****This restaurant is closed as of January 2009****
I can't help it. I know I have blogged quite a bit about L'explorateur, but we had a perfect meal there this week. The day was lovely, the service was great and the food was outstanding!
Were were served an amuse bouche of a slice of fried zucchini with a remoulade sauce. It was good, but could've used a sprinkle of salt on top. As for the things we actually ordered, we started with some of the L'ex classics, the scallop ceviche, which I am completely addicted to, and the yellowfin tuna "pizza" which is a small flatbread with anchovy aioli, the tuna, thinly sliced, and some olives and microgreens. They were both amazing! The ceviche contained scallops, avocado, cilantro, habanero, and cucumber with house made chips. Oh, and lots of lime juice. Cucumbers aren't my favorite thing, but I ate around them (interestingly, they don't always put the cukes in, it does make for nice variety that it isn't always exactly the same).
We both had the skate for our main. I have mentioned before how much I love skate (as does hubby) so when it is on a menu (which isn't that often around here), we almost always both order it. I loved that it wasn't the classic preparation that we have had many times. It was lightly floured (and I think had some egg in the crust too), pan fried and served over a mix of chopped asparagus and morels all in a brown butter sauce and over a swash of miso paste. May sound a little strange, but it was richly delicious.
We had a bottle of the Principessa Gavi with the meal which was also perfect (for some reason with this wine, it is either really good, or somewhat skunky). Since we were on such a roll, we decided to go for dessert. We went with another L'ex classic, the banana pot de creme with dark chocolate genache. We have had this before and weren't as impressed as we were this time. I don't know if it was slightly different or if it was just the high of the rest of the meal that made it seem so good, but it was very good. We also asked if they had glasses of moscato d'asti for dessert and were told they only had it by the bottle. We ordered a glass of Riesling to split instead. When the waiter brought the wine, it was actually moscato d'asti. It was funny because he didn't mention it, but obviously, they had decided to open a bottle for us. So we ordered another glass (lower alcohol content you know!).
This is a restaurant that we really need in Indy and I hope it continues to do well! It is the most edgy restaurant I think we have and the food is fresh and outstanding. Rumor has it the chef is looking to move the restaurant downtown. I would still go just as much and hopefully maybe even more people will discover it and enjoy it as I do.
L'exlorateur
6523 Ferguson Street
Indy 46220
317-726-6906
www.dinelex.com
Friday, June 13, 2008
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Oceanaire --the next visit
OK, I was hoping for some soft shell crab, but turns out they only have it for a couple of weeks in the beginning of May. I did find out though, it was a good time to visit Oceanaire because it was Devour Downtown, where many of the downtown restaurants have fixed menus for a $30.00 (and you get 3 courses). So I thought, hey, this is a perfect for Oceanaire since, a) their stuff is very pricey and b) the servings are way too big. So I ordered the set price, hubby ordered a la carte and we shared. The serving size of the devour downtown appetizer was great! Small portion of smoked salmon. Very well done. We also ordered the regular mussel appetizer which was, of course, huge. They were pretty good--not too big in individual mussel size. The shallot/white wine sauce was a little flat--needed several lemon wedge's worth of squeezes to brighten it up, then it was quite tasty. Although my favorite mussels in this City are still the ones on the bar menu at The Tavern at Bugg's Temple.
Continuing on with the set menu (you actually got to choose one of three choices for each course which was nice), I had the Dungeness crab cakes. I love Dungeness crab and having had the blue crab cakes at Oceanaire before, I had high expectations for some really meaty delicious crab cakes. However, while their blue crab cakes are that way, the Dungeness crab cakes are not. Apparently, they use all the meat from the body cavities of the crab and it is the small stringy bits. (Now, when you are eating the actual whole crab, this part is still really good, but didn't come out this way in the crab cake.) The portion was actually still quite large (2 large crab cakes). Hubby ordered the walleye done "Ritzy" style with crushed Ritz crackers. It was quite delicious (and interestingly, the only fresh water fish on the menu--apparently the chef is from Minnesota and loves walleye). I love it too. I think it is one of the best white fishes around personally.
Up til now, the service was superb and quite a difference from our last meal out at Puck's. We even had the manager at our table a couple times to check on us. And your shell bowls are constantly emptied and water is always full. However, in between entrees and dessert, things got really busy in the restaurant and service of the food slowed quite a bit. We finally ordered our dessert from the special menu and it was a strawberry rhubarb crumble with ice cream. There was way more ice cream then crumble which was unfortunate because it was hard to tell how the crumble really tasted.
I know this review sounds harsh, but I generally do like Oceanaire and the fact that the seafood is very fresh. This was definitely not my best meal, but I like that the menu is different each time, and next time I will get something else. I also really appreciate the professional service. I will do devour downtown again at Oceanaire as well because I really appreciate the smaller portions.
Oceanaire Seafood Room
30 S Meridian Street
Indy, 46204
317-955-2277
http://www.theoceanaire.com/
Continuing on with the set menu (you actually got to choose one of three choices for each course which was nice), I had the Dungeness crab cakes. I love Dungeness crab and having had the blue crab cakes at Oceanaire before, I had high expectations for some really meaty delicious crab cakes. However, while their blue crab cakes are that way, the Dungeness crab cakes are not. Apparently, they use all the meat from the body cavities of the crab and it is the small stringy bits. (Now, when you are eating the actual whole crab, this part is still really good, but didn't come out this way in the crab cake.) The portion was actually still quite large (2 large crab cakes). Hubby ordered the walleye done "Ritzy" style with crushed Ritz crackers. It was quite delicious (and interestingly, the only fresh water fish on the menu--apparently the chef is from Minnesota and loves walleye). I love it too. I think it is one of the best white fishes around personally.
Up til now, the service was superb and quite a difference from our last meal out at Puck's. We even had the manager at our table a couple times to check on us. And your shell bowls are constantly emptied and water is always full. However, in between entrees and dessert, things got really busy in the restaurant and service of the food slowed quite a bit. We finally ordered our dessert from the special menu and it was a strawberry rhubarb crumble with ice cream. There was way more ice cream then crumble which was unfortunate because it was hard to tell how the crumble really tasted.
I know this review sounds harsh, but I generally do like Oceanaire and the fact that the seafood is very fresh. This was definitely not my best meal, but I like that the menu is different each time, and next time I will get something else. I also really appreciate the professional service. I will do devour downtown again at Oceanaire as well because I really appreciate the smaller portions.
Oceanaire Seafood Room
30 S Meridian Street
Indy, 46204
317-955-2277
http://www.theoceanaire.com/
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Puck's
****Note: Puck's is no longer in business.
Pucks, Pucks, Pucks. What can I say? The food is great, and so is the ambiance (beautiful dining room at the Indianapolis Art Museum overlooking the fountain), but the service blows. Hard. We went last week and have been many times since being back in Indy. The food has almost always been excellent, while the service has ranged from mediocre to really crappy (as it was this last time).
Because the service problems started from the get-go, that is where I will start. I will tell you about the food next. We walked in, about 2 minutes late for our reservation. There was no hostess there and a large party ahead of us. We all waited. The hostess came back, told us she would seat them and be right back for us. About 10-15 minutes later (!!) she came back and seated us. At a table with only half the necessary flatware and no bread plates. Granted they were pretty busy, but it bordered on ridiculous. The waitress was nice but very distracted and slow. Our meal took forever. Later, I saw why the hostess wasn't at the front. She was bussing tables and pouring water and bringing menus (which by the way, for dinner, we were given one dinner menu and one lunch menu). It makes one wonder if they are struggling with help or business and were not expecting a crowd. But you have to have bussers.
As for the food, I am amazed that with the service issues they have, they continue to put out such an excellent product. Although I have noticed that the menu used to change a lot more than it does now. Which is a bummer because parsnips are really more of a fall/winter kinda thing I think. Where's my spring veg? But if you are having a lot of service problems, and who knows what turnover in the kitchen, it is probably easiest to keep up the quality with routine.
On to the food specifically. I had the frisee salad with a poached egg, bacon and sherry vinaigrette. I have had it in the past, and as usual, it did not disappoint. Excellently prepared and executed. Hubby had the tuna tartare which I had the last time I was there (and I had some this time off his plate as well). The quality is really good, but to me, it was heavy on spiciness and could've used some lemon or something. Next, I had the halibut done Shanghai style with rice. It was good. The fish was cooked very well, but it was quite spicy. I can handle a fair amount of spiciness, but this started to take away from the other flavors the closer you got to the end of the meal. Normally, my experience with Shanghai style is a sort of mix between the spiciness of the red chilies and a sort of sourness from the ginger and rice wine. This was mostly just hot, with a hint of the other flavors, but still quite good.
