Dining CityGuide 2011 by NUVO

INTRODUCING PARTNER/CHEF CHARLES MEREDAY AND HIS NEW CONCEPT

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NOW SERVING LUNCH AND SUNDAY BRUNCH

LOCATED IN THE HEART OF BROAD RIPPLE VILLAGE 929 E. WESTFIELD BLVD. 317.252.2600 WWW.THERIPPLEINN.COM

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TABLE OF CONTENTS FOOD TRUCKS...............................................................................6 BEST OF WINNERS........................................................................8

c i t y g u i d e s

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PUBLISHER: Kevin McKinney (kmckinney@nuvo.net) GUIDE/MANAGING EDITOR: Jim Poyser (jpoyser@nuvo.net) NEWS EDITOR: Rebecca Townsend (rtownsend@nuvo.net) MUSIC EDITOR: Scott Shoger (sshoger@nuvo.net) EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Neil Charles, Matthew McClure, Jennifer Troemner, Sam Watermeier PHOTOGRAPHY: Mark Lee DESIGNER/PRODUCTION MANAGER: Melissa Carter (mcarter@nuvo.net) DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Christa Phelps (cphelps@nuvo.net) MARKETING MANAGER: Lauren Guidotti (lguidotti@nuvo.net) DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING: Josh Schuler (jschuler@nuvo.net) BUSINESS MANAGER: Kathy Flahavin (kflahavin@nuvo.net)

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SHOPPING GUIDE November 23, 2011 Got questions, comments or suggestions about this or other NUVO CityGuides? Send them to cityguides@nuvo.net

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A CULINARY TURNING POINT If the state of the independent restaurant scene were in any way reflective of the state of the economy in general, the casual observer might be tempted to believe that things couldn’t be much better. Since I moved back to Indianapolis in June after a lengthy absence, at least seven new independent restaurants have opened their doors to good reviews and brisk business. Try finding a table for dinner on Saturday or lunch on Sunday, and you’ll be faced with long waits at all but the dreariest of establishments. And if the independents are doing quite well, the chains are bursting at the seams: never before has dining out been such a popular pastime in the metro area. This is quite a different picture from the scene I left in 2002. We had recently lost four of the leading independents, just as a new coalition of restaurants, The Indy Originals, was getting under way to promote fine dining. Things couldn’t have looked worse for the struggling restaurant scene, unless the Cheesecake Factory or PF Chang’s was your idea of a gastronomic adventure. I honestly believed when I left town that, were I to return, there would be nothing to write about except ethnic eateries on the West Side and a whole slew of steak houses. Well, sometimes it’s a pleasure to be so wrong about something. Over the intervening seven years, the independent dining scene has exploded, and its ripples have begun to be felt in the suburbs, a sure sign the movement is really taking root. Aided enormously by the enthusiasm that food lovers have shown for their local farmers’ markets, and by a massive nationwide obsession with all things edible, the independents are on their way to sharing the rewards with their corporate rivals. Obviously we’ll never rid ourselves of the chain restaurants, however desirable that may be. But we are right now witnessing a turning point in the culinary culture of this once sleepy town. We might be in the depths of the greatest recession since that last one, but if the state of fine dining in Indianapolis is anything to go by, things could be a heck of a lot worse. I’ll eat and drink to that. Locally, of course. Neil Charles ncharles@nuvo.net 100% RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO // 2011 // dining guide

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FOOD TRUCKS This year has seen the explosion of food trucks in Indianapolis. Here’s as many as we could keep up with!

Byrne’s Grilled Pizza Byrne’s Grilled Pizza offers fresh, handmade pizza to passersby. Try the Byrne’s Specialty, a combination of pesto, artichoke hearts and ricotta cheese with fresh spinach and tomatoes. The thin crusts are crisp and slightly chewy at the center for a pleasing pop. “All our stuf f is handmade, hand cut, nothing’s frozen. It’s all about freshness and appearance,” says manager Derek Reinstrom, who’s earned his stripes in seven pizza joints over the years. www.byrnespizza.com, www.facebook.com/ grilledpizza, Twitter @ByrnesPizza, 414 N. Dorman St., Flat 12 Bierwerks, 317-606-2111 $ Duos “Slow food made fast,” is the Duos truck’s motto. And with their emphasis on fr esh, locally sourced foods and original, seasonally inspir ed recipes, Duos’ offerings have an inspiring level of ambition. The ever-changing menu ranges from creative reinventions of pastas, salads and surprises, but always makes sure to include an option of sandwiches or other meat-based products for the carnivores out there. “The way that we’ve structured our menu gives us a lot of

freedom,” Hostetter said. “We’ve found a little formula and then we can fiddle each week.” www.duosindy.com, www.facebook.com/ duosindy, Twitter @DuosIndy, 317-508-8614 $ Fat Sammies Ciao Wagon “We’re a taste truck,” says Christy Rieman, the owner of Fat Sammies Ciao W agon. “We want everything to taste good and look good because you eat with your eyes,” and her sandwiches pass both exams with flying colors. The Ciao Wagon’s menu is small but sharply focused. Check out the Meatball, the Italian Beef, and the Portobello Mushroom sandwiches (6$ each with a bottle of water included). T ry them plain or with the works: onions, grilled red peppers, fresh fresh basil and a homemade garnish of chopped champ peppers and vinegar. Just make sure you can get all that in your mouth! www.facebook.com/fatsammies, Twitter @fatsammies, 317-525-3628 $ Groovy Guys Fries The Groovy Guys Fries truck’s motto is “Peace, Love, and Fry Gr ease,” but these are not the fries you cover ed in ketchup during your greasy spoon days. They ar e a fresher type of spud, served with a variety of toppings and, in one case, not even fried, but baked. “We keep experimenting and try

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to have a variety of options to suit dif ferent moods,” says Joe Reeves, the truck’s manager, and these variations on the common fry ar e definitely fun. Try the Philly Cheesesteak fries, the Sweet Potato Fries with Sweet and Salty Whipped Cream Cheese dip, or the Pizza Fries. www.GroovyGuysFries.com, www.facebook.com/Groovy-Guys-Fries, Twitter @groovyguysfries $ Hoosier Fat Daddy Bus cafe Tom Rockwell and his bright blue converted school bus look for locations wher e people might otherwise have to drive to grab a bite to eat. Inspired by the fleet of food trucks that roll down the streets of L.A. and Chicago, the Hoosier Fat Daddy Bus Cafe brings fusion foods to the streets of Indy, like their refreshing shrimp salad sandwich, their Empanada Dawg and their steak sandwich with poblano drizzle. The bus oscillates between downtown and the north side during the week, but, says Rockwell, “on Friday evening we go to the W estfield Farmers Market and hang out up ther e.” HoosierFatDaddyBusCafe.com, www.facebook.com/HoosierFatDaddyBusCafe, Twitter @HoosierFatDaddy, 317-460-5665 $

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Mabel on the Move Mabel on the Move Even when she’s at rest, it’s hard to miss Mabel on the Move. Mabel is a glistening Air Stream trailer, circa 1962, with a pair of r edand-white polka-dotted flags flying on her highly polished, aerodynamic stern. Inside, Kate McKibben serves up what she calls “food with a conscience.” Food, she says, “I would feed my own family.” Her hot dogs, available in either New York or Chicago style, are made from top-quality grass-fed beef and dressed with fresh vegetables. The herbed potato salad is organic, and the ice cream is from Trader’s Point, a local dairy. www.mabelonthemove.com, www.facebook.com/mabelonthemove, Twitter @MabelontheMove, 317-501-0370 $ The New York Slice “Everything’s working in favor of food trucks right now,” says John Ban, owner of the pizzapurveying truck, The New York Slice. Many around town give him cr edit for kicking off the local food truck movement when he and Arnold Park brought the idea for W est Coast Tacos to Indianapolis. Since then, Ban has brought pizza to the table. New York Slice is a big proponent of social networking, and uses Facebook and Twitter to find hungry customers in need. The crusts of New York Slice’s pizza is

ultra-thin yet bubbly, salty and slightly sweet with a pleasurably aerated textur e. www.facebook.com/theNySlice, Twitter @TheNySlice, 317-721-8434 $ Scout’s Treat Truck When your sweet tooth beckons, Scout’s Treat Truck is where it leads. Behind the wheel you’ll find cupcakes, brownies and other assorted sweets, most of which wer e inspired by the recipes of owner Lisa Moyer’s Great Aunt Pippa Scout. Moyer’s aim is to pr ovide the best red velvet cupcake in town, and she’s just about got it made, but Scout’s Treat Truck is always changing, with at least one vegan sweet in every line-up and a gluten-fr ee selection in the works. Look for them parked near the New York Slice pizza truck for a double-whammy of pizza and a tr eat. www.facebook.com/scoutstreattruck Twitter @scoutstreats, 317-409-2600 $ Scratch Scratch is the truck to visit if you’r e looking for adventurous flavor combinations. From the refreshing basil lemonade, to the Spicy Chicken Cone with mango jalapeno slaw and ancho chile aioli, to the New Orleans-inspir ed muffaletta salad, to the Hoity Toity BLT on French bread with arugula, to the Scratch

burger with bacon marmalade, this is not your typical food truck. Like the name suggests, everything on the truck is pr epared from scratch. Scratch aims to deliver its “moder n comfort food” to locations where people congregate, but where there aren’t a lot of other food options within walking distance. www.scratchtruck.com, www.facebook. com/scratchtruck, Twitter @ScratchTruck, 721-3613 $ West Coast Tacos West Coast Tacos’ glossy black truck was the first rolling kitchen in Indianapolis more than a year and a half ago, and it keeps dishing up its light yet spicy far e to hungry customers throughout the city. This is unabashed street food, so the portions, while modest, ar e packed with flavor and designed to be enjoyed on foot. The contents of their tacos stay wrapped and won’t spill out all over your shirt or slacks as you enjoy a light but satisfying midday meal. West Coast Taco’s trucks change locations daily, but the menu always r emains the same. www.thebestdamntacos.com, www.facebook.com/pages/West-CoastTacos/123291807684147, Twitter @WestCoastTacos $

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Mama Carolla’s

BEST OF WINNERS You voted, here they are, your 2011 Best Of Winners!

