Munch Munch Nom Nom

Bistro classics

Sarah Richcreek — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 17:09:43 GMT

Oakley's Bistro has a quiet greatness. It's not over the top. It's not hyped up. It just is great. Everything on their seasonally rotating menu is presented to you as edible work of art. I personally love the tiny cookware that they serve many of their dishes in. Right now, come in for crab pot pie, morel mushroom gnocchi, and spring pizza among many other delicious items.

Oakley's Bistro

1464 W. 86th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260

(317) 824-1231Open for lunch Tues thru Sat 11am-1:30pm, for dinner Tues thru Thurs 5pm-9:30pm and Fri & Sat 5pm-10pm

Cold gold

Sarah Richcreek — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:55:42 GMT

Another independently owned froyo parlor to check out is Yogi Frozen Yogurt in Fishers. They offer 10 flavors daily with over 50 toppings to sprinkle, drizzle, and spoon on top. It's all self-serve, so pour it on. At only 39 cents an ounce, what's not to love?

Yogi Frozen Yogurt

12660 E 116th St, Fishers, IN 46037

(317) 595-9644

Open Sun thru Thurs 12pm-10pm, Fri 12pm-10:30pm

Get it while you can

Sarah Richcreek — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 06:55:11 GMT

Seasonal, local food. That's what I'm talking about. The growing season doesn't last very long, so pick up what our local farmers are putting down. Farmers markets are all over the place. Cherries, berries, asparagus, greens, baked goods, eggs, and farm raised meats are some of the items you'll find at a farmers market near you:

Noblesville: Saturdays from 8am-12:30pm - Riverview Hospital parking lot at the SW corner of Conner St and State Rd 19

Fishers: Saturdays from 8am-12pm - 11601 Municipal Dr

Carmel: Saturdays from 8am-11:30am - Corner of City Center Dr and SW 3rd St, near the Palladium

Zionsville: Saturdays from 8am-11am - Corner of Main and Hawthorne St AND Fridays from 4pm-8pm at Traders Point Creamery- 9101 Moore Rd

Greenwood: Saturdays form 8am-noon AND Wednesdays from 2:30pm-6pm - Public Library parking lot

Here in Indy:

City Market: Wednesdays from 9am-1:30pm AND Saturdays 9:30am-1pm - on Market St between Delaware and Alabama

Broad Ripple: Saturdays from 8am-noon - Broad Ripple High School at 1115 Broad Ripple Ave AND Wednesdays from 5pm-8pm - Broad Ripple Park at 1550 Broad Ripple Ave

Binford: Saturdays from 8am-noon - Corner of Binford Ave and 62th St

Irvington: the 2nd Sunday of the month from noon-3pm - Ellenberger Park at 5302 East St. Claire

38th & Meridian: Thursdays from 4pm-6:30pm - North United Methodist Church

So pretty, so delicious

Sarah Richcreek — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 20:54:06 GMT

Broad Ripple is full of tasty gems. Parcha Sweets is one of the best. Using as many local ingredients for her superb cakes, cookies, cupcakes, and pies, pastry chef Marian Mulero, makes statements with her gorgeous edibles. Offering dozens of flavors, everyone can get their perfect bite. Check out the menu here. You can even host a baking party at Parcha.

Parcha Sweets

2101 Broad Ripple Ave, Indianapolis

(317) 254-2000

Open Mon thru Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-5pm

Music, beer, Pioneer

Sarah Richcreek — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 22:52:24 GMT

Music is ringing loudly in Fountain Square. This district might be the best place in Indy to catch nibbles and music. A new bar and music venue is in the works on 1110 S. Shelby street (formerly Deano's Vino). Pioneer, which has a projected opening date of January 1st, is looking very promising. Owner, Bryce Caldwell, is expanding the 8,000 sq ft to a roomy 12,200 sq ft with a hefty overhaul. I can't wait to hear what's on the menu, but I expect it to be awesome.

Harry & Izzy's 3

Sarah Richcreek — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 03:25:28 GMT

You will soon be able to get Indy's most famous shrimp cocktail in a third location. Harry & Izzy's is spreading out to the north side. This restaurant power-house plans to open their latest this November. Look for the new Harry & Izzy's at the Rivers Edge Shopping Center - 4050 E 82nd street this fall.

Bring on the FroYo

Sarah Richcreek — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 05:02:02 GMT

There can never be enough frozen yogurt. FroYo Treats is Indy's latest froyo shop; opening this July near the Castleton Mall. FroYo will offer 16 different flavors that are all self-serve, giving this place first prize in flavor variety over other froyo parlors.

FroYo Treats

6520 E 82nd St, Indianapolis

(317) 577-4995

Will be open Sun thru Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat 10:30am-11pm

Buffets, bingo, and gospel?