Hubby then had a blue cheese encrusted filet, as the mains weren't really up his alley this night. (Listen up Broad Ripple Steakhouse, this is how you do a blue cheese encruseted steak--with blue cheese! Not breadcrumbs.). He was quite happy.
Anyway, it was a very frustrating meal because the food is up there in the Indy scene, but the service was so bad, it made it hard to want to go back. I hope they fix these problems, because not everyone has 3 hours to spend at a weeknight dinner. And I want to go back, I really do.
Puck's at the IMA
4000 Michigan Road
Indy, 46208
955-2315
http://www.wolfgangpuck.com/
Pucks, Pucks, Pucks. What can I say? The food is great, and so is the ambiance (beautiful dining room at the Indianapolis Art Museum overlooking the fountain), but the service blows. Hard. We went last week and have been many times since being back in Indy. The food has almost always been excellent, while the service has ranged from mediocre to really crappy (as it was this last time).
Because the service problems started from the get-go, that is where I will start. I will tell you about the food next. We walked in, about 2 minutes late for our reservation. There was no hostess there and a large party ahead of us. We all waited. The hostess came back, told us she would seat them and be right back for us. About 10-15 minutes later (!!) she came back and seated us. At a table with only half the necessary flatware and no bread plates. Granted they were pretty busy, but it bordered on ridiculous. The waitress was nice but very distracted and slow. Our meal took forever. Later, I saw why the hostess wasn't at the front. She was bussing tables and pouring water and bringing menus (which by the way, for dinner, we were given one dinner menu and one lunch menu). It makes one wonder if they are struggling with help or business and were not expecting a crowd. But you have to have bussers.
As for the food, I am amazed that with the service issues they have, they continue to put out such an excellent product. Although I have noticed that the menu used to change a lot more than it does now. Which is a bummer because parsnips are really more of a fall/winter kinda thing I think. Where's my spring veg? But if you are having a lot of service problems, and who knows what turnover in the kitchen, it is probably easiest to keep up the quality with routine.
On to the food specifically. I had the frisee salad with a poached egg, bacon and sherry vinaigrette. I have had it in the past, and as usual, it did not disappoint. Excellently prepared and executed. Hubby had the tuna tartare which I had the last time I was there (and I had some this time off his plate as well). The quality is really good, but to me, it was heavy on spiciness and could've used some lemon or something. Next, I had the halibut done Shanghai style with rice. It was good. The fish was cooked very well, but it was quite spicy. I can handle a fair amount of spiciness, but this started to take away from the other flavors the closer you got to the end of the meal. Normally, my experience with Shanghai style is a sort of mix between the spiciness of the red chilies and a sort of sourness from the ginger and rice wine. This was mostly just hot, with a hint of the other flavors, but still quite good.
Hubby then had a blue cheese encrusted filet, as the mains weren't really up his alley this night. (Listen up Broad Ripple Steakhouse, this is how you do a blue cheese encruseted steak--with blue cheese! Not breadcrumbs.). He was quite happy.
Anyway, it was a very frustrating meal because the food is up there in the Indy scene, but the service was so bad, it made it hard to want to go back. I hope they fix these problems, because not everyone has 3 hours to spend at a weeknight dinner. And I want to go back, I really do.
Puck's at the IMA
4000 Michigan Road
Indy, 46208
955-2315
http://www.wolfgangpuck.com/
Saturday, May 24, 2008
SI (aka Scholar's Inn)
****THIS RESTAURANT IS NOW CLOSED****
We were really in the mood to try something "new," so we ventured to the recently refurbished and re-Chefed restaurant, SI. Jake Brenchley has taken over the kitchen as of February. Up until a few months ago, most of us knew this restaurant as Scholar's Inn. Apparently, the new branding is not complete because the sign hasn't changed out front and some of the receipts still say "Scholar's Inn" as well. I was interested in trying the new version since the other two times I was there I was somewhat underwhelmed. (So the "SI" apparently stands for "Scholar's Inn" and "Sexy and Intimate.") (I leave any editorial comments about that to the reader.)
The first time I went, which must have been about 5 years ago when I was visiting from California. The menu was HUGE. There were lots of interesting things on it and I remember ordering a scallop appetizer that had some black truffle with it. The scallops were overcooked and somehow, inexplicably, the truffles had absolutely no flavor. Honestly, I don't remember the rest of the meal.
Fast forward to about a year ago when we stopped in for dinner before a concert at the White River State Park stadium (why are the calling it "White Lies" this year anyway?). Well, we sat outside which was nice as it was a very warm evening. I was happy to see the menu had been significantly pared down, as I don't think any kitchen could pull off everything that was on that first menu and do a good job. It was more like the traditional Indianapolis menu--basically a steakhouse menu plus a few other things. The food was good, but nothing to write home about. I had a steak and some shrimp cocktail I think (I told you it was steakhouse-ish).
Now, on to the new "SI." Simply, I loved it. The new atmosphere is very chic and makes you feel like you are in a nice restaurant in a more food oriented City. There were 3 or 4 really interesting sounding appetizers and salads. I ended up getting the scallop appetizer with blood orange, red onion, endive and prosciutto which was thick-cut and curled around the scallop. It was delicious. I was so pleased. The scallop was properly cooked and the sweet and tart sauced complemented both the scallop and the meat.
I was feeling a little iron-deprived and the sides sounded somewhat yummy, so I ordered the steak (which is somewhat unusual for me). It came with a red wine demi glace and Becahmel mac and cheese. It was really good as well. Honestly, the steak itself was better and better prepared than the Capital Grille one the other night. It was huge as well, and I only ate half.
Hubby had a frisee salad with shitake mushrooms and it was really really good too. We argued over whose appetizer was better. He had the short rib for his main and really liked it as well. He said it was the best short rib he has had in this City.
The desserts, much like most of this City, we very unmemorable. We ordered a chocolate cake thing and it seemed like it came from a box or some distributor. Does this City not have any pastry chefs??
The only other downside was the service. While everyone was very friendly, it took a good 10 minutes before anyone came and got our drink order. From there, it took another 10 minutes before our wine came. They were actually out of what we ordered, but that worked out well because we got a better bottle for a cheaper price. One note here, I found the wine list overpriced. I can't stomach paying $48 for a bottle of wine that costs me about $16 in a wine shop (and I am sure they get the wine cheaper than I pay in the wine store). Particularly in Indy.
We were very excited with the prospect of a new Chef and basically, what is a new restaurant, that is really, really good. I can't wait to go back and get one of the fish dishes. There was also a good crowd there, which is nice to see on a week night.
Incidentally, we were told the menu changes seasonally and the new one will be out in a couple of weeks. Try it, you'll like it!
SI
725 Mass Ave
536-0707
http://www.scholarsinn.com/
We were really in the mood to try something "new," so we ventured to the recently refurbished and re-Chefed restaurant, SI. Jake Brenchley has taken over the kitchen as of February. Up until a few months ago, most of us knew this restaurant as Scholar's Inn. Apparently, the new branding is not complete because the sign hasn't changed out front and some of the receipts still say "Scholar's Inn" as well. I was interested in trying the new version since the other two times I was there I was somewhat underwhelmed. (So the "SI" apparently stands for "Scholar's Inn" and "Sexy and Intimate.") (I leave any editorial comments about that to the reader.)
The first time I went, which must have been about 5 years ago when I was visiting from California. The menu was HUGE. There were lots of interesting things on it and I remember ordering a scallop appetizer that had some black truffle with it. The scallops were overcooked and somehow, inexplicably, the truffles had absolutely no flavor. Honestly, I don't remember the rest of the meal.
Fast forward to about a year ago when we stopped in for dinner before a concert at the White River State Park stadium (why are the calling it "White Lies" this year anyway?). Well, we sat outside which was nice as it was a very warm evening. I was happy to see the menu had been significantly pared down, as I don't think any kitchen could pull off everything that was on that first menu and do a good job. It was more like the traditional Indianapolis menu--basically a steakhouse menu plus a few other things. The food was good, but nothing to write home about. I had a steak and some shrimp cocktail I think (I told you it was steakhouse-ish).