BEST LOCAL CHINESE RESTAURANT

Oriental Inn Oriental Inn’s nondescript exterior hides a traditional Chinese restaurant with an oldschool atmosphere and thoughtful presentation as well as a friendly staf f and a spacious dining room that’s perfect for large groups. Don’t expect to see a buffet, but the moderately priced dishes are sizable enough to share with friends. The dinner dishes arrive on a serving plate that makes splitting an entrée even easier. Snack on complimentary fried wantons before the meal, but don’t fill up on them: the food is hearty, flavor-filled and often served with a gar nish of fresh fruit. A menu of Korean dishes is available upon request. orientalinnrestaurant.com, 1421 N. Arlington Ave., 317-352-0398 $

BEST LOCAL JAPANESE RESTAURANT

Naked Tchopstix Another Broad Ripple favorite, Naked Tchopstix boasts fabulous sushi and a gr eat locale right next to the Vogue. The small café has a diverse menu of appealing and accessible sushi for vets and rookies alike. Don’t be afraid to customize the menu to your taste, but feel fr ee to pick

from the menu options that ar e easy and rarely disappointing. Sushi isn’t the only choice here, a plus for those who pr efer dishes thoroughly cooked over an open flame. Thr ow in a convivial atmosphere and a friendly staff, and you’ve got one of the best r estaurants in Indy. tchopstix.com, 6255 N. College Ave., 317252-5555 $$

BEST LOCAL THAI RESTAURANT

Siam Square A Fountain Square favorite, Siam Square serves up authentic, flavorful, fiery Thai dishes in a contemporary space decked in the red, orange and yellows of curry that is as stimulating to the eye as the palate. This year’s Best Thai option, Siam Squar e is just as good for lunch as dinner. Staple soups include the spicy Thom Yum and the silky Thom Kah Gai. For a searing midday meal, try the Siam Ginger Plate lunch special, served with a spring r oll to help douse the flames. Return in the evening to sample a thoughtfully considered pairing from the dinner menu and wine list. For dessert, spoil your taste buds with an or der of roti rolls — panfried flatbread smothered in sticky icing. Moderately priced, exceedingly delicious. www.siamsquareindy.com, 936 Virginia Ave., 317-636-8424 $$

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BEST LOCAL INDIAN RESTAURANT

India Garden Sixteen-time winner as the Best Indian Restaurant in Indy according to NUVO readers, India Garden is a culinary adventur e worth taking for those looking to expand their horizons through culture and flavor. Navigating the menu is easy with thor ough descriptions of the exotic samplings; the only har d part is deciding on which mouth-watering dish to try. Tandoori ovens and Norther n Indian spices make the dishes burst with flavor and melt with tenderness. Make sure to include a mango lassi in your or der; the tropical frozen drink is a delicious staple of Indian tradition. www.indiagardenindy.com, 830 Broad Ripple Ave., 317-253-6060, and 207 N. Delaware St., 317-634-6060 $$

BEST LOCAL ITALIAN RESTAURANT/BEST LOCAL ROMANTIC DINING

Mama Carolla’s Mama Carolla’s Old Italian in Br oad Ripple is, hands-down, the most romantic restaurant in the city according to NUVO readers in each year’s Best of Indy poll. Fr om the twinkling lights to heavy wood accents, all housed in what actually feels like a house,

Open 11am Daily Non-Smoking Outdoor Patio

7041 East 10th Street 317-351-0009 manleysirishmutt.com

Customize any one of our lean meat selections with one of our 15 different, fresh veggie options, 6 cheeses, or 23 different sauces. Vegetarian and Vegan friendly.

N. Pennsylvania St.

N. Illinois St.

E. Ohio St.

E. Washington St.

Downtown 1 N. Pennsylvania St. 317-829-PITA (7482)

WE DELIVER!!

Buy One Pita, Get One Free

Valid at downtown location only. Limit one coupon per customer. Not valid with any other offer. Coupons can only be used for dine-in or carry-out. Not valid for delivery. Cannot combine coupons. Easy on-line ordering at: Offer valid only at time of original purchase. Cash Compania Flemenco, Center for the Performingvalue Arts, Oct.of one 12.cent. Expires 2/1/12 is 1/100th

www.pitapitusa.com

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vibrant, clattery, ceramic-tiled, brightly colored environment that perfectly contrasts the woodclad steakhouse feel that’s so prevalent in this town. Its atmosphere is conducive to sitting around and enjoying the air of conviviality, without feeling the pressure to move on. www.barcelonatapas.com, 201 N. Delaware St., 317-638-8272 $

BEST LOCAL GREEK/ MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT

there’s something cozy and r efreshing about a visit to Mama’s. The reasonable prices mean it’s affordable for two, even with a good bottle of wine to complement the traditional Italian menu. When the weather permits, take your date to the patio dining room for an even mor e romantic evening. (And don’t forget about their new café next door for breakfast — Good Mor ning Mama’s!) www.mamacarollas.com, 1031 E. 54th St., 317-259-9412 $$

BEST LOCAL MEXICAN/ SPANISH RESTAURANT

BARcelona Tapas BARcelona Tapas offers a very agreeable way to spend an evening of eating and drinking, where a strong sense of Castilian tradition pervades every aspect of the meal. Instead of two or three large courses, diners nibble on a handful of small, inexpensive dishes, all of which are meant to be shared. The décor and ambience are old-world in tone: there’s a

Santorini Santorini Greek Kitchen is another longtime favorite of NUVO readers. This year’s top place as Best Greek/Mediterranean Restaurant is win number eight for one of Fountain Square’s most vibrant eateries. Befor e we forget, make sure you have galaktaboureko for dessert. Seriously. Other than that, we recommend just about anything else on the menu. Spanakopita, souvlaki, saganaki ar e all tasty, and while the tomato balls might taste more like pancakes, they still burst with flavor . Belly dancers perform on Friday and Satur day nights, so make reservations, as tables fill up fast. Settle down for a long meal because the portions are enormous, leaving even the biggest appetite fully satisfied. Full bar; nonsmoking. www.greekkitchen.dine.com, 1417 Prospect St., 317-917-1117 $$

“When you try it, you will love it!” —Chef Sentissi

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING SAFFRON CAFE AS INDY’S BEST MIDDLE EASTERN RESTAURANT! NUVO’S 2011 BEST OF INDY

HOURS:

M-Th. 11:30 am - 9:00pm Fri. 11:30 am - 10:00pm Sat. 4:00pm - 10:00pm Sun. 4:00pm - 9:00pm CALL TO RSVP, 317-917-0131 OR VISIT WWW.SAFFRONCAFE-INDY.COM

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ASK YOUR SERVER ABOUT OUR UNIQUE DAILY SPECIALS! DELICIOUS MOROCCAN SPECIALTIES INCLUDING TRADITIONAL TAJINES, KABBABS, GYROS, PASTA, PAELLA, DESSERTS AND MORE. WINE IS IMPORTED FROM MOROCCO AND FRESH SEAFOOD IS FLOWN IN DAILY. EVERYTHING ON THE MENU IS HOMEMADE FROM SCRATCH.

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BEST LOCAL MIDDLE EASTERN/NO. AFRICAN RESTAURANT

Saffron Café With a wide variety of delicious North African (mostly Moroccan) dishes that can best be described as a circus for the senses, Saffron is one of our favorites. W e recommend the delicate and delicious saffron rice foremost, but the Antipasto Plate, a combination of thr ee appetizers: hummus, zaalouk and bakoula served with mild feta cheese and pita wedges is high on the list as well. Y ou might also try one of two specialty dishes: a Kafta Sandwich, finger rolls of finely ground, deeply seasoned and char-grilled beef served on an open-face pita, and the Couscous Royale, a medley of vegetables served over couscous and steamed in a clay pot. www.saffroncafe-indy.com, 621 Fort Wayne Ave., 317-917-0131 $$-$$$

BEST LOCAL ENGLISH/ CELTIC PUB FOOD

Chatham Tap This hot spot in the heart of Mass A ve is a prime destination, whether you’re hungry or thirsty or both — a magnet for those drawn to the district for theater, visual arts and the dance floor. The inside can get pr etty raucous, with revelers toasting and talking and watching soccer and cricket, but the outside patio, if you can find a seat, is truly sublime. Adjacent to

Saffron Café the still-in-development Cultural Trail, the patio is a magical place; we’d wager, in fact, it’s the friendliest location in town. Or der up, get your drinks, then meet your new pals at the neighboring table. www.chathamtap.com, 719 Massachusetts Ave., 317-917-8425 $$

BEST LOCAL DELI/ SANDWICH SHOP

Shapiro’s Shapiro’s has been the favorite deli of NUVO readers for at least 20 years, and has won this

category every single time we’ve taken your votes. According to the folks at Shapir o’s, they’ve only had a few simple goals since the place opened more than a century ago: “Cook good. Serve generously. Price modestly. People will come.” They might be on to something. The food is delicious, the portions ar e huge, the prices are mostly modest and the place is always packed. You can dine in or carry out; but don’t miss the bakery items either way — cheesecake is much better for you than cor ned beef. www.shapiros.com, 808 S. Meridian St., 317-631-4041 $

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own masterpiece, or skip the work and choose one of the standard favorites like the Basilica, which drops tomato sauce for pesto, adds black olives and sun-dried tomatoes, and finishes off with feta cheese. www.bazbeaux.com, 811 E. Westfield Blvd., 317-255-5711; 333 Massachusetts Ave., 636-7662 $-$$

BEST LOCAL BURRITO

St. Elmo Steakhouse

BEST LOCAL BURGERS

Boogie Burger Boogie Burger rocks, plain and simple. So it came as no surprise to us that NUVO r eaders voted it home to the Best Burger in Indy this year. Broad Ripple’s little dining-car-of-arestaurant-that-could does lots of things well. There’s a basic burger that r ookies might want to start with, but don’t wait long to venture into the condiment options, which ar e all dwarfed by the bacon, but still good. V eggies and vegans don’t dismay. The black bean and soy options at Boogie Burger ar e excellent.

Don’t forget an order of garlic fries or onion rings. www.boogieburger.com, 1904 Broad Ripple Ave., 317-255-2450 $

BEST LOCAL PIZZA

Bazbeaux NUVO readers have never selected anything other than Bazbeaux as the city’s Best Pizza. In addition to excellent locations (Mass Ave and Broad Ripple) and terrific staff, what makes Bazbeaux so enjoyable is the variety of options. Pour over a massive list of ingr edients and craft your

dining guide // 2011 // NUVO // 100% RECYCLED PAPER

La Hacienda Everyone has a favorite Mexican r estaurant, and for the past four years NUVO r eaders have picked La Hacienda as the best in town. Cheap, authentic, delicious — you can’t go wrong with this family-run restaurant. The large portions go great with a pitcher of Texas Margaritas, made strong with that traditional citrus kick. Makes sense that the Best Burrito in the city can be found here as well! www.lahaciendaindy.com, 6825 Graham Road, 317-577-2689; 3874 Lafayette Road, 317-290-0755; and 6429 E. Washington St., 317-357-8084 $

BEST LOCAL STEAK/ BEST LOCAL UPSCALE DINING

St. Elmo Steakhouse This downtown institution has been serving perfectly cooked steaks exactly the way patr ons ask for them for more than 100 years (not to mention a host of other delicious dishes and the best shrimp cocktail on the planet). Serving

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downtown patrons since 1902 means that the folks at St. Elmo’s not only know how to deliver excellent meals to satisfied customers, they can also help you make the best selection. Known for the classic turn-of-the-century Chicago saloon style décor, St. Elmo offers an upscale experience with excellent service. www.stelmos.com, 127 S. Illinois St., 317-635-0636 $$$

BEST LOCAL WINGS/ BEST LOCAL WAIT STAFF

Scotty’s Brewhouse Scotty’s Brewhouse poses the question: How many sporting events can a person watch at the same time? While, of course, eating fr om an encyclopedic menu of quality pub food. And quaffing from an epic selection of draft and bottled beers, with plenty of wines and cocktails near at hand by way of back-up. Scotty’s is a convivial place; you can find it packed on even a weeknight. They draw a lot of regulars who know exactly what they want from the extensive menu, and one taste of their “Mo’ Fo’ Mustard Sauce” tells you Scotty’s has figured out its customers’ taste buds. www.scottysbrewhouse.com, 3905 E. 96th St., 317-574-0101; 1 Virginia Ave., 317-571-0808 $$

BEST LOCAL PORK TENDERLOIN

Mug-n-Bun Did somebody say tenderloin sandwich? The Mug-n-Bun drive-in restaurant’s patty

is pounded out wide, then fried to a crisp, just the way it should be. Some things that never change here: favorite onion rings, Dad’s Root Beer floats, dogs, fries, double cheeseburgers and more. Be sure to grab some cash (they don’t take credit cards) and eat a nice pork sandwich or a Coney dog covered in fried chili and wash it down with some homemade root beer in a thick, fr osty mug. www.mug-n-bun.com, 5211 W. 10th St., 317-244-5669 $

BEST LOCAL BREAKFAST/ BRUNCH DINING Café Patachou Billing itself as the “student union for adults since 1989,” Café Patachou’s original location at the corner of Pennsylvania and 49th Str eet in the Meridian-Kessler neighborhood has been serving up some of the most delicious br eakfast and brunch options, quickly and mostly affordably, for more than two decades. While the family of Patachou dining establishments has expanded over the years to now include Napolese and Petit Chou, the original café (with a brand-new expanded dining r oom and snazzy outdoor patio) is a neighborhood kitchen with sophisticated tastes. Take a morning to discover the goodness for yourself. www.cafepatachou.com, 4911 N. Pennsylvania St., 317-925-2823 $$

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BEST LOCAL LATE NIGHT DINING

Hot Box No better way to scor e with your hottest neighbor after the bars close than to head over or call up Hot Box, Br oad Ripple’s favorite pizza joint for some late night craving satisfaction. The pies are as delicious as the names are imaginative: The Popeye, Hot Chick, Big Al’s Fredo and (our favorite) the Dixie Chicken. While there are a few stores around town (and one in W est Lafayette), we still like the Broad Ripple location best — and so do NUVO readers, who voted it the best option for late-night munchies. Plus, those ubiquitous plastic cups are always a cool bonus! www.gethotboxpizza.com, 715 Broad Ripple Ave., 317-257-7500; 116th & Brook School Rd., 317-849-4200; 1 E. Carmel Dr., 317-571-9400; 4400 Weston Pointe 317708-2800; 2499 Futura Parkway, 317-2037899; 30 E. Georgia St., 317-656-6000, $

BEST LOCAL BUDGETMINDED DINING/BEST LOCAL RESTAURANT

Yats If there is one restaurant readers of NUVO prefer above all others in Indy, it’s gotta be Yats. No doubt that’s because the iconic Joe Vuskovich and his crew love equally and want to make sure everyone gets a chance to eat some of the

No w t h e la rg est b u f f e t se l e c t i o n i n t ow n!

