http://www.indianapolismonthly.com/dish/home.aspxThe Indianapolis Monthly dining and food blogen-usCopyright 2012, IndianapolisMonthly-NAThu, 17 May 2012 19:22:28 GMTTue, 15 May 2012 15:35:01 GMT1http://emmisinteractive.comThe Illinois Street Food Emporium (5550 N. Illinois St., 317-253-9513) is getting a makeover. Most noticeably, the construction of two sidewalk-side patios and additional plantings will give the Butler-Tarkington–area cafe's alfresco tables more of a garden feel. Inside, new windows sit closer to the ground, opening up the dining room's close quarters. And the removal of an oven in the kitchen means additional space for seating. Minor touchups are also in the works, including some painting and a bathroom redux.  http://www.indianapolismonthly.com/dish/blogentry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10382422http://www.indianapolismonthly.com/dish/blogentry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10382422Tue, 15 May 2012 15:35:01 GMTThe location itself has a history of flatlining, but the Friday-night scene at Clearwater Crossing’s months-old Brewstone Beer Company (3720 E. 82nd St., 317-577-7800) is alive and kicking. Barely recognizable under all of the varnished wood and fieldstone accents from its days as The Music Mill and, before that, a Discovery Zone indoor playground, the spot with the sprawling square footage (Cadillac Ranch was a prospective tenant at one point) combines the bling of a Vegas casino with the distraction of a big-screen sports bar. Diners pack the tables, jockey for spots at the central bar—where business got so frenzied one night that the ’tenders ran out of martini glasses—and occasionally hit the jackpot by landing one of the coveted outdoor tables, where the people-watching pairs well with a flavored mojito and an appetizer sampler. Imagine Geist’s Bella Vita without the water, or Champps Americana, but with better ...http://www.indianapolismonthly.com/dish/blogentry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10383264jspalding@indymonthly.emmis.com (Julia Spalding)http://www.indianapolismonthly.com/dish/blogentry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10383264Tue, 15 May 2012 14:24:42 GMTBroad Ripple denizens have several options to guzzle pints of brews, down Jägerbombs, and hookah with high schoolers on the crowded strip, but starting May 23, those with more sophisticated palates have a more grown up option. Head to the Village Cigar (6513 N. College Ave., 317-253-0450) for crafted cocktails, tumblers of brown liquor, and stogies. This new cigar and cocktail bar was the brainchild of the owners of Northside Social (Nicole Harlan-Oprisu, Tim Oprisu, Bill and Nancy Ficca, and Jamie Browning). This cigar-only spot will sell notable blunts like the Padron 1964 Anniversary Series, Cameroon by CAO, and La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor (prices ranging from $6-24). Its well-curated menu of distinguished cigars will be encased in a humidor created by Bob Staebell in Texas, who has also built custom humidors for Tom Cruise and George W. Bush. For drinks, expect a list of brown liquors, wines, ...http://www.indianapolismonthly.com/dish/blogentry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10383145http://www.indianapolismonthly.com/dish/blogentry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10383145Tue, 15 May 2012 12:47:42 GMTEvery year the James Beard Foundation recognizes five classic restaurants in America, honoring the nation's top restaurants with timeless appeal, beloved in their regions for high-quality food that reflects the character of their communities. St. Elmo Steak House owners Steve and Craig Huse flew out to New York last week for the 2012 ceremony and took home a hulking medal. See pictures from their Facebook page. St. Elmo shared the honor with four other restaurants around the country. Check out the full list of winners and the nomination video. http://www.indianapolismonthly.com/dish/blogentry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10383177http://www.indianapolismonthly.com/dish/blogentry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10383177Tue, 15 May 2012 11:27:06 GMTFountain Square newcomer B’s Po Boy (1261 S. Shelby St., 317-916-5555) just opened for lunch, focusing on that epitome of New Orleans cuisine—the po' boy. Housed in a small distressed-wood–sided building formerly occupied by a catering company, the eatery serves a selection of the hoagie-style sandwiches, with fillings that range from a tasty pulled roast beef to lightly battered, perfectly fried shrimp. Each po' boy comes stacked with meat, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and mayonnaise, but the best part of these sandwiches is the crusty, airy French bread from Leidenheimer Baking Company that B's brings in from New Orleans for that genuine, unforgettable Louisiana chew. Abita root beer, spicy red beans-and-rice with hunks of andouille, two hopping bocce courts, and a sweet deck that overlooks the action at next-door neighbor Brass Ring Lounge all add up to a sure hit for this hip, near–South-side neighborhood.http://www.indianapolismonthly.com/dish/blogentry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10383140http://www.indianapolismonthly.com/dish/blogentry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10383140Mon, 14 May 2012 19:41:30 GMT  A silky chocolate pot de creme plucked from the pastry case at Taste Cafe & Marketplace (5164 N. College Ave., 317-925-2233), every spoonful a dense, almost smoky