Now, on to the new "SI." Simply, I loved it. The new atmosphere is very chic and makes you feel like you are in a nice restaurant in a more food oriented City. There were 3 or 4 really interesting sounding appetizers and salads. I ended up getting the scallop appetizer with blood orange, red onion, endive and prosciutto which was thick-cut and curled around the scallop. It was delicious. I was so pleased. The scallop was properly cooked and the sweet and tart sauced complemented both the scallop and the meat.
I was feeling a little iron-deprived and the sides sounded somewhat yummy, so I ordered the steak (which is somewhat unusual for me). It came with a red wine demi glace and Becahmel mac and cheese. It was really good as well. Honestly, the steak itself was better and better prepared than the Capital Grille one the other night. It was huge as well, and I only ate half.
Hubby had a frisee salad with shitake mushrooms and it was really really good too. We argued over whose appetizer was better. He had the short rib for his main and really liked it as well. He said it was the best short rib he has had in this City.
The desserts, much like most of this City, we very unmemorable. We ordered a chocolate cake thing and it seemed like it came from a box or some distributor. Does this City not have any pastry chefs??
The only other downside was the service. While everyone was very friendly, it took a good 10 minutes before anyone came and got our drink order. From there, it took another 10 minutes before our wine came. They were actually out of what we ordered, but that worked out well because we got a better bottle for a cheaper price. One note here, I found the wine list overpriced. I can't stomach paying $48 for a bottle of wine that costs me about $16 in a wine shop (and I am sure they get the wine cheaper than I pay in the wine store). Particularly in Indy.
We were very excited with the prospect of a new Chef and basically, what is a new restaurant, that is really, really good. I can't wait to go back and get one of the fish dishes. There was also a good crowd there, which is nice to see on a week night.
Incidentally, we were told the menu changes seasonally and the new one will be out in a couple of weeks. Try it, you'll like it!
SI
725 Mass Ave
536-0707
http://www.scholarsinn.com/
Thursday, May 15, 2008
The Capital Grille
This was my second trip to Capital Grille in the Conrad Hotel downtown. Because there are two things on the menu that hubby and I really really like, we sorta knew what we would order before we got there. Well, almost.
I'll start by telling you my two favorite things are the truffle fries (the waitress actually asked us if we wanted them "truffle or regular." People, if you are eating them "regular" you are really missing out) and the lobster mac and cheese. We had them the first time and they do not disappoint. There was even more lobster this time then the first too which was much appreciated. The truffle fries are served in a cone of paper("frites style") and are nice and crisp. The mac and cheese is very rich and creamy with a nice crunch on top which adds those textures I love.
We also shared a steak--a filet to be precise. The small one (10 oz is hardly small in my book, but whatever). I appreciate the fact that we could share these things between two and be very full and still have a bit left over (of the sides, not the steak). I am also aware that there are those who disagree with me on the whole portion size issue and for those folks, order your own main and you will be more than satisfied I assure you.
OK, now I realize that I am sort of going backwards here, but I think I am doing in subconsciously in order of how good the food was. For a starter we shared the fried calamari (which is enough for at least 3, if not 4, people) and it was good, but not great. There were some nice peppers mixed in which gave it a unique flavor. I would skip it next time and try something new. I could not go there without the mac and cheese and truffle fries however.
We didn't do dessert as there was nothing that really struck my fancy--but all in all they were pretty classic steakhouse desserts. Cheesecake, key lime pie, creme brulee, etc.
All in all a very satisfying meal, even if it is a chain. Sigh. Oh! And check out the little fruit candies on your way out--I love those things. They are awesome!
The Capital Grille
40 West Washington Street
317/423-8790
http://www.thecapitalgrille.com/
And they're on opentable.com which I love.
I'll start by telling you my two favorite things are the truffle fries (the waitress actually asked us if we wanted them "truffle or regular." People, if you are eating them "regular" you are really missing out) and the lobster mac and cheese. We had them the first time and they do not disappoint. There was even more lobster this time then the first too which was much appreciated. The truffle fries are served in a cone of paper("frites style") and are nice and crisp. The mac and cheese is very rich and creamy with a nice crunch on top which adds those textures I love.
We also shared a steak--a filet to be precise. The small one (10 oz is hardly small in my book, but whatever). I appreciate the fact that we could share these things between two and be very full and still have a bit left over (of the sides, not the steak). I am also aware that there are those who disagree with me on the whole portion size issue and for those folks, order your own main and you will be more than satisfied I assure you.
OK, now I realize that I am sort of going backwards here, but I think I am doing in subconsciously in order of how good the food was. For a starter we shared the fried calamari (which is enough for at least 3, if not 4, people) and it was good, but not great. There were some nice peppers mixed in which gave it a unique flavor. I would skip it next time and try something new. I could not go there without the mac and cheese and truffle fries however.
We didn't do dessert as there was nothing that really struck my fancy--but all in all they were pretty classic steakhouse desserts. Cheesecake, key lime pie, creme brulee, etc.
All in all a very satisfying meal, even if it is a chain. Sigh. Oh! And check out the little fruit candies on your way out--I love those things. They are awesome!
The Capital Grille
40 West Washington Street
317/423-8790
http://www.thecapitalgrille.com/
And they're on opentable.com which I love.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Broad Ripple Steakhouse
******ED NOTE: THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED AS OF MAY 2010****************
We recently went to Broad Ripple Steakhouse with some friends before a recent show at the Vogue. I was excited for hubby to try it, as the last time I went (several months ago) with a friend, I thought it was quite good. I also appreciate the fact that it is one of the few non-chain steakhouses around (and there are SO many of the chain variety).
From my first visit, I recalled the steaks being very large so hubby and I split a filet and ordered an appetizer of fried oysters. The oysters were okay, but really more fried then oyster, if you know what I mean. We got the blue cheese crusted filet to share as well as the asiago cheese potato stack and sauteed mushrooms. Honestly, I think the mushrooms were the best thing we had. It was all quite disappointing. First of all, the size of the steak (which they nicely cut in half for us on our own plates) was quite small. If you know anything about me, one of the few things I would ever complain about is food being too small around here--usually it is the opposite. I guess it was our mistake for splitting. And the "blue cheese crust" was more like bread crumb crust as far as I could tell. I could barely taste any blue cheese in it. The potatoes were pretty good, but nothing outstanding.
We did have the molten chocolate cake (one of my dining companions requirements at every restaurant that offers it) and it was also quite small. Tasty (after they brought a second one after apparently the kitchen overcooked the first), but small.
Several days later (not being one to ruin nice company with talk of sub-par food) I asked my friend what she thought and she was also disappointed.
The restaurant was pleasantly busy, and has a very nicer interior. The service and wine list was quite good as well. However, I won't be rushing back any time soon for the food.
Broad Ripple Steakhouse
929 E. Westfield Blvd
317/253-8101
http://www.broadripplesteakhouse.com/
We recently went to Broad Ripple Steakhouse with some friends before a recent show at the Vogue. I was excited for hubby to try it, as the last time I went (several months ago) with a friend, I thought it was quite good. I also appreciate the fact that it is one of the few non-chain steakhouses around (and there are SO many of the chain variety).
From my first visit, I recalled the steaks being very large so hubby and I split a filet and ordered an appetizer of fried oysters. The oysters were okay, but really more fried then oyster, if you know what I mean. We got the blue cheese crusted filet to share as well as the asiago cheese potato stack and sauteed mushrooms. Honestly, I think the mushrooms were the best thing we had. It was all quite disappointing. First of all, the size of the steak (which they nicely cut in half for us on our own plates) was quite small. If you know anything about me, one of the few things I would ever complain about is food being too small around here--usually it is the opposite. I guess it was our mistake for splitting. And the "blue cheese crust" was more like bread crumb crust as far as I could tell. I could barely taste any blue cheese in it. The potatoes were pretty good, but nothing outstanding.
We did have the molten chocolate cake (one of my dining companions requirements at every restaurant that offers it) and it was also quite small. Tasty (after they brought a second one after apparently the kitchen overcooked the first), but small.
Several days later (not being one to ruin nice company with talk of sub-par food) I asked my friend what she thought and she was also disappointed.
The restaurant was pleasantly busy, and has a very nicer interior. The service and wine list was quite good as well. However, I won't be rushing back any time soon for the food.
