a review is supposed to be. You keep on keeping on, do NOT change a thing.

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  3. As usual, you've written a fair and balanced review, that is useful to those of us who like to read about local restaurants. We've tried new restaurants because of your reviews, and ordered different things at restaurants we frequent because of your reviews. Keep up the good work!

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  4. I don't think that this review, or any of Erin's reviews for that matter, was overly or unnecessarily critical. All she stated was that the grilled cheese could have used more cheese. Not too much to ask when it's in the name of the dish, is it? Also, had you bothered to read more of the reviews, or read them better, you might see there are many reviews that are re-reviews due to the restaurant being well liked. Reviews can have something that wasn't liked, but still be positive overall. I'm sure there are plenty of chefs and restaurant owners appreciate knowing what they can do to improve.

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  5. Jessica in NoblesvilleAugust 26, 2012 at 10:44 AM

    Anon, Erin specifically said that she enjoyed their "grass fed artisanal cheese and beef," she wrote that she really liked their appetizer cheese in puff pastry and that the burger was juicy and tasty. What she didn't like is a tiny piece of cheese for the price of the appetizer, and too little cheese on her grilled cheese sandwich. Gee, you think a place like Traderspoint, which is a Dairy farm and Creamery, would be a little more generous with their cheese? I don't think that's too much to ask. You might also be surprised to learn that this review drove me to seek out Traderspoint products at my local grocers, so even her less than glowing review is good for the business.

    And what is the point of this blog? Um ... it's called Indianapolis Restaurant Scene and contains (for the most part) reviews of Indianapolis-area restaurants ... is that too complex for you to grasp? If you're looking for reviews that pander to chains and sugar-coat bad food, look elsewhere (may I suggest IndyStar and IBJ?).

    Don't mess with Erin, she writes this blog for fun and is not paid to do so. A lot of us enjoy her blog, and if others don't like it, guess what? They don't have to read it. I'm surprised she's willing to post snide comments on her own blog, since she has no obligation to do so.

    Hmph. (can you see my McKayla is not impressed face?)

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  6. Joe in Montgomery, OHAugust 26, 2012 at 1:21 PM

    First post anonymous, this is a dining blog and it will, and should, reflect Erin Day's opinion. Will I always agree with everything, no. Will I listen? Yes,

    Erin spent over a decade in San Francisco which has a remarkable food scene. It's also 3 times the size of Indianapolis. Again, that's where knowledge comes in.

    She is a "blogger" and dines out at her own expense versus the "Star", "Indianapolis Monthly" and other local "critics" who have expense accounts. She also knows there's more to life than a deep fryer, a steak and fast food. Thank God for that.

    I like TPC, but find nothing objectionable in this review and, indeed, will be "doing" brunch there the Sunday after Labor Day. Bottom line is thanks Erin.

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