French-custard shot of dark chocolate. Adobo Grill’s (110 E. Washington St., 317-822-9990) carnitas-style shredded duck tacos with cilantro, red onions, and salsa fresca. Colossal pulled-pork sandwich from Locally Grown Gardens (1050 E. 54th St., 317-255-8555). It’s made from pork shoulder smoked out back, coated in a spicy and sweet tomato-based sauce, and served on housemade bread. Pork bibimbap from E. Miracle (11003 Allisonville Rd., Fishers, 317-570-6666), white rice with marinated vegetables and crisp greens, topped with a fried egg. Chicken and cheese pupusas from La Guanaquita (3757 N. Post Rd., 317-897-9793). http://www.indianapolismonthly.com/dish/blogentry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10383057jspalding@indymonthly.emmis.com (Julia Spalding)http://www.indianapolismonthly.com/dish/blogentry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10383057Mon, 14 May 2012 17:47:00 GMTGive your mother the day off this Sunday and treat her to brunch at one of Indy’s restaurants that bridge the breakfast/lunch gap in style.   Grille 39 at the Renaissance Indianapolis North Hotel 11925 N. Meridian St., Carmel, 317-814-2550 Grille 39 will have a Mother’s Day champagne brunch buffet with complimentary bubbles for all moms. The spread will feature numerous food stations, with options including pasta, omelets, stir-fry, and salad. A dessert mountain and live entertainment will top off the meal. 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m.  $36.95; $15.95 for children 12 and under   Eddie Merlot’s 3645 E. 96th St., 317-846-8303 A special Mother's Day brunch buffet will include made-to-order omelets, smoked salmon, shrimp, a beef tenderloin carving station, and spiral-spiced glazed ham. Desserts, like make-your-own brownies and ice-cream sundaes, finish out the meal. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. $34.95; $14.95 for children 12 and under   Barcelona Tapas 201 N. Delaware St., ...http://www.indianapolismonthly.com/dish/blogentry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10381676http://www.indianapolismonthly.com/dish/blogentry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10381676Wed, 09 May 2012 20:21:42 GMTThe First Friday Food Truck Festival on May 4 attracted a crowd eager to try foods from more than 25 trucks. The looming promise of a thunderstorm (later fulfilled) didn’t keep hundreds of people from attending the event outside the Old National Centre. Hungry patrons endured long lines in the hot weather for the best of the Circle City’s mobile restaurants. Groovy Guys Fries came with their signature loaded-baked-potato fries topped with a mound of cheese, bacon, and jalapenos. Cutie Pies’ Pizza served big, cheesy slices on fresh-made dough. Those looking for something a bit more adventurous could dive into the spicy pork with kimchi from Seoul Grill. With so many options, a hungry diner would hope for some samplers to get a taste of the full spectrum; alas, only a handful of trucks offered them. They might have helped with the waits, which lasted more than an hour at ...http://www.indianapolismonthly.com/dish/blogentry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10380782http://www.indianapolismonthly.com/dish/blogentry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10380782Tue, 08 May 2012 17:34:05 GMTRockville Road’s status as a destination for international eats recently grew by one cheery and intriguing eatery, Tandoori King (7220 Rockville Rd., 317-240-8000), which is billing itself as an “Indo-Pak” restaurant offering both classics of Indian cuisine and some not-so-common Pakistani specialties. We stopped into this spacious storefront restaurant last week to try it out and were charmed by neat rows of napkins folded into glasses atop all of the tables around us. We also found ourselves intrigued by the little labels on the lunch buffet promising goat dishes and egg curry. But since it was dinner time, we put ourselves in the hands of our pleasantly gruff but no-nonsense waiter, who laid out a whole meal for us including a crisp iceberg and cucumber salad on the house and heavenly light and flaky garlic naan—some of the best we’d had in town. Kahari goat came with luscious, tender ...http://www.indianapolismonthly.com/dish/blogentry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10380731http://www.indianapolismonthly.com/dish/blogentry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10380731Tue, 08 May 2012 12:01:09 GMTStarting next week at Spencer Farm (7177 E. 161st St., Noblesville, 317-776-1560), strawberry lovers can taste summer’s favorite tender-fleshed crimson treat in their ripe, juicy glory. Guests can roam the patches and fill a flat or head to the cashier and purchase them already picked. When Kyle Spencer founded the farm in 1982, he was just a young farmer renting 10 acres for u-pick strawberries. Thirty years later, Spencer and his family run a 45-acre farm—adding already picked strawberries and fresh baked goods (pies, hand-dipped ice cream, and fudge) to the lineup. It’s not just about the strawberries, it’s about what the experience brings to a family. “We have many regulars who came as children and are now bringing their own children,” says Spencer. Check Spencer Farm's website for times and information.  http://www.indianapolismonthly.com/dish/blogentry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10380693http://www.indianapolismonthly.com/dish/blogentry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10380693Tue, 08 May 2012 11:04:11 GMT