Broad Ripple Steakhouse
929 E. Westfield Blvd
317/253-8101
http://www.broadripplesteakhouse.com/
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Carrabba's Italian Grill
****THIS LOCATION IS OUT OF BUSINESS****
Ok, in the interest of full disclosure, I must state this at the beginning. I was contacted by someone who works on behalf of Carrabba's and offered a gift certificate to try Carrabba's and write this review (cool huh?). But I wanted to state that up front. And the fact that I told that person that I would happy to try it but that my review would be nothing but honest, which it is.
Here goes.
First of all, I would like to thank Carrabba's for giving me the certificate as we had a very enjoyable overall experience. And second, since one of my goals in life is to eat out as much as possible and not pay for it, I would like to invite any other restaurants to follow suit! :)
Ok, now normally chain restaurants are not really my thing, unless I am with my kids, in which case we sometimes must break such rules, especially in this town where you can't spit without hitting one. But I am willing to eat anything (just about) once, and especially if it is free, so I happily accepted their invitation.
One of the first positive things I noticed was how friendly all the people working there were. The host and hostess, as well as the servers and even several managers who visited our table seemed genuinely happy. We had a trainee server who was with a more experienced one, and while obviously the service was not super polished under those circumstances, it was very friendly.
The second positive thing I noticed was the bread. It was simply delicious, some of the best I have had in this city. It is flaky and warm and soft in the middle and tastes great with the dipping sauce made up of olive oil and various spices and dried herbs. So, so far we are off to a good start, even with my initial doubts about chain restaurants, and even more so, chain Italian restaurants. I should say I generally find Italian restaurants, in the Midwest particularly, overwhelming in their richness and overuse of butter and Alfredo sauce and lack of originality.
We decided to try several items to give a fair review and started with the bruschette and the mussels with Pernod, white wine, lemon butter, and basil. I was happy to find I really really liked both of these. The bruschette was toasted bread (more of that yummy bread just cooked differently) with a mix of tomatoes, red onions, kalamata olives, basil and a healthy flavor of vinegar and oil. It was refreshing and bright and even the tomatoes were good (and it isn't exactly tomato season, now is it?) The flavor of the mussels was quite good as well. And I appreciated the server informing me that the serving size was quite large and since we were having 2 appetizers (something you don't need to do due to the size of them) maybe we would like a 1/2 order. THAT was superb. If only more restaurants (Hey, you, Oceanaire!) did this or just offered them that way on the menu. My only knock on the mussels were that they were a little big for my taste (as in, each mussel was quite large) and I prefer smaller ones (to be fair, I asked this question before ordering and was told they were pretty big.) Again, so far so good.
The salads were where things started to go south a bit. I had the Italian salad which had a decent vinaigrette, but was way too heavily dressed and all I could really taste was the vinegar in the dressing. I was puckering by my 3rd or 4th bite. The salad was romaine with carrots, celery, olives and croutons. Hubby had the Caesar which I also tried and could have been good, but had the opposite problem, it was under dressed. Not sure if this was just a kitchen issue on the night or if this is just the way they're served. On the whole though, I would definitely skip the salad next time.
Hubby had veal (which I don't eat) and he stated it was good, but didn't eat it all which always tells me he didn't REALLY like it as if he REALLY likes something he will almost always finish it. The garlic mashed potatoes served with were tasty and you could really taste the roasted garlic (which is how it should be) but really the portion of them was obscene (2 big ice cream scoops). I tried one of their wood-fired pizzas just to get a well rounded idea of the food. The bread part (i.e. crust) was outstanding. The rest of it, just ok. Here, because I ordered the Margherita pizza, it suffered with the tomatoes not being so good. It was ok because of the crust, but the rest just sort of bland.
We did try the "chocolate dream" dessert, which is a brownie coated with Kahlua, chocolate mousse and whipped cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce and sitting in more chocolate sauce. I actually really liked this, although by this time I was pretty full. Mostly from the bread I think! :)
So I want to say also that the woman who contacted me initially told me that Carrabbas are all individually owned and operated and that the food is all made fresh daily. In a lot of cases that seemed true. However, when I asked the server about the bread and if they sold it, she told me yes, they do, and in fact you can buy the frozen loaves and cook them at home. So I guess not everything is made fresh on premises, but I will let that slide since the bread was so good. I came home with two frozen loaves.
All in all, I might go back to Carrabba's, and if I do, I will stick to only bread, wine and antipasti, as that is where they excel. Next time I would like to try the shrimp scampi appetizer too, it sounded good. And it came with grilled bread. (Did I mention I liked the bread??) :)
Again, the people were very friendly, and I liked the way they tried to incorporate things from Italy that you don't always see around here. Like pitchers of house wines and olive oil on the table. I told hubby, clearly someone has actually been to Italy and is trying to incorporate things that are authentic.
Carrabba's Italian Grill
1235 Keystone Ave
Carmel, IN 46032
317/575-2200
http://www.carrabbas.com/
Ok, in the interest of full disclosure, I must state this at the beginning. I was contacted by someone who works on behalf of Carrabba's and offered a gift certificate to try Carrabba's and write this review (cool huh?). But I wanted to state that up front. And the fact that I told that person that I would happy to try it but that my review would be nothing but honest, which it is.
Here goes.
First of all, I would like to thank Carrabba's for giving me the certificate as we had a very enjoyable overall experience. And second, since one of my goals in life is to eat out as much as possible and not pay for it, I would like to invite any other restaurants to follow suit! :)
Ok, now normally chain restaurants are not really my thing, unless I am with my kids, in which case we sometimes must break such rules, especially in this town where you can't spit without hitting one. But I am willing to eat anything (just about) once, and especially if it is free, so I happily accepted their invitation.
One of the first positive things I noticed was how friendly all the people working there were. The host and hostess, as well as the servers and even several managers who visited our table seemed genuinely happy. We had a trainee server who was with a more experienced one, and while obviously the service was not super polished under those circumstances, it was very friendly.
The second positive thing I noticed was the bread. It was simply delicious, some of the best I have had in this city. It is flaky and warm and soft in the middle and tastes great with the dipping sauce made up of olive oil and various spices and dried herbs. So, so far we are off to a good start, even with my initial doubts about chain restaurants, and even more so, chain Italian restaurants. I should say I generally find Italian restaurants, in the Midwest particularly, overwhelming in their richness and overuse of butter and Alfredo sauce and lack of originality.
We decided to try several items to give a fair review and started with the bruschette and the mussels with Pernod, white wine, lemon butter, and basil. I was happy to find I really really liked both of these. The bruschette was toasted bread (more of that yummy bread just cooked differently) with a mix of tomatoes, red onions, kalamata olives, basil and a healthy flavor of vinegar and oil. It was refreshing and bright and even the tomatoes were good (and it isn't exactly tomato season, now is it?) The flavor of the mussels was quite good as well. And I appreciated the server informing me that the serving size was quite large and since we were having 2 appetizers (something you don't need to do due to the size of them) maybe we would like a 1/2 order. THAT was superb. If only more restaurants (Hey, you, Oceanaire!) did this or just offered them that way on the menu. My only knock on the mussels were that they were a little big for my taste (as in, each mussel was quite large) and I prefer smaller ones (to be fair, I asked this question before ordering and was told they were pretty big.) Again, so far so good.
The salads were where things started to go south a bit. I had the Italian salad which had a decent vinaigrette, but was way too heavily dressed and all I could really taste was the vinegar in the dressing. I was puckering by my 3rd or 4th bite. The salad was romaine with carrots, celery, olives and croutons. Hubby had the Caesar which I also tried and could have been good, but had the opposite problem, it was under dressed. Not sure if this was just a kitchen issue on the night or if this is just the way they're served. On the whole though, I would definitely skip the salad next time.
Hubby had veal (which I don't eat) and he stated it was good, but didn't eat it all which always tells me he didn't REALLY like it as if he REALLY likes something he will almost always finish it. The garlic mashed potatoes served with were tasty and you could really taste the roasted garlic (which is how it should be) but really the portion of them was obscene (2 big ice cream scoops). I tried one of their wood-fired pizzas just to get a well rounded idea of the food. The bread part (i.e. crust) was outstanding. The rest of it, just ok. Here, because I ordered the Margherita pizza, it suffered with the tomatoes not being so good. It was ok because of the crust, but the rest just sort of bland.