HOURS

Daily Lunch Buffet: 11am-2:30 pm Dinner: Mon-Thurs. 5-10 pm, Fri. 5:00-10 pm Sat. 2:30-10 pm, Sun. 2:30-9:30 pm

10% OFF Carry out or Dine In One Coupon Per Table. Not Valid With Any Other Offer. Only valid on menu order. Expires 11/16/11

Voted the BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT by NUVO readers!

Buy one dinner entree & get the 2nd entree

1/2 OFF

Up to $10.00. Dine In Only. Not Valid With Any Other Offer Expires 11/16/11

HOURS

Sunday & Daily Lunch Buffet: 11:30am-2:30 pm Dinner: Mon-Fri. 5-10 pm, Sat. 2:30-10 pm Sun. 2:30-9:30 pm

$1.00 OFF Daily lunch buffet

One Coupon Per Table. Dine In Only. Not Valid With Any Other Offer Expires 11/16/11

Catering for private parties! Call for carryout! | THE SPOT for vegan and vegetable dishes! (non-veggie too!) Come in for our Sunday dinner buffet! | Up to 250 people banquet hall for parties or conferences 100% RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO // 2011 // dining guide

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FRESH * LOCAL * SEASONAL Featured on -Diners, Drive-ins and Dives Named one of Indianapolis’ Best 50 Restaurants -Indianapolis Monthly

115 E. 49th St. • (317) 924.2233 • www.barkingdogindy.com Open Tuesday-Saturday • Lunch & Dinner Yats

OPEN - LUNCH & DINNER Plenty of free on-site parking!

Locally owned and operated. TAVERN ON SOUTH is a casual, yet sophisticated restaurant and bar located in the shadow of Lucas Oil Stadium and just a short walk from Victory Field as well as the Convention Center and downtown business district...

Great Place for Private Events Outdoor Dining on Both Levels

www.tavernonsouth.com

dining guide // 2011 // NUVO // 100% RECYCLED PAPER

best creole food anywhere outside of New Orleans. Each day brings a new set of six to ten menu items, including vegetarian options, according to mood and availability. The price, however, is always cheap and the company is always exquisite. www.yatscajuncreole.com, 659 Massachusetts Ave., 317686-6380; 5463 N. College Ave., 317-253-8817 $

BEST LOCAL VEGAN/ VEGETARIAN DINING

3 Sisters Café There are any number of reasons to love this Broad Ripple staple. The location is great, the staff is friendly and the food is always good. In particular, vegetarians and vegans will find plenty to eat at this charming and affordable Victorian home converted into a restaurant. Known for its fresh and delicious food, 3 Sisters is making a healthy mark on the Br oad Ripple area; go for a walk on the canal after your meal for an added perk. 3 Sisters is a gr eat option for breakfast and lunch, offering great

vegetarian and vegan alter natives to the classics. Plan to make a day in the Broad Ripple area as meals usually go on for a few hours. www.3sisterscafein.com, 6360 Guilford Ave., 317-257-5556

BEST NEW LOCAL RESTAURANT

Ball & Biscuit The Ball & Biscuit’s theme is nostalgic with items from the time of speakeasies. The drinks also harken to another time, in mor e ways than one. Hamhattan, Silver Gin Fizz, Sidecar and Aviation are all classic cocktails with small twists. But you’ve also seen them at Euphoria, the Indianapolis haunt where chef Brad Gates and mixologist Zach Wilks formerly held court. You can always count on top-shelf, small-batch alcohol at The Ball & Biscuit and a solid lineup of choice cheeses for noshing. As with any good speakeasy, there’s good contraband off the menu — if you know to ask. www.ballandbiscuit.com, 331 Massachusetts Ave., 317-636-0539 $$

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Black Market

RECENTLY REVIEWED Here are the restaurants we’ve visited in the past year, for your feasting delight!

Al Basha This new Mediterranean restaurant and grocery store in Broad Ripple is a definite go-to establishment if you’re looking for a moderately priced lunch or dinner with a bit of a kick. The dining area is simple enough: the unador ned room is scrupulously neat and clean. A few tables share the space with a surprisingly extensive array of Middle Easter n foodstuffs. Al Basha has a nifty way of taking familiar Mediterranean dishes for a spicy spin. If you’r e looking for fresh and simple dishes with a twist, check it out. 1045 Broad Ripple Ave., 317252-5911 $ The Aristocrat Calling itself a neighborhood pub, The Aristocrat’s neighborhood encompasses the entire north side. If you hail fr om that part of town and walk in for a visit, ther e’s a good chance you’ll either see a familiar face or run into old friends. The Aristocrat featur es a street-side micro landscape with all manner of plants and herbs. But the menu is what keeps you coming back. Familiar staples of British cuisine — bangers and mash, for example — populate the menu. Pasta dishes are a house specialty, as are the steaks. It’s also well known for its sandwiches. Editors note: Having suffered a fire in the summer,

Aristocrat is now under r enovation with a re-opening scheduled for the spring of 2012. aristocratpub.com, 5212 N. College Ave., 317-283-7388 $$

The Bar at the Ambassador Speakeasy Chic: that’s the vibe in The Bar at the Ambassador. Walk in and you’re greeted by the navy walls, red leather chairs and red candleholders. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. The Cajun-inspired menu lists items like Sweet Corn & Andouille Soup. While ther e are many similarly spicy culinary cr eations on the menu, it also offers a selection of other comforting dishes such as the BLT for those seeking something a little less adventur ous. This is one snazzy, sophisticated stop — in the Hoosier sense of the phrase. 49 E. 9th St., 317602-2279 $ Black Market Making the most of locally-sourced ingredients, Black Market offers a concise and exciting menu at reasonable prices in a cool and contemporary setting. Choosing from a dozen or so dishes in all, diners can sit at one of a handful of booths, or join other gastronauts at a large communal table, bringing to mind feasting of old. The wine-and-beer list is as succinct as the menu and well chosen, with the emphasis on foodfriendly wines at again very fair prices. 922 Massachusetts Ave., 317-822-6757 $$$

dining guide // 2011 // NUVO // 100% RECYCLED PAPER

The Bosphorus Istanbul Café If your taste buds flagging fr om too much of the same old same old, tr eat them to a night out at Bosphorus. W ith traditional Turkish delights like Guvee, a casser ole of vegetables, or Karniyarik, stuffed eggplant, your palate will replenish itself in no time. The place attracts quite a crowd, so plan ahead — wait times can be long, though well worth enduring for the great food. The hummus is r eputed to be the best in town and the atmospher e provides a mystical feel you’d expect fr om a Turkish café. Bosphorus reflects the crazy quilt that is Turkey. bosphoruscafe.com 935 S. East St., 317-974-1770 $ Brockway Despite the shortcomings in Midwester n interpretations of Irish fare, Brockway is a lot of fun. Modeled after a Dublin bar, they’ve got the best Guinness in town, plus an excellent beer selection. Try the battered fish sandwich and the indulgent appetizers: the rest of the menu can be a bit hit-and-miss. Apart from the food and drink, Br ockway offers live music every Friday and Satur day evening, and keeps the calendar busy with special events. Stick to the appetizers, the fish and chips and the beer, and you’ll have a fine old time. thebrockway.com, 12525 Old Meridian Street, 317-669-8080, $$

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OVER 250 WINES UNDER $15 OVER 400 WINES IN STOCK

Detour American Grille The Clay Oven Named for the traditional tandoor oven, the Clay Oven specializes in tandoori dishes, but they don’ t stop there. Its menu features at least a hundred authentic Indian items, all reasonably priced, including an assortment of meat and a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes. The service is prompt, the spices are freshly ground, the vegetables are crisp, and the food is full of variety. Try the tandoori chicken, the vegan chana saag, and don’t forget the naan! Or if you can’t decide on just one of the dishes, try a little of everything with the lunch buffet. theclayoven.com, 7415 US 31 South, 317-888-2600 $$ Detour American Grille Detour is a fun-filled bar and grill, family friendly, with musical entertainment on the weekends. Catering to a diverse crowd of hunger-stricken wanderers,the menu is quite lengthy, offering a broad range of dishes: part pub grub, part American-Mexican and a little Pacific Rim fusion. W ith a friendly and enthusiastic staff, the experience is sure to please even the pickiest diner. And considering that Detour has 20 beers on tap and an abundant cocktail menu, there’s plenty to choose from in the drinks

department. detourgrille.com, 110 W. Main St., 317-571-0091 $ Eleven At The Pyramids The Art Institute of Indianapolis includes an International Culinary School where students train to be chefs, servers and caterers. Luckily for us, they are happy to practice their craft on you at Eleven at The Pyramids, a cosmopolitan café on the 11th floor of Pyramid 2. The chefs are very vegetarian/vegan friendly,, but there’s no shortage of items to appeal to those with carnivorous tastes. All entrees with drink and soup or salad ar e $15; desserts are extra. trade-schools. net/art-institutes/the-artinstitute-of-Indianapolis.asp 4500 DePauw Boulevard, 317613-4938 $ Fire by the Monon This Broad Ripple grill house procures delicious meats and takes pride in offering a seasonal menu, gathering its ingredients from local growers and herders. It also practices the fine art of cold-smoking: exposing meats to hardwood and fruitwood smoke that’s under 100 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period of time. This process enhances the flavor and preserves the moistness of the meat without

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EXPIRES 11/12/11.

Please present Money Mailer coupon. Cannot be combined with any other oﬀers.

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100% RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO // 2011 // dining guide

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India Sizzling actually cooking it. The result is then seared over an open flame. Oh, and vegetarians don’t have to worry. Their Veggie Burger proves to be satisfying as well. firebythemonon.com, 6523 Ferguson St., 317-602-8590 $$

OPEN FOR LUNCH & DINNER!!!

