Taste Test
Any eatery that calls itself "A Taste of (insert city, region, state, nation and/or ethnicity here)" sets a dangerously high bar for itself. But that hasn't stopped a handful of Indy-area eateries from doing it.
MINI REVIEW: J. Razzo's
When J. Razzo’s (12501 N. Meridian St., Carmel, 317-844-9333), a new far-north restaurant with a local pedigree, opened a few weeks ago, there was a built-in buzz factor. Of course, Indy’s enduring obsession with good Italian food has been well publicized (as is only fitting for a cuisine imported from a country shaped like a boot to a state shaped like a sock). But this Carmel ristorante also boasted the golden touch of John Perazzo, the former chef at Indy institution Salvatore’s and, later, co-owner of downtown’s recently deceased Zing—an ancestry worthy of kissed fingertips in and of itself.
Swoon List: 5 Things We Adore Right Now
The embarrassingly large portion of smoked rib tips—probably a dozen of them—and scoop of macaroni and cheese that goes back to basics with just a bit of crunch on the edges, at GeoSoul Soul Food (3705 N. Illinois St., 317-920-8090), which opened in May. The Cuban sandwich at Twenty Tap (5406 N. College Ave., 317-602-8840), a reference to the storefront’s former tenant, Northside News
Swoon List: 5 Things We Adore Right Now
The Boogie Monster, a massive cheeseburger fortified with grilled pastrami, onion rings, and a fried egg, at Boogie Burger (1904 E. Broad Ripple Ave., 317-255-2450). The grilled fruit dessert at Canal Bistro (6349 Guilfo
King David's New Dog House
Get your Chicago Dog and tots while you can. This Friday is King David Dogs' last day before moving exactly one block north, where the hot dog eatery will triple its seating. The hiatus will last a week or so. Owner Brent Joseph hopes to be back open at 135 N. Pennsylvania Street by the first of October. And then, the world is his hot dog bun. Regarding King David's future plans, Joseph says, "A northside location is definit
Slam Dunk
How long does a box of warm, fresh Virginia Kay's Doughnuts last in an office full of editors with the mid-afternoon munchies? Just barely long enough to snap these photos.
COMING SOON: N'awlins Creole Cafe
Po' boy lovers, rejoice. Another Cajun restaurant is making its way to Indy. N'awlins Creole Cafe is opening a second location at Indiana Avenue and West Street., in the former Zing location. Co-owner and New Orleans native Brian Marcelin, who also runs a N'awlins Creole Cafe in Avon, says the move-in date will probably come sometime in October. “We liked the location, and the building looked like it belongs
Vive Libertine
“I don’t like the word mixology, really,” said Neal Brown, glancing down the long bar toward his busy staff at The Libertine Liquor Bar (38 E. Washington St., 317-631-3333), which opened last week. “These guys are barkeeps. But if the word means making drinks like a chef makes food, then it does apply.” Call them what you like: they’re mixing the most innovative and delicious cocktails—not to mention serving up some of the tastiest grub (“bar food,” in the menu’s designation)—in the city.
Swoon List: 5 Things We Adore Right Now
The prime rib sandwich at Harry & Izzy's (153 S. Illinois St., 317-635-9594). Thinly sliced meat, white cheddar, and horseradish sauce with au jus for dunking. The sweet/tart red sangria at Canal Bistro (6349 Guilford Ave., 317-254-
Going to Extremes
It’s looking like a busy week for local diners who have $30 to spend, with dueling restaurant weeks showcasing the two compass ends of Indianapolis. Savor the Southside and Northside Nights both run through September 18. Each promotional event features either $30 three-course, multiple-choice menus, or a two-for-$30 couple's meal.