We did try the "chocolate dream" dessert, which is a brownie coated with Kahlua, chocolate mousse and whipped cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce and sitting in more chocolate sauce. I actually really liked this, although by this time I was pretty full. Mostly from the bread I think! :)
So I want to say also that the woman who contacted me initially told me that Carrabbas are all individually owned and operated and that the food is all made fresh daily. In a lot of cases that seemed true. However, when I asked the server about the bread and if they sold it, she told me yes, they do, and in fact you can buy the frozen loaves and cook them at home. So I guess not everything is made fresh on premises, but I will let that slide since the bread was so good. I came home with two frozen loaves.
All in all, I might go back to Carrabba's, and if I do, I will stick to only bread, wine and antipasti, as that is where they excel. Next time I would like to try the shrimp scampi appetizer too, it sounded good. And it came with grilled bread. (Did I mention I liked the bread??) :)
Again, the people were very friendly, and I liked the way they tried to incorporate things from Italy that you don't always see around here. Like pitchers of house wines and olive oil on the table. I told hubby, clearly someone has actually been to Italy and is trying to incorporate things that are authentic.
Carrabba's Italian Grill
1235 Keystone Ave
Carmel, IN 46032
317/575-2200
http://www.carrabbas.com/
Thursday, April 10, 2008
R Bistro
****THIS RESTAURANT IS NOW CLOSED****
Well, another fabulous dinner at R Bistro. As I think I have mentioned before, you can get on R Bistro's email list and they send out their new menu each week. This is a much anticipated event in my house (sad, huh?). Basically, every week we have one nice dinner out and we take turns choosing where. We usually have made up our mind in advance with our constant caveat, "unless there's a good R Bistro menu." You see, what we love there, we really love. Unfortunately, often the menu isn't up our alley. But this week, 2 or 3 very appealing appetizer choices and skate for a main! I love love love skate and why it isn't on more menus I don't know. (In case you don't know, skate is a type of fish, really the wing of a ray, it is delicate and flavorful, and has a sort of layered texture.) If you see if on a menu, try it.
I first had it probably 10 years ago in San Francisco and it was on menus occasionally. When we lived in England a few years back, you could get it in any grocery store and it was on lots of menus and we cooked it quite a bit at home--a favorite of Jamie Oliver and for several months, that was our only cookbook until our sea shipment arrived from the US. After moving back to San Francisco, my fishmonger would order it for me and it was becoming even more popular. Here, I have only seen it R Bistro and Oceanaire.
A funny side story, recently, I thought I would ask my fish guy at Marsh and see if he could order it, as he has special ordered other things for me in the past. He had no clue what is was, which was fine, except he got a little aggravated with me, I think because he didn't know what it was, asked me some questions and when I told him, he informed me, if it is a ray, no one should be eating it and furthermore, I specifically shouldn't eat it since I am "of childbearing age" and it probably contained mercury. Thank you Big Brother.
OK, back to R Bistro. I had a broiled shrimp appetizer on scallion pancakes with a wonderful cilantro cream. It was awesome. Hubby had the mushroom crostada which was good, but nowhere near as good as mine (I always love it when I out-order him). What the mushroom crostada lacked in brightness (really could have used a dollop of goat or blue cheese for some tang) the shrimp made up for with the tangy creme fraiche like sauce. Yum.
The skate was lightly coated and sauteed with corn meal (I actually prefer it just lightly dusted with flour, but who's asking?) and served over mashed potatoes with a bacon and I believe apple sort of vinaigrette sauce over it. The sauce had the requisite brightness to keep the dish from being too heavy or rich. Oh! Also, there was some cooked cabbage on the side which was tasty as well. For some reason, cabbage seems to be the natural accompaniment to skate. I am not sure how this pairing came to be, but it works really well.
It was nice that the chef served our entrees as well, I always like seeing the chef involved in their restaurant.
And you will never believe it, WE HAD A GOOD DESSERT. Just when I had given up hope that is was possible at R Bistro (the few I have tried have been anywhere from unmemorable to not very good), they did it! I basically stopped ordering it here (and it is generally not the highlight of any meal for me anyway). For some reason, though, ok, the waiter convinced us, we tried the rhubarb and lemon cream tart and it was quite good. Not the best dessert I have had in this city (hmmm...that may currently go to Bugg's Temple's banana tart) but very tasty.
I definitely think R Bistro is in the top 5 restaurants in our fair city. It stands out as a modern- feeling place with a menu that doesn't cater exclusively to the steak and potato crowd. It reminds me of a restaurant in San Francisco, and I think if it were there, it would do just fine, which is a mighty compliment since SF is a city of such amazing restaurants.
Well, another fabulous dinner at R Bistro. As I think I have mentioned before, you can get on R Bistro's email list and they send out their new menu each week. This is a much anticipated event in my house (sad, huh?). Basically, every week we have one nice dinner out and we take turns choosing where. We usually have made up our mind in advance with our constant caveat, "unless there's a good R Bistro menu." You see, what we love there, we really love. Unfortunately, often the menu isn't up our alley. But this week, 2 or 3 very appealing appetizer choices and skate for a main! I love love love skate and why it isn't on more menus I don't know. (In case you don't know, skate is a type of fish, really the wing of a ray, it is delicate and flavorful, and has a sort of layered texture.) If you see if on a menu, try it.
I first had it probably 10 years ago in San Francisco and it was on menus occasionally. When we lived in England a few years back, you could get it in any grocery store and it was on lots of menus and we cooked it quite a bit at home--a favorite of Jamie Oliver and for several months, that was our only cookbook until our sea shipment arrived from the US. After moving back to San Francisco, my fishmonger would order it for me and it was becoming even more popular. Here, I have only seen it R Bistro and Oceanaire.
A funny side story, recently, I thought I would ask my fish guy at Marsh and see if he could order it, as he has special ordered other things for me in the past. He had no clue what is was, which was fine, except he got a little aggravated with me, I think because he didn't know what it was, asked me some questions and when I told him, he informed me, if it is a ray, no one should be eating it and furthermore, I specifically shouldn't eat it since I am "of childbearing age" and it probably contained mercury. Thank you Big Brother.
OK, back to R Bistro. I had a broiled shrimp appetizer on scallion pancakes with a wonderful cilantro cream. It was awesome. Hubby had the mushroom crostada which was good, but nowhere near as good as mine (I always love it when I out-order him). What the mushroom crostada lacked in brightness (really could have used a dollop of goat or blue cheese for some tang) the shrimp made up for with the tangy creme fraiche like sauce. Yum.
The skate was lightly coated and sauteed with corn meal (I actually prefer it just lightly dusted with flour, but who's asking?) and served over mashed potatoes with a bacon and I believe apple sort of vinaigrette sauce over it. The sauce had the requisite brightness to keep the dish from being too heavy or rich. Oh! Also, there was some cooked cabbage on the side which was tasty as well. For some reason, cabbage seems to be the natural accompaniment to skate. I am not sure how this pairing came to be, but it works really well.
It was nice that the chef served our entrees as well, I always like seeing the chef involved in their restaurant.
And you will never believe it, WE HAD A GOOD DESSERT. Just when I had given up hope that is was possible at R Bistro (the few I have tried have been anywhere from unmemorable to not very good), they did it! I basically stopped ordering it here (and it is generally not the highlight of any meal for me anyway). For some reason, though, ok, the waiter convinced us, we tried the rhubarb and lemon cream tart and it was quite good. Not the best dessert I have had in this city (hmmm...that may currently go to Bugg's Temple's banana tart) but very tasty.
I definitely think R Bistro is in the top 5 restaurants in our fair city. It stands out as a modern- feeling place with a menu that doesn't cater exclusively to the steak and potato crowd. It reminds me of a restaurant in San Francisco, and I think if it were there, it would do just fine, which is a mighty compliment since SF is a city of such amazing restaurants.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
L'Explorateur
***This restaurant is closed as of January 2009****
Has always been one of my favorite restaurants in this city simply because it is always different. And they really try to mix it up, not just with the menus, but with each item as well. They have those "layered" flavors that my hubby claims I am partial to. On a recent visit, we decided we would try several of the smaller courses and it was quite enjoyable. I had the scallop ceviche, which was DELICIOUS. It is a traditional ceviche preparation (with Mexican flavors and authentic Mexican tortilla chips, clearly handmade) with avocado, cilantro and lots of lime. I will definitely get this again next time I go if it is still on the menu.