5406 NORTH COLLEGE AVENUE INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46220

317-602-8840 18

dining guide // 2011 // NUVO // 100% RECYCLED PAPER

Havana Café Serving up a savory brand of Cuban cuisine in a small space for about two years now, Havana Café has been treating Indy to a variety of dishes true to its Cuban r oots. Meat occupies front and center: this culturally honest cafe offers a range of chicken, beef and pork variations, with a few seafood options thrown in. While trade and travel restrictions are keeping Indy’s inhabitants and visitors off of real Cuban soil, we are fortunate to have our own taste of Cuban cuisine right here at home thanks to Havana Café’s existence. havanacafecubancuisine.com, 3839 Moller Rd., 317-293-2822 $ India Sizzling Located round the corner of a strip mall off Allisonville Rd. in Fishers, India Sizzling is the brainchild of Basil Vaz, the restaurateur behind local treasure Passage To India. The food created here uses herbs, spices and heat to create a truly marvelous spectrum of mouth-

watering delights. Dishes at India Sizzling are elegantly presented in white, square-shaped bowls, with generous mounds of white rice to the side, appealing to both sight and taste and filling the stomach.. 11301 Village Square Lane, Fishers, 317-845-5500 $ The Iron Skillet Dishing out family-style dinners since 1953, The Iron Skillet represents the essence of traditional Hoosier cuisine. The menus come glued to school slates, and the white china is emblazoned with the restaurant’s name in a medieval font. The entrees seem to symbolize the in-home, family dining tradition so often associated with a vision of the Midwest and, consequently, with Indianapolis. Atmospherically, this place provides patrons with a hearty dose of nostalgia, while satisfying their appetite with home-style cooking from times past. ironskillet.net, 2489 W. 30th St., 317-923-6353 $$ Jiallo’s This African-Caribbean restaurant has been in business for about two years. At first the menu might appear foreign and confusing, offering a lot of potentially unfamiliar dishes. But fear not:

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Indy’s New Interactive Indoor Gardening Supply Store We supply: • HID and T5 Lighting • Hydroponic Systems, Accessories & Nutrients • Soils • Fertilizers & Amendments • Co2 & Environment Control • Carbon Filters & Fans With monthly specials, raffles and classes. Stop in to grow with us today, or check us out on the web at: www.maximumgrow.com

6117 East Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46219

317-359-GROW (4769)

La Mie Emilie flavor and spices abound, and the friendly staff will be more than happy to explain the more exotic dishes. Jiallo’s Jerk Chicken is the stuff of legend. Consisting of a boned bird presented on a mound of red beans and dirty rice with a generous side of fried plantains, this is a fabulous dish. 4202 W.56th St. B-2, 317-492-1603 $ Kimu If you happen to be wondering to yourself “Where can I get my hands on some Burmese cuisine?”, there is hope Kimu’s concise menu of curries, stir-fries, and pho is an amalgamation of Chinese, Vietnamese, and Indian influences. Exotic ingredients like quail eggs, delicate jasmine rice and bok choy chards ensure that those who aren’t familiar with Burmese cuisine will be both surprised and pleased. As well as tasting gr eat, Kimu’s dishes are artfully arranged and pleasing to the eye. 1280 N. US 31, Suite U, 317-893-2221, $ Kountry Kitchen Since 1988, Kountry Kitchen has been dishing out souther n soul food in the King Park neighborhood. Breakfast here comes loaded with all the items you’d expect .a restaurant called Kountry Kitchen to karry. The

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pancakes are tender and fluffy:very few restaurants create pancakes of this high caliber. And with dinner sporting a variety of other dishes such as barbecue and pork chops, this establishment is an Indy hotspot that’ll remind you of good old-fashioned home cooking. The rave at Kountry Kitchen is the cornbread. You can get two types: a fried griddlecake or baked squar e hunk. kountrykitchenindy.com, 1831 N. College Ave., 317-9264476 $ La Mie Emilie In the midst of Carmel’s Arts and Design District sits a great little French-style café. In contrast to the plethora of burger and pizza joints, La Mie Emilie aims its menu squarely at Indy’s Francophiles.. Operated by the mother and daughter team behind Zionsville’s Pie Safe, La Mie Emilie occupies a simply appointed space on Carmel’s newly refurbished Main Street. Providing many traditional staples of French cuisine, it’s hard to go wrong here. There are crêpes aplenty, traditional salads, quiches and sandwiches. There’s a bit of something for just about everybody. www.lamieemilie.com, 15 W. Main St., Carmel, 317816-1200 $$ 100% RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO // 2011 // dining guide

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Las Tortas A “torta” is a Hispanic sandwich, often quite small. The only thing small about this excellent sandwich shop is the space. Fr om the menu to food itself, “big” is the operative word. It takes two hands (and plenty of napkins) to manage one of these creations. The foundation is baked telera, a light bun that measures six inches across, but, when stuffed, seems like it could pass for a shuf fleboard puck. The telera comes packed with a variety of meats, like smoked pork and chorizo sausage, as well as cheeses and veggies. Bring an appetite. 641 Virginia Ave., 317-658-0735 $ The Legend Seated in the heart of Irvington, among brick streets and historic houses, The Legend captures the elegant atmosphere of the neighborhood. It’s a model of easygoing hospitality. Dishes like Mom’s Meatloaf invoke nostalgic memories. The sandwich portion of the menu is a popular draw , and for a good reason. The Legend makes almost all of its desserts in-house, providing a comfortable and relaxed conclusion to your dining experience. legendirvingtoncafe.com, 5614 E. Washington St., 317-536-2028 $

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dining guide // 2011 // NUVO // 100% RECYCLED PAPER

The Libertine The Libertine is not your father’s cocktail bar, and it’s not the kind of place you come to drink eightounce Cosmopolitans and dance on the bar in four-inch heels. Everything here is measured, from the music’s agreeable volume to the meticulous proportions of the drinks prepared by stylishlyclad mixologists. The food menu is short and expertly executed, but the plates are small. Similarly the wine list is expertly thought out and reasonably priced, and contains a number of bottlings from lesser-known regions of Europe. The Libertine deserves support from anyone who puts value on independence, local produce and creativity. www.libertineindy.com, 38 E. Washington St., 317-631-3333 $$$ The Local In an unassuming strip mall just north of 146th Street lies The Local, so-named because it is not only a watering hole for locals, but because it also specializes in locally grown and raised ingredients. While the variety of ingredients is somewhat limited by Indiana’s infamous weather, The Local offers both a variety of regular menu

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items and a monthly selection of seasonal dishes, including Viking farms lamb, Gunthorp beef and produce from Homestead Growers. Try the smoked salmon flatbread, the pulled pork sandwich, the chicken ranch wrap — or ask for a r ecommendation from the truly exceptional staff. www.localeateryandpub.com, 14655 Gray Road, Westfield, 317-218-3786 $ MacKenzie River Pizza Co. Part of a small family chain, MacKenzie River Pizza Co. of fers a rustic country atmosphere and food that’s hearty and assertive in both portion size and flavor. The pizza is the star of the menu, with an exemplary crust and a wide and well-thought-out array of toppings. Unlike other pizza chains, MacKenzie River offers a variety of options, from buffalo chicken mac and cheese to blackened cod tacos. All of it is delectable, and their selection of local beers is worth checking out. Kitchen staff and management are known to jump in and help when the joint gets jumpin’. www.mackenzieriverpizza.com, 4939 E. 82nd St., 317-288-0609, $$ Maxine’s Chicken & Waffles Occupying what might have once been an office building, Maxine’s is a hopping place with a festive atmosphere. Health nuts beware: Maxine’s provides a daily dose of salt, sugar and fat in most of their dishes. But if that’s not something that dissuades your interest, Maxine’s won’t disappoint. The menu offers a broad selection of traditional southern dishes and, of course, the eponymous chicken and waffles. Maxine’s serves as a refreshing reminder that good food doesn’t have to be a plodding, serious af fair. www.maxineschicken.com, 132 N. East St., 317-423-3300 $ Mystery Cafe There’s murder afoot at the Milano Inn. Every Friday and Saturday night, Indy’s Mystery Café stages its own spin on the classic dinner-and-a-show: a murder mystery where the members of the audience don new identities and take up the search for clues in this classic whodunit. Enthusiastic participants can volunteer for speaking lines and songs to sing, and at the end of the night the most enthusiastic audience actor is awarded a prize, but ther e’s no pressure to perform. If joining the show’s not your cup of arsenic, you can silently collect

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Maxine’s Chicken and Waffles clues and try for the awar d of best gumshoe, or just sit back and enjoy the show. Every one of the play’s four acts is followed by a course of your meal: a soup, a salad, a main course and a dessert, with fr esh bread served throughout. And no need to worry — it’s all poison-free. www.themysterycafeindy.com/, 231 South College Ave., 317684-0668, $$ Osteria Pronto Today, one of the many measur es of a hotel is the quality of its restaurant. This Italian restaurant, located on the ground floor of the new, blue JW Marriott Hotel downtown, is a welcome addition to the Indianapolis dining scene. Osteria Pronto breathes new life into everyone’s favorite cuisine, packing it with flavor and freshness. It has adopted the cost-conscious policy of offering whole and half sizes for its pasta dishes. This place has all the makings of a downtown destination worth visiting. Reservations are recommended. osteriapronto.com, 10 S. West St., Ground Floor, J.W. Marriot Hotel, 317-833-8554 $$$ Restaurante Oaxaca Tucked between the numerous

BBQ and fried chicken joints on MLK Jr. Dr., this culturally focused restaurant is rustic in a thrilling way. Impressive hand-hewn tortilla chips, beginning as a soft cor n tortilla, are liberally salted and served with a spring-green salsa designed to clean one’s clock. The moles offered here — chocolaty, nutty, sublime sauces that take meat to new heights — ar e commendable. If it’s an authentic Southern Mexican atmosphere accompanied by a just as authentic cuisine that you seek, slide over to Oaxaca. 2958 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., 317-490-2429 $ The Ripple Inn Showing signs of becoming a fashionable destination in the Broad Ripple area, The Ripple Inn provides an enveloping dining experience with a varied but focused menu. The owners have opened up the interior, opting for subtly cool colors accented by a selection of work by local artists to be rotated on a periodic basis. It’s a feast for the belly and for the eyes. Entrees offer selections of beef, poultry, pork, seafood and three vegetarian options. therippleinn.com, 929 Westfield Blvd., 317-252-2600 $$/$$$ Rock-Cola Cafe Housed in modest commercial 100% RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO // 2011 // dining guide

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Sakura building on the south side, RockCola Café is the place to go if you’re in the mood for a hearty slice of fifties nostalgia and some equally heart-stopping grub. The walls and ceiling are festooned with posters, old-fashioned games adorn the tables, and the music, naturally, is all from the era. Rock-Cola is clean, the service is friendly and efficient, and the five-page lunch menu gives you plenty of variety. Burgers, tenderloins, fries and onion rings complete the atmosphere. The traditional chocolate malts are definitely worth the wait. www.rockcolacafe.com, 5730 Brookville Rd, 317-357-2233, $ Saigon Restaurant For quick, cheap and delicious dining, there’s no better part of town to visit than the ar ea around the intersection of 38th St. and Lafayette Rd. Conveniently, this is where Saigon Restaurant sits. Formerly a Vietnamese market, Saigon became a restaurant over a decade ago. Clean, well-lit and welcoming, the simple interior promises a no-frills approach to dining, delivering a promise that your modest check will go largely toward what arrives on your plate. In spite of the menu’s

dining guide // 2011 // NUVO // 100% RECYCLED PAPER

astonishing 162 or so dishes, everything that is supposed to be fresh is fresh. Saigon is definitely a viable proposition for those prepared to make the pilgrimage. saigonrestaurant-indy.com, 3103 Lafayette Rd., 317-9277270 $$ Sakura If there is a neighborly Japanese restaurant in Indianapolis — a place that feels comfortable and familiar as a corner pub, yet without in any way compromising the authenticity of its origins — this is it. The simplicity of the dining room reflects Sakura’s menu and the presentation of its many dishes. Traditional Japanese cuisine abounds: items like vegetable rolls, a variety of sushi, and gomaae — a bowl of steamed spinach topped with a sweet, creamy sesame sauce — populate the menu. Sakura offers a basic selection of beers and sake. Its parking lot is often overflowing, but the wait is worth the while. indysakura.com, 7201 N. Keystone Ave., 317-259-4171 $$ Sesame Chinese Freshness is a theme that runs throughout Sesame Chinese’s dishes. And these are no small dishes, either; freshness pervades the enormous portions of tilapia,