Sarah Richcreek — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 21:13:03 GMT

One of Indy's latest restaurants, Presley's Presents, is...different. It's a place where entertainment and food come together in a way that is reminiscent of something you'd see in Vegas - but family friendly. On three days of the week, you can see various acts like singing, stand-up, and impersonators whilst partaking in the all-you-can-eat buffet. On Sundays, from 11am to 8pm, catch a gospel choir and dinner for just under $20. If this is the weird you've been waiting for, check them out. Presley's Presents is located at 3855 E. 96th St in Indy. (317) 216-3761

Big man in town

Sarah Richcreek — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 04:07:45 GMT

Chef Mike of Big Mike's Cafe Americana has been doing something right. Years of experience gained from cooking across the U.S. has helped him craft a people-friendly food. Giant burgers. Win. Sandwiches on pretzel buns. Win. Killer lasagna. Win. Don't expect much ambiance, but do expect great service with generous portions, fair prices, and fantastic food. Come in for the daily lunch specials, daily all-you-can-eat pizza, pasta, salad, and soup bar for $7.49, and bring the kids in on Tuesdays; they'll eat for free.

Big Mike's Cafe Americana

9611 N. College Ave., Carmel, IN 46032

(317) 708-3012Open Mon through Fri 9am-9pm, Sat 4:30pm-9pm

It's about time: Chow Down Midtown

Sarah Richcreek — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 02:40:21 GMT

Everyone loves a good deal. That's why you should mark your calendars for Chow Down Midtown. It's along the same lines as Devour Downtown, but is focusing on restaurants midtown or in the general Broad Ripple area. From June 6th through the 16th, $30 will get you special deals from participating restaurants like Fire by the Moon, Meridian, Bebop Pizza Kitchen, the new Room Four, and 28 others. Most restaurants will have an exclusive menu for the occasion, allowing you to get the feel of their specific dining experience.

Pack a pic-a-nic

Sarah Richcreek — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 00:51:20 GMT

Get outside and enjoy this glorious weather. It's sunny, clear, and warm, just like spring, er...summer is supposed to be. Get out with the family and have a picnic. You don't need to pack the whole pantry. Even just a light snack will do. Grab a blanket, refreshing drinks, fresh fruit, and maybe a baguette with prosciutto and cheese. Picnics are about getting outside together and enjoying the sunshine while we can. Although your average park would be the perfect place for a picnic, here are three more great places to spread out that blanket:

Marsh Symphony on the Prairie at Conner Prairie, Summer Movie Nights at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, and the Canal & White River State Park.

Best patties in town

Sarah Richcreek — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 02:15:53 GMT

Here are four ways of describing Patties of Jamaica: hold-in-the-wall, affordable, quick, and tasty. This Indy restaurant has been up and running for decades, dishing out fantastic Jamaican beef patties with various levels of heat. They're cheap and delicious. Patties is also known for their chicken curry. Bring cash for your purchase and grab a bag of frozen patties for the road.

Patties of Jamaica

5172 Allisonville Road
Indianapolis, IN 46205

(317) 253-4006Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

La Margarita dos

Sarah Richcreek — Sat, 28 May 2011 05:36:52 GMT

The locally owned and family operated La Margarita is opening a second location on 1043 Virginia Avenue in Fountain Square's Murphy Building this July. La Margarita's north side location has been a neighborhood favorite for 25 years. The new location will have the same delicious menu, but with the highly anticipated "tequila garden" with over 70 fine tequilas and outdoor dining - an Indy first! This summer just got a whole lot cooler.

Brown's at it again

Sarah Richcreek — Thu, 26 May 2011 01:47:13 GMT

Neal Brown of the acclaimed Pizzology, put his Tiger & Taco concept aside to welcome his latest restaurant-child, The Libertine. The Libertine is located at 38 East Washington street. Brown will be serving "modern American tavern food" with pre-prohibition drinks. Unfortunately, Brown hasn't set an opening date yet, but we'll keep you updated.

Cafe mmm

Sarah Richcreek — Tue, 24 May 2011 02:54:14 GMT

If you've never been to Mediterrano Cafe, you should make a point to go. They're only open for lunch and serve buffet style. It's an easy way to get a delicous, quick lunch. There you'll find a wonderful cracked wheat soup with a lemon zing, creamy hummus, garlicky tzatziki dip, sweet rice pudding, moist coconut cake, unskewered beef kabobs, tender apricot chicken, fresh Greek salad, bite-sized falafel, and a LOT more. It's basically an all-you-can-eat-and-drink Mediterranean extravaganza for $11.

Mediterrano Cafe

5941 E. 86th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46250

(317) 595-0399Open daily for lunch only

New Fishers sweet spot

Sarah Richcreek — Sat, 21 May 2011 04:50:21 GMT

Dessert extravaganza, The Sweet Life, opened late April in Fishers. This new sugar shop offers fresh daily caramel corn, Gelato Da Vinci Italian Ice Cream and Sorbet, gourmet cupcakes, homemade pies by Linda Moor, and a plethora of South Bend Chocolates chocolates. Cookies are soon to come.

The Sweet Life

11009 Allisonville Rd, Fishers, IN 46038

(317) 579-3387

Open Mon thru Thurs 10am-7pm, Fri & Sat 10am-9pm

Holy cannoli!