I also had the salad with mushrooms and chopped egg, which I ordered because I love wild mushrooms and truffles (which are in the vinaigrette that comes on it) and was a little disappointed. I was actually a little freaked out by the wild mushrooms which did not appear to be cooked, and I have always thought that they must be cooked if they are foraged. Anyway, I ate it and enjoyed it (and nothing terrible happened) but I probably won't get it again... I had the goat cheese and onion tart this time (which I have had before). It was really good (and better than the first time) and all in all was a very enjoyable meal. I look forward to my next meal which I hope has a slightly larger nod toward Spring which is my favorite food season of them all...
The wine choices are always good here and even though it was a Wednesday, not a historically busy night for restaurants as we can see, they had a fair crowd. The ambiance is still a bit stark, but with each visit, there seems to be a bit more art, and feels a little warmer.
Also, if you do upromise, (and if you have kids, you should be) they give 8% back on your bill which is awesome!
If you like to see something a little unique on the menu, go here, and go now. I love this place.
Has always been one of my favorite restaurants in this city simply because it is always different. And they really try to mix it up, not just with the menus, but with each item as well. They have those "layered" flavors that my hubby claims I am partial to. On a recent visit, we decided we would try several of the smaller courses and it was quite enjoyable. I had the scallop ceviche, which was DELICIOUS. It is a traditional ceviche preparation (with Mexican flavors and authentic Mexican tortilla chips, clearly handmade) with avocado, cilantro and lots of lime. I will definitely get this again next time I go if it is still on the menu.
I also had the salad with mushrooms and chopped egg, which I ordered because I love wild mushrooms and truffles (which are in the vinaigrette that comes on it) and was a little disappointed. I was actually a little freaked out by the wild mushrooms which did not appear to be cooked, and I have always thought that they must be cooked if they are foraged. Anyway, I ate it and enjoyed it (and nothing terrible happened) but I probably won't get it again... I had the goat cheese and onion tart this time (which I have had before). It was really good (and better than the first time) and all in all was a very enjoyable meal. I look forward to my next meal which I hope has a slightly larger nod toward Spring which is my favorite food season of them all...
The wine choices are always good here and even though it was a Wednesday, not a historically busy night for restaurants as we can see, they had a fair crowd. The ambiance is still a bit stark, but with each visit, there seems to be a bit more art, and feels a little warmer.
Also, if you do upromise, (and if you have kids, you should be) they give 8% back on your bill which is awesome!
If you like to see something a little unique on the menu, go here, and go now. I love this place.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Best Chinese in town
*****NOTE: SHANGHAI LIL IS CLOSED****
I am so lucky. I live near one of the best (in my opinion) breakfast places in town (see review of Sunrise below) and one of the best Chinese (that serves dim sum which is one of my all time favorite things).
For those of you not in the know, dim sum is a Chinese lunch time meal of small plates of various things. Things like (steamed) shrimp dumplings, pork dumplings, and many other kinds of dumplings, shu mai, spring rolls, shrimp rolls, duck, onion pancakes, chicken feet and on and on. There are probably 40 things on the menu. You are supposed to drink tea with it although you can pretty much get anything you want to drink.
Oh wait, I guess I better tell you what restaurant I am talking about. Shanghai Lil's is the restaurant. It is located across 82nd street from the main entrance to the Fashion Mall. (Conveniently close to Sunrise). One of the things I was really worried about missing was dim sum when we moved here from San Fran. But luckily, shortly after arriving, we discovered this place, which was serving dim sum on the weekends at the time. It has since expanded to serving it every day for lunch. It is getting more and more popular each time we go which makes me very happy (although you still don't have to wait for a table). They cook it to order, which is unusual to someone used to the huge dim sum places in S.F. and Oakland, where they follow the traditional method of rolling carts around with various things on them for you to choose from. But hey, at least you know it is warm and fresh.
We also recently went for dinner and were very happy with that as well. Several people had highly recommended the basil chicken to me so we decided to try it (be sure and ask even if you don't see it on your menu, as I had one that had been misprinted and that item had been cut off!). It is so worth it! Delicious. Seriously. We also had a lamb dish which was good, but nowhere near as good as the chicken. We also had dumplings in hot chili oil that are amazing as well. Hubby likes crab puffs (their version of crab Rangoon) which generally isn't my fave but was done very well.
Sometimes, particularly at lunch, I find the service a bit gruff, but who cares really when the dumplings are this good?
They also have a full Japanese menu with sushi and all--haven't ventured there, but I did eat at the sister restaurant, Mikado, downtown, and it was quite good. It is a more Japanese focus.
My advice, skip the huge lines and noise at the massive chain Chinese across the road, and hit Shanghai Lil's. You won't be disappointed.
Shanghai Lil's
317/205-9335
http://www.shanghai-lil.com/
I am so lucky. I live near one of the best (in my opinion) breakfast places in town (see review of Sunrise below) and one of the best Chinese (that serves dim sum which is one of my all time favorite things).
For those of you not in the know, dim sum is a Chinese lunch time meal of small plates of various things. Things like (steamed) shrimp dumplings, pork dumplings, and many other kinds of dumplings, shu mai, spring rolls, shrimp rolls, duck, onion pancakes, chicken feet and on and on. There are probably 40 things on the menu. You are supposed to drink tea with it although you can pretty much get anything you want to drink.
Oh wait, I guess I better tell you what restaurant I am talking about. Shanghai Lil's is the restaurant. It is located across 82nd street from the main entrance to the Fashion Mall. (Conveniently close to Sunrise). One of the things I was really worried about missing was dim sum when we moved here from San Fran. But luckily, shortly after arriving, we discovered this place, which was serving dim sum on the weekends at the time. It has since expanded to serving it every day for lunch. It is getting more and more popular each time we go which makes me very happy (although you still don't have to wait for a table). They cook it to order, which is unusual to someone used to the huge dim sum places in S.F. and Oakland, where they follow the traditional method of rolling carts around with various things on them for you to choose from. But hey, at least you know it is warm and fresh.
We also recently went for dinner and were very happy with that as well. Several people had highly recommended the basil chicken to me so we decided to try it (be sure and ask even if you don't see it on your menu, as I had one that had been misprinted and that item had been cut off!). It is so worth it! Delicious. Seriously. We also had a lamb dish which was good, but nowhere near as good as the chicken. We also had dumplings in hot chili oil that are amazing as well. Hubby likes crab puffs (their version of crab Rangoon) which generally isn't my fave but was done very well.
Sometimes, particularly at lunch, I find the service a bit gruff, but who cares really when the dumplings are this good?
They also have a full Japanese menu with sushi and all--haven't ventured there, but I did eat at the sister restaurant, Mikado, downtown, and it was quite good. It is a more Japanese focus.
My advice, skip the huge lines and noise at the massive chain Chinese across the road, and hit Shanghai Lil's. You won't be disappointed.
Shanghai Lil's
317/205-9335
http://www.shanghai-lil.com/
Monday, March 17, 2008
More smoky goodness
****THIS RESTAURANT IS NOW CLOSED****
I have been away awhile but have had many good meals...so I must update. We went back to Bugg's Temple a couple of weeks ago and had an even better meal than the first time we went. We were happy to see some new menu changes (which always gets me excited---I know, it doesn't take much) and tried some of them. I had the lobster ravioli and it was delicious and then, I must admit, I had the same thing for my main I had last time, mussels and the fingerling potatoes from the bar menu (I want to say I tried them the second time to make sure the quality was just as good, but really, I just wanted to eat mussels again at the one restaurant in Indy that seems to be able to pull them off). And this time, because I had 2 appetizers for my dinner, I had room for dessert. I am so glad. The banana tart we had was AMAZING. Lots of bananas on pastry with caramel-y sauce and ice cream. Y-U-M. It was all so good. Hubby had the calamari and an appetizer of a venison chop with some foie gras and it was all outstanding. (I had some of all of it).
We also got to chat with the chef (he went around to the tables while we were there and introduced himself) and he was quite lovely. He is a Hoosier at heart who has cooked in many fine cities around the world and has brought himself back here. Sorta reminded me of yours truly, except I have only eaten in many fine cities around the world and found myself back here..
Anyway, the food is great, the ambiance is quite good, the chef is charming and I really like this restaurant. The only downside again was the service. At one point, a waitress (the one we had the first time I think who was a bit surly) who was not our server, came up and picked up our bottle of wine which was about half full, and just said, "I'm just gonna kill this" and proceeded to pour half a bottle of wine into our glasses which still had a bit of wine in them. OK, generally I am not a big service snob, but when you order a bottle of wine, you want it to be poured out over the course of the meal, not in two large pours at one time. Enough said.