YOU CAN BET ON FABULOUS FOOD AT HAL’S! NACHOS, SIDES & SNACKS NACHO GRANDE “HOUSE SPECIALTY”.... $11.59 Nachos topped with Diced Onions, Tomato Bits, Shredded Lettuce, fresh Ground Beef and real Bacon Bits CHRISTMAS NACHOS ....$10.59 Nachos topped with Diced Onions, Tomato Bits and Shredded Lettuce BEEF & BACON NACHOS....$10.59 Nachos with fresh Ground Beef and real Bacon Bits CHILI NACHOS .... $10.59 Nachos topped with Homemade Chili NACHO CON POLLO .... $10.59 Nachos topped with tender julienned Chicken Breast NACHOS.... $9.59 Combination of Colby & Cheddar Cheeses Oven Melted over hot Picante Sauce and Tostada Chips then topped with Jalapeño Peppers served with real Sour Cream by request

BURGERS, WINGS, SUBS & SANDWICHES BLUES BURGER .... $9.99 Sautéed Onions, Green Peppers, Mushrooms, Bacon and choice of Cheese WHISKEY PEPPER CHEESEBURGER .... $8.99 Whiskey Pepper Marinade, Topped with an Onion Ring & Provolone Cheese

MACNOODLE BURGER .... $8.99 Special Sauce, Diced Onions, Shredded, Lettuce, Pickles & American Cheese CHEESEBURGER .... $8.49 Choice of American, Swiss, Mozzarella or Jalapeño pepper Add Bacon Strips or Mushrooms .... $1.39 GARDEN BURGER (VEGGIE BURGER) .... $8.49 Choice of American, Swiss, Mozzarella or Jalapeño pepper

DINNERS FILET MIGNON HEARTY CENTER CUT .... $24.99 Melt in Your Mouth Choice Center Cut Beef Tenderloin, Broiled to Order NEW YORK STRIP 10 OUNCE CHOICE CUT .... $20.99 RIBEYE STEAK 10 OUNCE CHOICE CUT .... $20.99 SIRLOIN STEAK 10 OUNCE CHOICE CUT .... $17.99 SOUTHERN STYLE PORK BAR-B-QUE .... $14.99 Tender Simmered Pulled Pork in a Sweet Slightly Smoked BBQ Sauce. Served with Sweet Pickle Relish and a Baked French Roll SHRIMP DINNER .... $17.99 10 Lightly Breaded tail-on Shrimp, Deep Fried served with Cocktail Sauce BREADED OR GRILLED GROUPER .... $17.99

LOBSTER AND BACON POTATO SKINS .... $13 Three large crispy potato skins stuffed with lobster meat, chopped bacon and white sauce, topped with parmesan cheese and green onions with jackpot sauce on the side. JACKPOT SHRIMP .... $11/$18 Dusted in spiced ﬂour, lightly fried and tossed in our chili-garlic cream sauce, fresh lemon SHRIMP COCKTAIL .... $13 Plump, tasty jumbo shrimp dressed with our fresh shaved horseradish cocktail sauce, fresh lemon. BOXCARS .... $12 2 bite sized ﬁlet mignon medallion sliders; topped with grilled onions, shredded lettuce and Cajun mayonnaise. Served with onion petals

CHICKEN SINATRA .... $18 Sauteed chicken breasts with garlic, artichoke hearts, capers, feta cheese, tomatoes and shallots in a white wine sauce CEDAR PLANKED RAINBOW TROUT.... $19 Two trout ﬁlets cooked directly on cedar wood and served. With swiss chard and bacon, choice of side. COCONUT CRUSTED TILAPIA .... $18 Oven roasted and served with OrangeChile glaze, choice of side. MEDITERRANEAN PAPER WRAPPED SALMON .... $22 Garlic, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, olives, capers and fresh oregano all cooked inside a paper packet and opened Tableside for maximum wafting, choice of side

BONE IN “COWBOY” RIB EYE .... $31 One full pound of the center cut of the prime rib

THE GAMBINO .... $21 Garlic, tomatoes and seasoned Black Angus ground beef sautéed with our homemade red sauce. Served over angel hair pasta and topped with shredded parmesan cheese and two Boss meatballs.

THE VEGAS STRIP .... $29 The chairman of all steaks, this center cut of the strip loin is thick cut and offered at 13 ounces

PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE .... $7 So smooth Pumpkin cheesecake locally made from the Artisan Kitchens, caramel sauce and crème chantilly.

MEATLOAF WITH MASHED POTATOES AND GRAVY .... $16 Black angus beef, onions and sweet peppers slow. Cooked and topped with our special tangy tomato sauce. Served with homestyle mashed potatoes and green beans

THE FIX (CHOCOLATE THAT IS) .... $8 A chocolate chip fudge brownie served a la mode with chocolate shell covered ice cream, chocolate syrup and a chocolate stick all dusted in cocoa powder.

BRAISED LAMB SHANK .... $32 Slow braised until falling off the bone and served with Merlot vegetable ragout and parmesan risotto. BLACKJACK BURGER .... $14 (Hal’s favorite) A half pound Black Angus burger topped with rib roast, cheddarjack cheese, applewood smoked bacon, sauteed mushrooms and caramelized onions, served on a fresh locally baked bun with “Made from scratch” French fries.

Hal’s Vegas is Smoke-Free

Young Adults Welcome

THE VELVET ELVIS .... $7 Our tribute to the King with all of his favorites; decadent layers of banana pudding, vanilla wafers, peanut butter, whipped cream, roasted peanuts, caramel and fresh bananas all with a cherry on top “Uh thank ya vurry much!”

1133 N. SR 135 Greenwood, Indiana South on Meridian St. (SR 135) 1 blk past County Line Road

PH: (317) 88VEGAS www.halsvegas.com

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Sesame Chinese Mongolian barbecue and even the sesame bean curd. Everything is cooked extremely well, making the most of the exotic ingr edients’ subtle flavors and textures from appetizer to dessert. The entrees at Sesame Chinese are so large that a couple could easily share a single serving and be satisfied. 1413 W. 86th St., 317-228-1686 $ South of Chicago A good pizza shop can be dif ficult to find, especially when you’re looking for one that brings a Chicago-style taste to a nonChicago locale. But if you find yourself near South of Chicago, you’ll find a pizza shop that aims to please and hits the mark well. The owners, Bob and Beverly, are from Chicago but have lived in Indy 16 years. They’re very passionate about their work and eager to please. The first five toppings ar e free at South of Chicago. Deep dish is available in a personal size, or treat the family to a 14-incher that feeds three for less than 20 bucks with drinks included. 619 Virginia Ave., 317-203-7110 $ Tavern on the Plaza Tavern on the Plaza is the JW Marriott’s latest flourish; a spacious outdoor cafe located on the hotel’s northwest corner, across from the Eiteljorg and Indiana State museums. A selection of dishes is prepared on a grill installed at the edge of the dining area. Guests can enjoy the spectacle of seeing their dishes prepared in front of them. Salads are delivered in generously proportioned bowls, and a well-fortified bar pours cocktails, beer and wine. This restaurant represents a tasty new option for folks who want to eat

dining guide // 2011 // NUVO // 100% RECYCLED PAPER

downtown alfresco. jwindy.com/dining/tavern.php, 10 S. West St., 317-860-5777 $$ Tavern on South This restaurant is located in a vintage brick building to the west of Lucas Oil Stadium and blends its neighborhood’s working-class roots with an upscale whiff of spiff. Tavern has developed its own genre of sandwiches, at which it really excels. Try the “Tavern Smoked” Bison Burger or the Tavern Tenderloin Sliders: you won’t be disappointed. Sandwiches at TOS come with a variety of sides. Although it may be a downtown newcomer, TOS feels like it’s been here for ever. tavernonsouth.com, 423 W. South St., 317-602-3115 $$ Twenty Tap Newly-occupying the old Northside News space, this locally owned establishment perfectly fits its So-Bro neighborhood confines. Everything about this place, in fact, feels neighborhood-y, from its emphasis on locally brewed beer and locally sourced food, to its paucity of televisions to distract from friendly conversation. Beer can be purchased in pints, halfpints or flights; on a r ecent visit we discovered a new IPA, the People’s Mound Builder (brewed in Lafayette). As for the food, the Pickled Beets starter was a delight while the classic burger left us feeling full and happy. www.twentytap.com, 5406 N. College Avenue, 317-602-8840, $

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Goose the Market

TRIED & TRUE Some of Indy’s best restaurants. If your favorite restaurant is missing from this or any of our other sections, let us know at editors@nuvo.net.

BREAKFAST & BRUNCH

Good Morning Mama’s A good morning celebration is what you get at Good Morning Mama’s Café. Once again, the Leuers of Mama Carolla’s (the funky, homestyle restaurant next door to the Café) have bucked conventional wisdom. In this case, they’ve taken hold of what used to be a garage for import car repairs and given it a lively makeover. It’s now a fanciful retro-themed joint, employing chrome embellishments, plenty of Fiesta Ware and bright, primary colors. The br eakfast menu offers all the traditional dishes — eggs, pancakes, French toast, bacon — but ther e are also some original combinations, like the 1940s Omelet made with fried Spam, onions and Cheese Whiz with a drizzled marinara sauce. www.goodmorningmamas.com, 1001 E. 54th St., 317-255-3800 $ Peppy Grill Open 24 hours, you can’t go wrong popping into Peppy any time of day or night. Located in the Fountain Square Cultural District, a diverse crowd has been known to fr equent the intimate dining room to order some classic, greasy diner food. The food is cheap and quick, but don’t get too full on the thick Fr ench fries and

cheeseburgers and forget about the giant slices of pie. Friendly cooks and servers make Peppy a regular haunt for the downtown cr owd. Breakfast is a must, and don’ t forget to pop a dollar into the jukebox. 1004 Virginia Ave., 317-637-1158 $

DELIS & SANDWICHES

toasted wheat. Ralph’s says its club sandwiches are a favorite for law enfor cement officers, and with a slogan that reads “Good Things Made Better,” that’s the whole truth and nothing but. 743 E. New York St., 317-637-2192 $

DINNER & DRINKS

Goose the Market Indy’s gourmet food mecca, Goose supplies neighborhood-handy, locally produced food. From cold drinks to an exquisite meat counter to a café that of fers sandwiches and soups, Goose the Market seems to have it all. If that’ s not enough, stock up on fr esh baguettes, grains and fun and funky flavors of gelato. Take a scoop of gelato for the ride home or grab a pint to shar e with loved ones. Also, be sure to visit the wine cellar with all bottles under $25. Beers and ales ar e also offered. www.goosethemarket.com, 2503 N. Delaware St., 317-924-4944 $-$$

Binkley’s Kitchen and Bar New faces in the kitchen have r evived this College Avenue bar and restaurant, which carries menus for just about any time of the day. Dinner offerings include a healthy selection of salads, steaks, sandwiches and pizzas, most available on the lunch menu as well. The brunch menu featur es hearty favorites, including three-egg omelets in vegetarian, Tex-Mex and Binkley’s style, biscuits and gravy, and the interesting crab cake benedict. Stop in for a drink to wash down something tasty from the late night menu. www.binkleyskitchenandbar.com, 5902 N. College Ave., 317-722-8888 $$

Ralph’s Great Divide With a “Sarcasm Is a Complimentary Service” motto that we’re thinking about borrowing, Ralph’s Great Divide also provides a great assortment of sandwiches, soups and salads for reasonable prices. Order The Ethel, a stack of thinly sliced ham combined with smoked cheddar, lettuce, tomato and mayo on a toasted English muffin. Or try the Q Club, a classic, including roasted turkey and bacon on