Sarah Richcreek — Wed, 18 May 2011 05:45:52 GMT

Real Italian family cooking is coming to Greenwood. The Cannoli Queen, starting June 1st, will offer traditional dishes made with all-natural ingredients. Expect tasty sandwiches, warm pasta dishes, and a menagerie of Italian sweets like cannolis, ravioli dolci, biscotti, and more.

Cannoli Queen

1279 N Emerson Ave, Greenwood, IN 46143

(317) 882-1908

Open Mon thru Thurs 10am-7pm, Fri & Sat 10am-9pm starting June 1st

Huddles II

Sarah Richcreek — Mon, 16 May 2011 04:36:45 GMT

The delectable Huddle's Frozen Yogurt is cloning itself. The second location will be located in Carmel at 110 W. Main street, just a bit further up the Monon Trail. This store will also sell Colts apparel along with their tasty froyo. Keep an eye out for the grand opening via Facebook.

Detour is open!

Sarah Richcreek — Sat, 14 May 2011 15:15:27 GMT

After a long, anticipated wait, Detour Grille opened on May 7th. Detour is a new and exciting addition to Carmel's Main street. Are you up for the Triple Bypass Challenge? Consume Detour's 30 inch, 2 pound Italian Beef, onion, and pepper sandwich within a 45 minute sitting and make it on the Bypass Wall of Fame. Or just stick with a reasonably portioned Detour Burger.

Detour Grille

110 W Main St, Carmel, IN 46032

(317) 571-0091

Open Mon thru Thurs 11am-1am, Fri & Sat 11am-3am, Sun 11am-12am

Potbelly on the Circle

Sarah Richcreek — Fri, 13 May 2011 16:57:25 GMT

Indy got it's first Potbelly Sandwich Shop. Potbelly made its home on Monument Circle and opened its doors on May 3rd. Downtowners have been lunching on their warm, toasted sandwiches, hand-dipped shakes, and made to order salads ever since. There are only three Potbelly's in Indiana, so get your fill on the Circle.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop

55 Monument Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46204

(317) 423-9043

Open Sun thru Wed 10:30am-8pm, Thurs thru Sat 10:30am-11pm

Never too much pizza

Sarah Richcreek — Wed, 11 May 2011 02:20:35 GMT

Indy's first MacKenzie River Pizza Co. will open on May 16th. This pizza place is decked out in Montana mountain theme serving 20 signature pizzas, soups, salads, sandwiches and more. This specific branch of the franchise is owned by brothers John and Michael Shuel, sons of the founder of the restaurant. Several items on the menu will be unique to this location.

MacKenzie River Pizza Co.

4939 E 82nd St, Suite 100, Indianapolis

(317) 288-0609

Will be open daily at 11am

No more ugly cakes

Sarah Richcreek — Mon, 09 May 2011 03:05:50 GMT

I can bake a tasty cake, but as for making it look presentable, that's a different story. If you're like me and frost less than gorgeous cakes, you might want to turn to the Icing Academy. Owner and instructor, Julie Nolting will guide you in the ways of decorating beautiful cakes and cupcakes. What's awesome is that she brings everything to you - the cakes, the tools, the icing, the works! The Icing Academy is great for parties of all ages and skill levels. Contact Juile to schedule a sweet, decorating experience.

Nice to eat Hue

Sarah Richcreek — Fri, 06 May 2011 04:11:56 GMT

I don't know if you've heard about this lil' place called Hue. It's pretty dang cool. Hue filled in for Taste of Tango and stripped the space down to sleek and modern at the beginning of this year. For lunch go for the Scallop Shrimp and Crawfish Po' Boy for $10. Stop in for live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Check out the menus here.

Hue

36 E Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

(317) 634-4834

Open for lunch Mon thru Fri 11am-5pm, dinner Mon thru Thurs 5pm-10pm, Fri & Sat 5pm-1am

To the Last Drop

Sarah Richcreek — Wed, 04 May 2011 03:53:28 GMT

Claudia Pierson, great-granddaughter of the creator or Maxwell House, is the chef and owner of To the Last Drop in Zionsville. Get there for breakfast every Saturday morning between 8 and 11am for pecan caramel sticky buns, chocolate filled croissants, a rotating hot menu, and more. Can't stay for even a minute? Pick up a meal to-go. Feeling under-par in the kitchen? Take a cooking class. This is the perfect place for anyone who loves all things food.

To the Last Drop

95 S. Elm St., Zionsville, IN 46077

(317) 979-3233

Custard's Old Stand

Sarah Richcreek — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 19:26:43 GMT

The sun is out and the doors of the Old Custard Stand are open. Come for a scoop of Bavarian Cheesecake frozen custard or a tongue-twisting, green apple slushy. Not up for something sweet? They've got sandwiches, too.

Old Custard Stand

9270 E. 141st St.

Fishers, IN 46038

(317) 776-3800

Open Mon thru Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 12pm-10pm