It was the first night for our server, but he was quite friendly and fairly knowledgeable about the menu (which as I said had just been changed).
Incidentally, the smokiness has lessened and as we learned from the chef, much of the smell was due to lack of a vent hood.
Go there now. You will not be disappointed.
I have been away awhile but have had many good meals...so I must update. We went back to Bugg's Temple a couple of weeks ago and had an even better meal than the first time we went. We were happy to see some new menu changes (which always gets me excited---I know, it doesn't take much) and tried some of them. I had the lobster ravioli and it was delicious and then, I must admit, I had the same thing for my main I had last time, mussels and the fingerling potatoes from the bar menu (I want to say I tried them the second time to make sure the quality was just as good, but really, I just wanted to eat mussels again at the one restaurant in Indy that seems to be able to pull them off). And this time, because I had 2 appetizers for my dinner, I had room for dessert. I am so glad. The banana tart we had was AMAZING. Lots of bananas on pastry with caramel-y sauce and ice cream. Y-U-M. It was all so good. Hubby had the calamari and an appetizer of a venison chop with some foie gras and it was all outstanding. (I had some of all of it).
We also got to chat with the chef (he went around to the tables while we were there and introduced himself) and he was quite lovely. He is a Hoosier at heart who has cooked in many fine cities around the world and has brought himself back here. Sorta reminded me of yours truly, except I have only eaten in many fine cities around the world and found myself back here..
Anyway, the food is great, the ambiance is quite good, the chef is charming and I really like this restaurant. The only downside again was the service. At one point, a waitress (the one we had the first time I think who was a bit surly) who was not our server, came up and picked up our bottle of wine which was about half full, and just said, "I'm just gonna kill this" and proceeded to pour half a bottle of wine into our glasses which still had a bit of wine in them. OK, generally I am not a big service snob, but when you order a bottle of wine, you want it to be poured out over the course of the meal, not in two large pours at one time. Enough said.
It was the first night for our server, but he was quite friendly and fairly knowledgeable about the menu (which as I said had just been changed).
Incidentally, the smokiness has lessened and as we learned from the chef, much of the smell was due to lack of a vent hood.
Go there now. You will not be disappointed.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Sunrise, Elements and More Z's
****THIS RESTAURANT LOCATION (ON 82ND) HAD MOVED TO SHADELAND AND 71ST****
I just want to start out saying this; the best greasy spoon type breakfast--eggs, bacon, hash browns and toast (or biscuits) that I have found is Sunrise Cafe. I go to the one on 82nd Street near Kohl's but I think there are one or two other locations. They have the hash browns I really like that are shredded and not cubed (which should be home fries, not called hash browns anyway). On a weekend morning, it may be crowded, but on one of those days when you had a light dinner or maybe drank a little too much the night before, it is the best choice I have found so far. The decor is strange to me for a breakfast place (sports, sports and more sports--did this place used to be a sports bar or what?). But it is Indiana I guess.
****ED NOTE: AS OF APRIL 2009, ELEMENTS IS CLOSED.
Ok, now I have to give a glowing review to Elements. I think this is one of the top restaurants in our fair city. I will say the first couple of times I went there maybe a year and a half to 2 years ago, I had some meals that were just ok, and some items that were really good. But the last few times I have been there in the last year, the entire experience has been amazing. The chef works with seasonal ingredients and mixes it up quite a bit. This is one of the only places in town that has salads that are different from the standards you see everywhere (anyone for a spinach salad or lettuce wedge?) and they are GREAT! I love a salad with varying flavors and textures and a little tang. This time it was watercress with pea shoots, cremini mushrooms, parmesan and truffle vinaigrette. Yum. Last time I had one with apples, pine nuts and endive and a vinaigrette that was simply amazing. I opted for a steak this time (I usually get fish here because it is always good) and it was great. It was a ribeye which can be a bit fatty for me but the mushrooms and fingerlings with it were great. It had a great red wine butter on it that wasn't too over the top. Hubby had fish--striped bass--and it was also great. I had several bites.
The other thing I like about Elements in the interior--it is not as stark and some around here and the colors are warm reds and oranges. Great art too. A very pleasant experience. FYI, our favorite table is #7 (for 2 anyway). It is on the end of the banquette but still in the middle of the restaurant. You can hear your dinner mate and still enjoy being in a restaurant with other people. Or if it isn't cold and you want maximum privacy, get the one behind the door.
****ED NOTE: Z'S OYSTER BAR AND STEAKHOUSE IS NOW CLOSED****
Now, on a down note, we went back to Z's Oyster Bar and Steakhouse. While the food remains very good, we were there on a Saturday night and the placed was slammed which is good for them, but the service severely suffered. We started out ok, but by the end of the meal, it had gotten ridiculous. And we were seated in the bar even with a reservation which is very dark and noisy--not so good for a party trying to talk to each other (there were 6 of us) or read a menu. Again, the food was again good (except skip the "Derby Souffle'" unless you want a dessert that tastes like a shot of bourbon.) We probably would not have even gotten dessert except we had ordered in advance to get the souffle'--it was so late and we had been there so long by that point. It was very disappointing considering they assign 2 people to each table to take care of service. The owner was making the round and spoke to us a couple of times. Their business is doing well, but they really need to work out some kinks I think. I am not even going to talk too much about the food as I basically ordered the same thing to see if it was as good the second time. It mainly was, but one thing about the walu (butterfish), if you order it, I would request a piece that is from the thin end of the fillet as it seems to have much more flavor. Hubby ordered the oysters Rockefeller and was quite disappointed--the oysters were very small and there was way too much topping for such a small amount of oyster--he had to dig them out. He is convinced Sullivan's has the best Oysters Rockefeller in this city (even though I think the rest of their food is generally average). If anyone has any suggestions to this end, please let me know!
On a sad note, I hear the Glass Chimney and Deeter's is closing in April. While the decor was in desperate need of an update, the food is good. Very good. Let's just hope someone starts a new generation of a chef-owned restaurant and not another chain....
I just want to start out saying this; the best greasy spoon type breakfast--eggs, bacon, hash browns and toast (or biscuits) that I have found is Sunrise Cafe. I go to the one on 82nd Street near Kohl's but I think there are one or two other locations. They have the hash browns I really like that are shredded and not cubed (which should be home fries, not called hash browns anyway). On a weekend morning, it may be crowded, but on one of those days when you had a light dinner or maybe drank a little too much the night before, it is the best choice I have found so far. The decor is strange to me for a breakfast place (sports, sports and more sports--did this place used to be a sports bar or what?). But it is Indiana I guess.
****ED NOTE: AS OF APRIL 2009, ELEMENTS IS CLOSED.
Ok, now I have to give a glowing review to Elements. I think this is one of the top restaurants in our fair city. I will say the first couple of times I went there maybe a year and a half to 2 years ago, I had some meals that were just ok, and some items that were really good. But the last few times I have been there in the last year, the entire experience has been amazing. The chef works with seasonal ingredients and mixes it up quite a bit. This is one of the only places in town that has salads that are different from the standards you see everywhere (anyone for a spinach salad or lettuce wedge?) and they are GREAT! I love a salad with varying flavors and textures and a little tang. This time it was watercress with pea shoots, cremini mushrooms, parmesan and truffle vinaigrette. Yum. Last time I had one with apples, pine nuts and endive and a vinaigrette that was simply amazing. I opted for a steak this time (I usually get fish here because it is always good) and it was great. It was a ribeye which can be a bit fatty for me but the mushrooms and fingerlings with it were great. It had a great red wine butter on it that wasn't too over the top. Hubby had fish--striped bass--and it was also great. I had several bites.
The other thing I like about Elements in the interior--it is not as stark and some around here and the colors are warm reds and oranges. Great art too. A very pleasant experience. FYI, our favorite table is #7 (for 2 anyway). It is on the end of the banquette but still in the middle of the restaurant. You can hear your dinner mate and still enjoy being in a restaurant with other people. Or if it isn't cold and you want maximum privacy, get the one behind the door.