Broad Ripple Brewpub Not only does Broad Ripple Brewpub deliver some great beer, the food matches the quality, making for a great experience. Try the traditional, English-style cask ales for the r eal pub experience. Or maybe the Lawn Mower Pale Ale, a draft that is sur e to quench your thirst during the hot summer months. After a few pints, the Drunken Tortelloni will satisfy your hunger with its five-cheese tortellini cover ed in

dining guide // 2011 // NUVO // 100% RECYCLED PAPER

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spicy vodka cream sauce. Its great location by the Monon Trail means you can while away the time people-watching as they bicycle, roller-blade, saunter and walk their dogs up and down the trail. www.broadripplebrewpub.com, 842 E. 65th St., 317-253-2739 $$ Brugge Named after one of the most beautiful Belgian cities, Brugge pays homage to such Belgian specialties as mussels, frites, crepes and, of course, beer. Calling itself a gastropub, Brugge doesn’t offer a huge menu. But each of the limited selections are choice. The frites are as good, if not better, than their old country cousins, with a variety of great dipping sauces. The mussels come cooked in a variety of tasty broths. And the beer, brewed on site, is nonpareil. Go early if you don’t want to wait for a table, because this place gets deservedly crowded — even with the expanded upstairs seating (inside and balcony). 1011 E. Westfield Blvd., 317-255-0978. $$ Bu Da Lounge One of Mass Ave’s hippest nightspots, Bu Da is an intimate Asian-infused cigar/martini bar offering drinks and a r elaxing setting. Featuring specialty martinis like the Dirty Geisha, Ricksaw and Flying Grasshopper, the drinkery also features a 12-foot tall cigar humidor and a broad range of cigars. The upscale Bu Da Lounge of fers a selection of unique, artsy sushi rolls, like the Kamikaze, with lobster and crab meat, r olled in rice, topped off with avocado or the popular, special lobster roll, topped off with crab meat and wasabi; the roll is then torched like a crème brûlée. www.budalounge.com, 429 Massachusetts Ave., 317-6023643 $$-$$$ Claddagh Irish Pub One of the best pubs in the city, particularly if you like Irish atmosphere, hospitality and beer, Claddagh also has Indy’s best fish ‘n’ chips, accor ding to NUVO readers. It uses wild Pacific cod fillets, coated with a special Bass Ale batter and then cooked to a golden brown perfection and served with pub chips, cole slaw and a creamy and dreamy tartar sauce. Our mouths ar e watering just thinking about it. Most everything is good her e, particularly when accompanied by a Guinness, and ther e’s a great take-out menu as well.

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www.claddaghirishpubs.com, 234 S. Meridian St., 317-8226274 $$ Hal’s Fabulous Vegas Bar and Grill Hal’s Fabulous Vegas Bar and Grill is exactly what it sounds like: a little piece of Las Vegas on the south side. Try a retro Harvey Wallbanger on a granite-topped bar with built-in drink chillers, or book one of the private r ooms for a taste of celebrity. Start off with an order of Jackpot Shrimp, try the Tomato and Mozzarella Napoleon salad, with a Velvet Elvis layered dessert to top it all of f. Owners Hal and Carol Yeagy are also the owners of the Slippery Noodle Inn, and they’re making sure their experience leaves you feeling like a winner. www.halsvegas.com, 1133 North State Road 135. 317-888-3427 $$ Kona Jack’s For more than a decade, the folks at Kona have been providing the city with some of the fr eshest and most imaginative dishes, featuring fresh and saltwater fish, shellfish, clams, oysters and sushi. Sure we’re landlocked in the middle of the country, but thanks to a decidedly Hawaiin vibe and flavor, the beach seems just a wee bit closer. There’s also Kona Jack’s Fish Market with new arrivals daily, so you can be all fishy at home! www.konajacksindy.com, 9419 N. Meridian St., 317-843-1609 $$ MacNiven’s This addition to the Mass A ve pub scene offers some of the best comfort food around, including great fish ‘n’ chips, authentic neeps and tatties (tur nips and potatoes), mince (well-braised beef) and one of the best burgers in the city — a huge, crisp disc you have to fold over to get on the bun. With an impressive selection of imported beers, including over 15 Scottish beers (many of them on tap), MacNiven’s atmospheric sound of clinking mugs raised in toasts sets the mood in this raucous and fun place to watch the game — even if it’s not soccer. 339 Massachusetts Ave., 317632-7268 $-$$ Northside Social The new Northside Social has a very particular allure: comfort-chic. The place goes beyond yester day’s craft beer flights and gourmet burgers to new terrain like aromatherapeutic aperitifs. Social sources locally made infusions — scents like Thai basil, lemon and

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cucumber — to impart str ong smells and a hint of flavor to some of their more choice cocktails. Everything on the beer list is priced around $5, which helps to counteract the sticker shock of the $10-plus martinis. In the latter’s defense, some libations boast acai, matcha and other healthful additions, so they’re clearly looking to carve out a niche with these premium offerings. www.northsidesocial.com, 6525 N. College Ave., 317-253-0111 $$ Old Point Tavern The Old Point Tavern, where Julian Opie’s electronic go-go dancer does her thing at the cor ner of Massachusetts and Alabama, is a time-tested place to start the evening — or finish it of f. Great chili and well-packed sandwiches made with topnotch ingredients have made this a Mass A ve institution. Is there a better spot to sit and watch the downtown world go by? This pivotal intersection features theatergoers, music revelers and just plain big-city revelers. Sit outside and enjoy the good life. 401 Massachusetts Ave., 317-634-8943 $-$$ Rathskeller Indy’s premier biergarten pairs one of the best beers to meet draft form, the Spaten Optimator, with expertly done German food. A must-try: Brat ‘n’ Kraut Balls, a blend of juicy brats, sausage and beef, lightened by just the right amount of sour deliver ed via modest amounts of kraut, served with a brilliant beerinfused cream sauce. Set in the historic, 19th-century Athenaeum Building downtown, The Rathskeller is reminiscent of both a quaint inn tucked in the Bavarian hills and a lively beer hall in Munich. The establishment also features the Kellerbar, stocked with 12 imported draft beers and over 50 imported bottled beers, and hosts Indy’s best bands. www.rathskeller.com, 401 E. Michigan St., 636-0396 $$-$$ Scotty’s Lakehouse The newest effort of local entrepreneur Scott Wise, The Lakehouse is a gastropub with inspired bounty. It has a great, Indiana-centric beer lineup that melds into the food itself. Most fried sides at Scotty’s Lakehouse are served with a trio of sauces: chipotle ketchup, garlic mayo and Sun King beer mustard. The latter, made with Sun King’s malty Wee

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Mac Scottish ale, is outstanding. The beer mellows the mustard’s tart edge enough to make it addictive. The Lakehouse also makes a point of being as gr een/ sustainable as possible. www.scottyslakehouse.com, 10158 Brooks School Rd., Fishers, 317-557-2900 $$ Union Jack’s A Broad Ripple landmark since 1979, this is a prime vintage English pub with an American twist. It offers a tasty, extensive assortment of beers, malt scotches and whiskies as well as English eats, American pub favorites (burgers, ribs, you name it) and award-winning deep-dish pizza. It even serves breakfast (the best cure for a hangover). While you’re there, you can watch your favorite sports team on one of 11 hi-definition televisions. And bring the kids — this place is 100 percent smoke-free and familyfriendly. Add to all this the fact that Union Jack’s is considered by many to be ground zero for the greening of Broad Ripple. unionjackpub-broadripple.com, 924 Broad Ripple Ave., 317-2574343

CAFES & BISTROS

Barking Dog Café The quiet little café in the shadow of the ever-expanding Patachou operation across the street, Barking Dog is Meridian-Kessler’s other neighborhood restaurant offering fresh and creative spins on traditional favorites. Its midday menu consists of soups, salads and signature sandwiches, as well as Dog House specials like Tucker’s Nantucket Clam Chowder, Jeff’s Single Cheeseburger with Everything (served with a “special sauce,” lettuce, onion, ketchup, Dijon mustard and pickles). For a side, try the pomme frites (think Belgium-style fries) with homemade chipotle ketchup. www.barkingdogindy.com, 115 E. 49th St., 317-924-2233 $ Café Zuppa Downtown’s Café Zuppa is a quick-serving, reasonably priced restaurant that is perfect for an appetizing lunch break for office types, as well as a gr eat breakfast option for earlybirds. Soups, salads and sandwiches are the self-proclaimed specialties of the house. Café Zuppa offers bagels, muffins, pastries and several omelet croissant sandwiches for under six bucks. Try the Classic Italian Panini sandwich, served

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Cafe Zuppa on grilled flat bread with ham, pepperoni, melted pepper jack cheese and a sliced banana pepper. For soups, the Broccoli Asiago has shredded potato, julienne tomato, and ham. www.cafezuppaindy.com, 320 N. Meridian St., 317-634-9877 $ Flatwater Restaurant Flatwater Restaurant is one of the more recent entries in Broad Ripple’s culinary sweepstakes. Located on the site originally occupied by Bazbeaux, Flatwater makes the most of its canalside location with great outdoor seating. The inside isn’t much bigger than a (very) cozy neighborhood pub, and local Sun King and Upland brews on tap and a menu increase the neighborhood vibe. The menu is small, but nicely packed with a sophisticated selection of vittles. www.flatwaterbroadripple.com, 832 Westfield Blvd., 317-2575466 $$ Monon Food Company The brand new Monon Food Company “gets” Broad Ripple in some crucial ways. In its neighborly style, the MFC feels like it’s already been there for a long time, thanks to its r oots as the Monon Coffee Company for

so many years. The new place is delicious and inviting, and it’s a dog-friendly establishment too, so be prepared to be greeted by a pooches waiting for their twolegged companions to finish their grub and be on their way. With generous portions, bold flavors and pleasant service, the Monon Food Company is a place to shar e tasty, affordable food with good friends. www.mononfood.com, 6420 Cornell Ave., 317-7220176 $ Pearl Bistro Pearl Bistro’s American-flavored menu is a melting pot that bubbles with Southwestern touches. Salty-sweet combinations abound among the appetizer, salad and dinner offerings. The veggie wrap ($6) hits a fresh, well-balanced and satisfying note and is best pair ed with the tri-colored chip mix ($3). Serving upscale cuisine with a casual feel, Pearl Bistro’s mission is to delight its guests by consistently preparing and serving healthy and innovative fare at a competitive price. www.pearlbistro.biz, 1475 W. 86th St., 317-876-7990 $-$$ Petite Chou Initially only serving breakfast and lunch, Petite Chou of the ever100% RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO // 2011 // dining guide

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LICENSE SUSPENDED? Call me, the original Indy Traffic Attorney, I can help you with: Taste growing Patachou family tree of restaurants has recently created a popular dinner menu for its Br oad Ripple location. With fresh, Frenchinspired food, this restaurant, while still offering sandwiches and salads, now serves Indiana-raised pan-seared steak, a fresh catch of the day and Chicken Paillar d, a seared chicken breast with lemonscented pan sauce. A fine selection of champagne cocktails that mixes sparkling wine with different concoctions of fruit and juice is also offered. www.cafepatachou.com, 823 Westfield Blvd., 317-2590765 $$ Taste This unique café and marketplace, owned and operated by highly trained and experienced chefs Marc Urwand and Deidra Henry, offers gourmet coffee drinks, a full breakfast menu, a lunch spread of salads and gourmet sandwiches, pantry necessities and catering services, all housed in a stylish, open space with expansive windows giving a great view of the avenue. Everything is good here, but pay attention or you might get sticker shock at the total on your check. www.tastecafeandmarketplace. com, 5164 N. College Ave., 317925-2233 $$ Zest! An ambitious menu catering to ambitious patrons, Zest is a spicy neighborhood café alongside the Monon Trail perfect for foodies. Allow yourself time to survey the 12-page menu, but listen to the daily specials with great attention. If all else fails, we r ecommend Baja Tacos, mixing corn mealcrusted basa with white cheddar on white corn tortillas with cilantro-lime rice, black beans and lime sour cream. Serving breakfast all day, it also offers a rustic scrambled omelet, a stuffed tortilla

and crème brûlée french toast. www.zestexcitingfood.com, 1134 E. 54th St., Studio H, 317466-1853 $-$$

FINE DINING

Capital Grille The Capital Grille promises it’s the place to go to be “wined, dined and dazzled.” With a critically acclaimed menu and an awardwinning 5,000 bottle wine list, Capital Grille in the Conrad Hotel tries hard to please. Experience extravagant dining with an impressive selection of dry-aged steaks and fresh seafood, served with a decadent variety of sides. The Best of the Season menu, available through Nov. 1, offers a choice of appetizer, entrée and dessert for just $39 a person. www.thecapitalgrille.com, 40 W. Washington St., 317-4238790 $$$ Dunaways One of Indy’s most elegant restaurants, this rooftop perch situated above the old Oxygen Building affords gorgeous sunset views of downtown with some very upscale and ambitious cuisine as well. The emphasis is Mediterranean, with some generous meat dishes for the mor e traditionally minded diner. The exceptional wine list offers dozens of gems, and the views of the Indy skyline from the rooftop deck are some of the best in the city . Perfect for a romantic evening. Call ahead for reservations. www.dunaways.com, 351 S. East St., 317-638-7663 $$$ Meridian Located in a grove of trees immediately south of the historic Central Canal and alongside its namesake street, Meridian has the look and feel of an elegant country

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Recess inn, with a spacious wood-beamed dining room and a cozy bar. This setting is a handsome complement to Meridian’s food, which emphasizes fresh ingredients and elegant presentation. If you’re on a budget, try a salad with a delicious seasonal soup. The Lobster Pot Pie is especially recommended. And the cocktails are profound. 5694 N. Meridian St., 317-466-1111 $$$ Mo’s Steakhouse Definitely one of the best places to get a steak in Indy. Naked, topquality beef from their signature bone-in ribeye and limited-supply Kobe beef comprise the entire entrée menu (save a chicken br east or two). Thirsty? The Danielle Manhattan martini for $500 transports you to New York dining frivolity. Ask for the soup of the day or try the satisfying lobster bisque. Still hungry? Grab a walnut brownie with ice cream to go. www.mosaplaceforsteaks.com, 47 S. Pennsylvania St., 317-6365418 $$$ Oakley’s Bistro Hands down one of the best restaurants in the city. Chef and owner Steve Oakley is an artist with flavor. And we aren’t just saying that. He’s a James Beard award nominee as well for his creative pairings of things like a rich pancetta vinaigrette and a mild fish like tilapia. This is just the tip of the iceberg. The meatloaf, based on an old family r ecipe, will amaze you. While ther e are many opportunities to spend a lot of money on a good meal in this town, choose Oakley’s if you want every bite to be worth it. www.oakleysbistro.com, 1464 W. 86th St., 317-824-1231 $$-$$$ R Bistro Chef Regina Mehallick takes special care in arranging the

dining guide // 2011 // NUVO // 100% RECYCLED PAPER

weekly menu in order to best incorporate seasonal, locally made produce, offering one of the most creative menus in Indianapolis. The result is an imaginative culinary treat. Reasonable portions and pricing leave clientele satisfied, while upscale décor makes for a sophisticated ambiance. Given the intimate dining space, it is highly recommended to make reservations at R Bistro, especially on weekends. Consult the website to see what seasonal offerings are available. www.rbistro.com, 888 Massachusetts Ave., 317-4230312 $$$ Recess Recess proves that our local chefs are committed to making Indianapolis a real dining destination. With Greg Hardesty, Gabe Jordan and Eli Anderson on top billing, this Midtown eatery is a who’s who of Indianapolis culinary superstars. For about $40-$60 per person (sans alcohol), executive chef and owner Hardesty takes you on a food tour thr ough his mental playground with a singular prix fixe menu that changes nightly. Supplemental courses are sometimes offered, along with choice of entrée. Along with the outstanding food, an impressive and carefully chosen assortment of beer and wine rounds out the experience. www.recessindy.com, 4907 N. College Ave., 317-9257529 $$$

PASTA & PIZZA

Ambrosia Centro Fronted by large, vertical windows affording a stately view of Broad Ripple’s Morrison Opera building, Ambrosia Centro’s front room is warmed and given a welcome dash of intimacy by a fireplace that is both elegant and unpretentious. The staff is congenial and the food is consistently fine. Thoughtfully

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prepared and smartly presented for a reasonable price, Ravioli della Mamma is composed of large squares of fresh spinach and cheese ravioli served with a pesto cream sauce. Rich yet delicate, creamy but never cloying, it is certainly one of the top vegetarian entrees in the city. www.ambrosiaitalian.com, 915 E. Westfield Blvd., 317-2553096 $$ Amalfi’s Founded in 1991 by ex-patriot Neapolitan Mario DiRosa, along with wife Joni and mother Pina, this has long been one of the handful of go-to, authentic Italian trattorias. Cozy and classy, Amalfi’s is often filled with a hearty following of regulars and a genuinely raucous spirit. The dishes are equally hearty and comforting, just like Mama used to make. (Be sure to try to eggplant parmagiana — it’s the best in the city.) And the wine list r epresents the best of Italian wine r egions. In short, this place is a local favorite that deserves its stellar reputation. amalfiristoranteitaliano.com, 1351 W. 86th St., 317-253-4034, $$ Amici’s This beloved restaurant always feels like home, plus it featur es one of the best jukeboxes in town. Try the Chicken Botticelli or the pasta tossed with sautéed chicken livers. Also, the pizza and calzones will fill you up nicely as you enjoy a walk in the adjoining neighborhoods. Amici’s definitely epitomizes the idea that restaurants are places that make you feel like you’re part of the family. There’s also great outdoor Italian garden seating in summer months. 601 E. New York St., 317-634-0440 $$ Iozzo’s Garden of Italy This newly reopened Italian restaurant on south Meridian offers a wide variety of famous dishes, including a Spaghetti Bolognese with meatballs. In particular, the meatballs have been heavily praised as divine and “velvety.” For an appetizer, order the soppy tomatoes with olive oil, parsley and a pliable cr ostini. Be sure to appreciate the restaurant’s build-out, a rustic, intimate atmosphere with brick walls and dark tones, while enjoying the food. Iozzo’s Garden of Italy, family-owned and operated, will make for a delightful, r omantic evening of delicious food and enjoyable ambiance.

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www.iozzos.com, 946 S. Meridian St., 317-974-1100 $$ J. Razzo’s If checkered tablecloths and Frank Sinatra aren’t your thing, J Razzo’s offers an elegant Italian dining experience in a cool and moder n environment. The concise menu features a wide range of classic dishes, including an excellent osso bucco and a spicy cioppino. Most entrees are under $20 and arrive promptly and expertly prepared. Service is seasoned and friendly and the wine list tries a bit har der than most to provide interesting selections. jrazzos.com, 12501 North Meridian St., 317-844-9333, $$ Napolese Rustic Neapolitan pizza is becoming more and more in demand here in the States, and this new sister eatery to Café Patachou’s is happy to oblige. Just around the corner from Patachou’s Pennsylvania St. location, Napolese is a cozy pizzeria with all the style of a classic Italian restaurant. Build a pizza yourself or choose fr om some winning combinations like the BLT (bacon, caramelized leeks and taleggio) or PFG (pancetta, roasted fingerling potatoes and gorgonzola). To satisfy your sweet tooth, try the Nutella Stuffed Pizza or the rotating selection of Patachou’s own Premium Gelato. www.cafepatachou.com, 114 E. 49th St., 317-925-0765 $$-$$$ Pizzology Like any other piece of art, the pizzas at Neal Brown’s Pizzology take time to fully appreciate. Like a song you must hear r epeatedly before it strikes a chord, or a classic book that must be r ead with patience, you will eventually come to adore this somewhat foreign fare — and be worldlier for it. Brown has struck the perfect medium of creativity and accessibility in his latest venture. His take on Pappardelle and Bolognese is exactly what you’d expect from the restaurant’s seriously traditional standpoint — rustic, robust and meaty. The beer lineup is artfully simple and good, like everything else in the place. www.pizzologyindy.com, 13190 Hazel Dell Pkwy., 317-844-2550 $$

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Jazz Kitchen The Jazz Kitchen has tweaked its menu and kitchen service over the years to the point where it seems to have found a steady gr oove. The inflection here is definitely inspired

For more information or to view our menu visit

www.indiagardenindy.com BROAD RIPPLE 830 Broad Ripple Ave. 253-6060 DOWNTOWN 207 N Delaware St 634-6060 100% RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO // 2011 // dining guide

RESTAURANT is your destination for food, entertainment and good times. Chef Vikki Massie & Chef Tamara Norton invite you to enjoy your meal and cocktails in our comfortable, stylish environment. Serving Lunch & Dinner Catering Available. Contact us at echelonindy@gmail.com

The UPPER is Indyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ultimate lounge and ultra lounge/dance club. Upscale, comfortable lounge area for those relaxed evenings and a high energy dance club for those evenings where you want to dance the night away.

5252 E. 82nd Streetâ&#x20AC;˘ 317-284-1846

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by New Orleans, but the overall effect is more fusion, including Southwestern and Italian accents, with a solid Heartland backbeat in its selection of pizzas, burgers and pasta dishes. The bar service is swift and the cocktails sincere. But then what else would you expect from the jazz club of your dr eams? How about a no-smoking policy. They’ve got that, too. www.thejazzkitchen.com, 5377 N. College Ave., 317-253-4900 $$

CENTRAL/SOUTH AMERICAN

El Sol de Tala Mexican restaurant El Sol de Tala continues its success. Featuring an updated menu with an exquisite list of dishes featuring complex blends of flavors and textures, like the Poc Chuc pork loin marinated in orange and lime juices with pico de gallo, black beans and guacamole (they take pride in their guac), or the Bistek Ranchero, thinly sliced steak with tomatoes, onions and slices of chiles, jalapeños and spices. W ith a new tequila bar, El Sol de Tala is a delicious upgrade to a longtime favorite. www.elsoldetala.com, 2444 E. Washington St., 317636-1250 $-$$ Tata Cuban Café Tata came to Indianapolis like manna from the heavens, filling a sorely felt void in Cuban food. Slow-roasted pork and thick, sweet plantains ar e soul food staples that ar e executed effortlessly here. The menu includes Cuban sandwiches (picky eaters can’t go wrong), salads, traditional dishes, desserts and coffee. If you r eally want to induce sleep, or der your food with a side of thick and starchy fried yuca. Also be sur e to wash down your dish with a flavorful five-dollar mojito. www.tatacubancafe.com, 137 W. Market St., 317-686-0855 $$

GREEK/ MEDITERRANEAN

Greek Islands The Greek Islands Restaurant serves up some of Indianapolis’ finest cuisine. The Greek salad is crisp tartness at its best, but don’t skip the avgolemono soup with egg, lemon and orzo pasta. Want something traditional? Try the combination plate Around the Island with moussaka, pasticchio and gyro meat. Or try the classic gyros (traditional or with chicken): tasty strips of meat on pita bread topped with onions,

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tomatoes and tzatziki. They have an extensive Greek wine selection, too. Be sure to swing by the restaurant on Friday or Saturday night to see authentic Greek belly dancing. www.greekislandsrestaurant.com, 906 S. Meridian St., 317-636-0700 $$-$$$

INDIAN

India Palace It’s not surprising that one of the city’s best Indian restaurants is on Lafayette Rd., nestled next to other outstanding ethnic eateries. The lunchtime buffet gets rave reviews, and it’s vegetarian-friendly. Their menu features the finest Norther n Indian entrées and their specialty Tandoori (clay oven) dishes. India Palace is elegant, relaxed and affordable, inviting guests to enjoy the hospitality that reflects the restaurant’s Indian heritage. www.indiapalaceindy.com, 4213 Lafayette Rd., 317-2980773 $$ Passage to India Passage to India — formerly Udupi Café — is the only r estaurant of its kind in the city, specializing in authentic Indian vegetarian and vegan cuisine. The expanded menu offers a rich array of dishes fr om the two great schools of Indian cooking, northern (with its dairy leanings) and southern (known for its robust use of spice), resulting in a dining experience that r elies on an uncommonly rich array of flavors, textures and degrees of heat. Try the lunchtime buffet or one of many vegan and vegetarian curries. 4225 Lafayette Rd., 317-299-2127 $-$$ Shalimar In the 17th century Emperor Shah Jahan, the creator of the Taj Mahal, constructed exquisite gardens he called “Shalimar,” and Broad Ripple’s Shalimar lives up to its legendary namesake. While Shalimar is available to cater weddings, birthdays and other celebrations, owner Sukhdev (Dave) Samra hopes to make every meal spent here a special occasion. The atmosphere is elegant and relaxed, the wine list is extensive, and the food is reasonably priced and specializes in Northern Indian and Tandoori dishes. Sample a little bit of everything at the lunch buf fet, or bask in the atmosphere for dinner. www.shalimarindianapolis.com, 1043 Broad Ripple Ave., 317-465-1100, $$

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12501 N. Meridian St., Carmel 317.844.9333 www.jrazzos.com

Old World flav ors in New World decor

Over 8 0 wines! Serving many of Salvatoreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dinners Rent out our private room! Seats up to 40 and is ideal for business meetings, birthday parties, rehearsal dinners and the like. See our catering menu for your special event or carry out.