****ED NOTE: Z'S OYSTER BAR AND STEAKHOUSE IS NOW CLOSED****
Now, on a down note, we went back to Z's Oyster Bar and Steakhouse. While the food remains very good, we were there on a Saturday night and the placed was slammed which is good for them, but the service severely suffered. We started out ok, but by the end of the meal, it had gotten ridiculous. And we were seated in the bar even with a reservation which is very dark and noisy--not so good for a party trying to talk to each other (there were 6 of us) or read a menu. Again, the food was again good (except skip the "Derby Souffle'" unless you want a dessert that tastes like a shot of bourbon.) We probably would not have even gotten dessert except we had ordered in advance to get the souffle'--it was so late and we had been there so long by that point. It was very disappointing considering they assign 2 people to each table to take care of service. The owner was making the round and spoke to us a couple of times. Their business is doing well, but they really need to work out some kinks I think. I am not even going to talk too much about the food as I basically ordered the same thing to see if it was as good the second time. It mainly was, but one thing about the walu (butterfish), if you order it, I would request a piece that is from the thin end of the fillet as it seems to have much more flavor. Hubby ordered the oysters Rockefeller and was quite disappointed--the oysters were very small and there was way too much topping for such a small amount of oyster--he had to dig them out. He is convinced Sullivan's has the best Oysters Rockefeller in this city (even though I think the rest of their food is generally average). If anyone has any suggestions to this end, please let me know!
On a sad note, I hear the Glass Chimney and Deeter's is closing in April. While the decor was in desperate need of an update, the food is good. Very good. Let's just hope someone starts a new generation of a chef-owned restaurant and not another chain....
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Bugg's Temple of Smoky Goodness
****THIS RESTAURANT IS NOW CLOSED****
Ok, we went to Bugg's Temple last night. I was really excited to try a new, and non-chain, restaurant. And I thought it would be sweet to see the relics they purchased from the Althetic Club since hubby and I were married there. Awww...
Anyway, I will have to say the first thing that greated me in the door (and it was not a person since we came in the stairs and it is just that, a stairwell) was the smell. It smelled like a barbeque restaurant with all that smoky scent. I am super sensitive to smells, but my gosh it was strong.
We made it up to the Tavern room and chose our table. There were others there but not tons of people. But hey, on a very cold Wednesday in Indy, dining with anyone else is great.
It took awhile for the server to get to us, but she was pleasant enough, though seemed a bit bored. I asked if we could order off the bar menu as well and was told yes. My advice, look it over, it is completely different from the restaurant menu.
We were given a amuse of a lamb and bean stew type thing. It was quite good. And I am always impressed a) with any amuse in this City as there are so few chefs doing it, and b) a warm amuse because that takes a little extra effort not to just pull some pre-made item out of the fridge.
The bread on the other hand could stand to be heated up or fresher. Nice they gave you a choice of 3 types of bread, but the "french" roll I took was suspiciously sourdough-y and so hard I had to pry it open with my knife.
The appetizers were good. My husband's tuna tartare was excellent and not the least bit smoky which relieved me somewhat, and my mushroom soup was rich and think and a little chunky, the way I like soup. And with truffle oil on top (REALLY the way I like it). A dab of creme fraiche and some roasted musfhrooms. It was good. But so rich. I couldn't come near to finishing the whole bowl.
For my main I ordered 2 things off the bar menu, the mussels and the twice baked fingerling potatoes. Hubby had the suckling pig off the regular menu (which we were told was sort of a house specialty). I must say this first; Hallelujah! There are good quality mussels in this City! I have had some really bad ones here and it has made me sad because I like them so much. I have even had ones that tasted ok going down at a well-known mussel specialist only to be up all night in the bathroom, if you know what I mean.
They were smoky for sure, but so tasty. And small, which in my humble opinion, is how mussels should be. I don't like massive ones the size of your head. They just don't keep that delicate flavor. Anyway, they were in a broth of smoky tomatoes, bacon, shallots and garlic and wine broth served with lemon wedges, which gave them that tangy edge that I am always in search of. And make sure you eat all those tidbits with the mussels. Oh my. They were delicious. And I didn't visit the bathroom once in the middle of the night. The twice baked potatoes were very good as well--someone's valiant effort to make potato skins more sophisticated. And it worked. And they were cheesy and yummy. And smoky (from smoky bacon).
Hubby LOVED the suckling pig. I am not a huge pork person so I didn't try it (I know, and I am living in Indiana, what is wrong with me??), but it was smoky and apparently amazing to him as he told me about 700 times.
The food is so rich and large (even my bar portions were more than enough) there was no way we could try dessert, and honestly, even without my major bloated stomach, nothing just jumped out at me. But something for next time.
The menu was dated "Winter 2008" so I am hopeful they will change it at least seasonally.
One more thing about the smokiness. I could smell it on myself all night. Sort of like when you go to Benihana, only a different smell.
I am looking forward to returning to Bugg's temple. If and when I do, I will be hard pressed not to get those mussels. They were so good.
Ok, I know I say I am going to talk about a certain restaurant next time and I don't so I am going to stop doing that and just write when and what I feel like! That is the best thing about the blog. I can do whatever I want.
Maybe some day someone will read it.
Ok, we went to Bugg's Temple last night. I was really excited to try a new, and non-chain, restaurant. And I thought it would be sweet to see the relics they purchased from the Althetic Club since hubby and I were married there. Awww...
Anyway, I will have to say the first thing that greated me in the door (and it was not a person since we came in the stairs and it is just that, a stairwell) was the smell. It smelled like a barbeque restaurant with all that smoky scent. I am super sensitive to smells, but my gosh it was strong.
We made it up to the Tavern room and chose our table. There were others there but not tons of people. But hey, on a very cold Wednesday in Indy, dining with anyone else is great.
It took awhile for the server to get to us, but she was pleasant enough, though seemed a bit bored. I asked if we could order off the bar menu as well and was told yes. My advice, look it over, it is completely different from the restaurant menu.
We were given a amuse of a lamb and bean stew type thing. It was quite good. And I am always impressed a) with any amuse in this City as there are so few chefs doing it, and b) a warm amuse because that takes a little extra effort not to just pull some pre-made item out of the fridge.
The bread on the other hand could stand to be heated up or fresher. Nice they gave you a choice of 3 types of bread, but the "french" roll I took was suspiciously sourdough-y and so hard I had to pry it open with my knife.
The appetizers were good. My husband's tuna tartare was excellent and not the least bit smoky which relieved me somewhat, and my mushroom soup was rich and think and a little chunky, the way I like soup. And with truffle oil on top (REALLY the way I like it). A dab of creme fraiche and some roasted musfhrooms. It was good. But so rich. I couldn't come near to finishing the whole bowl.
For my main I ordered 2 things off the bar menu, the mussels and the twice baked fingerling potatoes. Hubby had the suckling pig off the regular menu (which we were told was sort of a house specialty). I must say this first; Hallelujah! There are good quality mussels in this City! I have had some really bad ones here and it has made me sad because I like them so much. I have even had ones that tasted ok going down at a well-known mussel specialist only to be up all night in the bathroom, if you know what I mean.
They were smoky for sure, but so tasty. And small, which in my humble opinion, is how mussels should be. I don't like massive ones the size of your head. They just don't keep that delicate flavor. Anyway, they were in a broth of smoky tomatoes, bacon, shallots and garlic and wine broth served with lemon wedges, which gave them that tangy edge that I am always in search of. And make sure you eat all those tidbits with the mussels. Oh my. They were delicious. And I didn't visit the bathroom once in the middle of the night. The twice baked potatoes were very good as well--someone's valiant effort to make potato skins more sophisticated. And it worked. And they were cheesy and yummy. And smoky (from smoky bacon).
Hubby LOVED the suckling pig. I am not a huge pork person so I didn't try it (I know, and I am living in Indiana, what is wrong with me??), but it was smoky and apparently amazing to him as he told me about 700 times.
The food is so rich and large (even my bar portions were more than enough) there was no way we could try dessert, and honestly, even without my major bloated stomach, nothing just jumped out at me. But something for next time.
The menu was dated "Winter 2008" so I am hopeful they will change it at least seasonally.
One more thing about the smokiness. I could smell it on myself all night. Sort of like when you go to Benihana, only a different smell.
I am looking forward to returning to Bugg's temple. If and when I do, I will be hard pressed not to get those mussels. They were so good.
Ok, I know I say I am going to talk about a certain restaurant next time and I don't so I am going to stop doing that and just write when and what I feel like! That is the best thing about the blog. I can do whatever I want.
Maybe some day someone will read it.
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