HOURS LUNCH:

MONDAY-FRIDAY 11AM TO 3PM

DINNER:

MONDAY-THURSDAY 4PM TO 10PM FRIDAY & SATURDAY 5PM TO 11PM SUNDAY, 4PM TO 9PM

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NORTH AFRICAN/MIDDLE EASTERN Abyssinia Indy’s longest-standing Ethiopian restaurant may not be much to look at, but behind the strip-mall facade you’ll find a menu of fering a satisfying selection of dishes fr om one of the world’s most distinctive cuisines. Be pr epared to get your hands dirty, most entrees are served on injera, the absorbent br ead used to sop up flavorful meat and vegetarian dishes meant to be eaten with the fingers. Bottom line: Abyssinia provides what amounts to some of the world’s most exotic comfort food. www.abyssiniarestaurant.com, 5352 W. 38th St., 317-299-0608 $$

Cairo Café The Cairo Café is part of the inter national mosaic of dining options that have mushr oomed in recent years on the city’s west side. You get a particularly happy sense that by simply crossing a threshold, you’ve managed to change the shape of everyday Indianapolis a little bit. Cairo Café signals its origins in its entryway by offering a range of goods like handmade sandals, melon seeds and hookahs for sale. The Café features hummus, baba ghanoush and a rich raita made from cucumbers and yogurt. Heavily cooked vegetable dishes, grilled chicken and gyros are complemented by a selection of fresh vegetables ready to be turned into salad. 3047 Lafayette Rd., 317-926-2233 $$ Istanbul Café Open since 2007, Istanbul Cafe defines itself as offering Mediterranean cuisine. But as the name suggests, Istanbul Café’s understanding of this cuisine is distinctly Turkish, placing it at the crossroads of Europe and Asia and expanding its flavor horizon to include an extraor dinary array of nuances that have been successfully appr opriated throughout centuries of travel and trade. The team at Istanbul Café brings a sophisticated skill set to this great culinary tradition and updates it with an emphasis on fr esh ingredients that lend an almost startling clarity to even standby offerings, like the requisite table serving of pita bread. www.indyistanbulcafe.com, 1450 W. 86th St., 317-876-9810 $$

THAI

Thai Orchid Thai Orchid offers a solid Thai experience in Castleton, complete with obliging service and an impressive interior of bright colors and tablecloths. Select your level of heat intensity on a scale of six with the curry lunch specials. For dinner, warm up with the Silver Noodle Soup and then try the Pad Makhau with shrimp in a smolderingly hot Thai sauce. Wash down the intensity with a helping of the Hawaiian fried rice ($12.99). www.thaiorchidindy.com, 8145 Bash St., 317-578-8155 $$ Thai Papaya Tom Yum Noodle Soup is a favorite, steaming with fresh flavors like cilantro and lemongrass. Conversely, Massaman curry features a rich sauce pregnant with sweetness and spice-like cloves. This menu runs the gamut of Thai dishes

Cairo Café elegantly. For starters, try the Tod Mun Pla, deep-fried fish patties mixed with r ed curry and served with cucumber salad. For dessert, check out the interesting selections of sticky rice with mango, fried banana or tapioca pudding. 3905 W. 96th St., 317-334-1482 $$

JAPANESE/SUSHI

H2O Sushi An eclectic mix of traditional-style sushi and modern flavor combinations that borrow on a variety of traditions — Eur opean, South American and North African, to name a few — H2O continues to evolve while always delivering the quality we’ve come to expect. The menu boasts customary sushi bar items like sashimi and nigiri, but chef John Adams also offers creative specials, such as black mussels steamed in spicy tomato and cor n sauce and seared foie gras with pain per due, arugula, quail egg, Marcona almonds and Pedro Ximinez vinaigrette. Everything is made from scratch. www.h2osushibar.com, 1912 Broad Ripple Ave., 317-254-0677 $$$ Isushi Café This small but pristine sushi shop on Carmel’s green but slowly blooming 116th St. corridor is a sushi-lover’s dream, featuring everything from a crunch spicy tuna r oll to salmon sashimi to Kobe beef to an Ali r oll with soft shell crab and fresh, ripe avocado. Isushi Café also has a variety of spices, including habaner o, citrus, jalapeño and wasabi. W ith attentive service, as well as a friendly owner/chef, Chang Lee, Isushi Café is a quality location for a delightful meal of Pacific Rim cuisine. www.isushicafe.com, 820 E. 116th St., Suite 140, 317-363-3507 $$ NAISA Pan-Asian Café The exotic-sounding name of this new eatery is simply “Asian” spelled backward. The menu of

NAISA, located in Fountain Square, is entirely made from scratch, from the sauces to the fr eshly grated zest of the tangerine chicken to the spicy basil curry dish studded with chicken, beef and shrimp. The restaurant also offers delicious cinnamon sugar puffs ($4.95), a light-bodied, fresh ginger sauce with bite instead of an overly sugared sweet and sour mess. For a beverage, try the tea: an iron pot with chrysanthemum or jasmine leaves steeped throughout, yielding a much lighter-flavored goodness. 1025 Virginia Ave., 317-602-3708 $$ Oishi Sushi Oishi Sushi shows its excitement with r olls like the tasty Afghanistan, which the menu describes as eel and avocado pieces “erupting” with spicy shrimp tempura and masago. Plenty of selections to try on the menu, like Mongolian-style fried rice or the Bento box combo of teriyaki-style hot food and sushi rolls. Tatami rooms available for couples and families, complete with soothing music. www.indyoishi.com, 6929 E. 10th St., 317356-8880 $$-$$$ Taki Restaurant It’s one thing to walk into a r estaurant and be asked whether you prefer to sit in the dining room or the bar. At Taki Restaurant, you get three very different choices: a room where chefs wield cutlery with ninja-like finesse on steaks, seafood and chicken and then cook it on a grill in front of you, a spacious and handsomely appointed dining room (also featuring a full bar) or, finally, an elegant sushi bar. Taki’s sushi menu is enormous, complemented by new entries on a daily basis, and the pr esentation of these dishes provides a model of understated elegance. www.takirestaurant.com, 4040 E. 82nd St., 317-849-8254 $$

100% RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO // 2011 // dining guide

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3 Sisters Café .............................14 Abyssinia ...................................37 Al Basha ....................................16 Amalfi’s......................................33 Ambrosia Centro .......................32 Amici’s .......................................33 Ball & Biscuit ..............................14 BARcelona Tapas ........................10 Barking Dog Café ......................28 Bazbeaux ...................................12 Binkley’s Kitchen and Bar ...........26 Black Market .............................16 Boogie Burger ............................12 Broad Ripple Brewpub ...............26 Brockway ...................................16 Brugge.......................................27 Bu Da Lounge ............................27 Byrne’s Grilled Pizza .....................6 Café Patachou ...........................13 Café Zuppa ................................28 Cairo Café .................................37 Captial Grill ...............................31 Chatham Tap .............................11 Claddagh Irish Pub .....................27 Detour American Grille ..............17 Dunaways ..................................31 Duos ............................................6 El Sol de Tala .............................35 Eleven At the Pyramids ..............17 Fat Sammies Ciao Wagon ............6 Fire by the Monon .....................17 Flatwater Restaurant ..................29 Good Morning Mama’s ..............26 Goose the Market ......................26 Greek Islands .............................35 Groovy Guys Fries ........................6 H20 Sushi ..................................37 Hal’s Fabulous Vegas Bar and Grill ...27 Havana Café ..............................18 Hoosier Fat Daddy BusCafe ..........6 Hot Box .....................................13 India Palace ...............................35 India Sizzling ..............................18 Iozzo’s Garden of Italy................33 Iron Skillet..................................18 Istanbul Café .............................37 Isushi Café .................................37 J. Razzo’s ...................................33 Jazz Kitchen ...............................33 Jiallo’s ........................................18 Kimu..........................................19 Kona Jack’s ................................27 Kountry Kitchen .........................19 La Hacienda ...............................12 La Mie Emilie .............................19 Las Tortas ...................................20 Legend ......................................20 Libertine ....................................20 Local ..........................................20 Mabel on the Move .....................7 MacKenzie River Pizza Co ..........20

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MacNiven’s ................................27 Mama Carolla’s ............................8 Maxine’s Chicken & Waffles .......20 Meridian ....................................31 Mo’s Steakhouse ........................32 Monon Food Company ..............29 Mug-n-Bun ................................13 Mystery Café .............................20 NAISA Pan-Asian Café ...............37 Naked Tchopstix ...........................8 Napolese....................................33 Ndia Garden ................................8 New York Slice .............................7 Northside Social .........................27 Oakley’s Bistro............................32 Oishi Sushi .................................37 Old Point Tavern ........................28 Oriental Inn .................................8 Osteria Pronto............................21 Passage to India .........................35 Pearl Bistro.................................29 Peppy Grill .................................26 Petite Chou ...............................31 Pizzaology. .................................33 R Bistro ......................................32 Ralph’s Great Divide ...................26 Rathskeller .................................28 Recess........................................32 Restaurante Oaxaca ...................21 Ripple Inn ..................................21 Rock-Cola Café ..........................22 Saffron ......................................11 Saigon Restaurant ......................22 Sakura .......................................22 Santorini ....................................10 Scotty’s Brewhouse ....................13 Scotty’s Lakehouse .....................28 Scout’s Treat Truck .......................7 Scratch ........................................7 Sesame Chinese .........................22 Shalimar ....................................35 Shapiro’s ....................................11 Siam Square.................................8 South of Chicago .......................24 St. Elmo Steakhouse ..................12 Taki Restaurant ..........................37 Taste ..........................................31 Tata Cuban Café ........................35 Tavern on South ........................24 Tavern on the Plaza ....................24 Thai Orchid ................................37 Thai Papaya ...............................37 Aristocrat ...................................16 Bar at the Ambassador ..............16 Bosphorus Istambul Café ...........16 Clay Oven ..................................17 Twenty Tap ................................24 Union Jack’s ...............................28 West Coast Tacos.........................7 Yats ...........................................13 Zest! ..........................................31 100% RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO // 2011 // dining guide

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