Ok, so I delayed blogging about last Friday's lunch. I have good reason... I got distracted. Anyway, last week the Marketing Team here at Compendium chose a place to eat downtown Indianapolis called South Bend Chocolate Cafe. Along with the usual marketing team we took newcomer, Chandra.

So for our lunch dinning experience, I believe that all of us agreed that it was a great place to go. Megan first spoke up and said that her food was excellent. She had ordered the Chicken Fajita Panini with pepperjack cheese with a Tomato Bisque soup and pretzles (or chips) and pickle that came with her meal (which no one saw coming). Megan also mentioned that it was a good place to grab a sandwich and soup. Meghan and I both ordered the Ham and Cheese Panini along with Chedder and Broccoli soup. Meghan felt that it was good food and while you are there, you can see the many desserts they have to offer. She said that "you'll be eating your lunch and craving your dessert". I would recommend it for a great restaurant in Indianapolis, if you just want a place to sit down from walking around the circle on cold winter day or a during the summer. Chantelle ordered the Grilled Cheese with Ruffles Crinkle Potato chips (which I guess is the kind of chips they use... I didn't really notice). She ordered off of the kids menu and said that the kid's meal has a lot of food for the value. Chantelle also mentioned that the next time she goes, she wants to try the "Fondue for Four". (We aren't completely sure what it is, but it sounds like a lot of fun!). Mikey ordered the "Hot Ham and Cheese with Tomatoes, Blue Cheese and it was really good!" He also ordered the Chicken and Dumpling soup. Mikey mentioned that it is a harty meal for a cold day (and it really was a cold day). Our newcomer, Chandra (who is our new Business Manager) ordered the Ham and Cheese with garden vegetable soup. She said it was very hot and "Yumo" (and I think that means it was good, or tasty, or any exclamation you might use for a appetizing food meal).

After our meal, we decided that the Southbend Chocolate Cafe was overall very good, and the service was very friendly. Also, if you want extras on the sandwiches on the menu, you can ask for extras and they won't charge you for them. The atmosphere was amazing. You could smell the chocolate and candies in the air. Meghan also pointed out that you could purchase bags of carmel corn, chocolate covered pretzles, etc, to buy and eat for a good afternoon snack. Also, if you want to visit during the summer, there is outside seating so that you may enjoy the day as well as your delicious sandwich. However, after you leave you may find that you smell like the restaurant for the rest of the day. So if you get a free lunch break in downtown Indianapolis, check out the Southbend Chocolate Factory Cafe, located right on the circle, at 20 North Meridian(There is also a satillite location in the new Indianapolis International Airport.)

During the holiday season we are always running late in making our group reservations for department or company parties.   Usually all the best Restaurants in Indianapolis are sold out months in advance.   So I really was pleased to get this email today from McCormick&Schmick's Seafood Restaurant Downtown Indianapolis today.  Located just one block off the circle in Indy there is a ton of great parking all within a few steps to their front door.   

M & S's isn't just for Seafood but also is a great steak restaurant and the bar has one of the best great happy hours,   complete with a huge Hamburger for about a dollar.

 According to this ad, they still have room for holiday reservations...not bad for one of the Best Restaurant Indianapolis.

Today I would like to discuss Weber Grill in my Indianapolis Restaurant Review.  Weber Grill, a great restaurant in Downtown Indianapolis Restaurant features some of my favorite foods including burgers and ribs.  The video below shows some of the Weber Grill creations and how you can use their seasonings and cooking styles to create delicious meals.  If you are looking for a great dining option and steakhouse in Indianapolis I highly recommend Weber Grill!

Workingman's Friend
234 N Belmont Ave
Indianapolis IN 46222
(317) 636-2067

DO NOT FEAR Workingman's Friend.   This is a classic Indianapolis Lunch Restaurant that in spite of it's appearance serves one of the best burgers in Indy.  Close to Downtown Indianapolis Workingman's friend is full of the white collar types as well and a lot of physicians for some reason...probably because it's close to IUPUI and the Med Center.

Workingman's Friend is an old fashioned Indianapolis Pub and nothing more.  The kind of place your dad would go after the 3 to 11 shift at the plant.   Take my advice, great burger, great bar and great people is why this makes the cut in my Indianapolis Menu Guide.

McGinley's
Golden Ace Irish Bar
2533 E Washington St
Indianapolis IN 46201
(317) 632-0696

Still owned by the McGinley family makes this the oldest family owned bars Indianapolis.  Just outside of downtown Indianapolis on the East Side, you'll find this Pub just two blocks west of Rural St.

The Golden Ace is tops in Indianapolis Nightlife if you like cool pints and lots of great Irish music.  In my quest for the Best Burger in Indianapolis I was really impressed with the "Ace" burger.   A traditional hamburger that puts the FOOD in the idea of barfood.

My father-in-law loves the Braunschweiger...and like good Irish everywhere, this is a seafood restaurant on Friday's.  Finally, I recommend the bean soup.  Nothing like a pint of Smithwick's and some bean soup on a cold winter night.   This is one Indianapolis Restaurant that I'm thrilled to and to my Indianapolis restaruant reviews.

Bub's
210 W Main St
Carmel IN 46032
(317) 706-2827
website    

Located in the Art's&Design District of Carmel Indiana (about 8 miles from downtown Indianapolis) and just of the Monon Trail might just be a restaurant with the Best Hamburger in Indy.

Handpattied from fresh ground beef, these hamburgers are so special that the owners Matt & Rachel Frey need to have special buns supplied locally from one of our great Indianapolis Bakeries.   Although Bub's (Big Ugly Burger) is most famous for it's hamburgers, several people tell me that they compete well as a seafood restaurant Indianapolis with a Mahi Mahi filet.  Bub's is also a popular stop of Ice Cream in the summer for those traveling the Monon Trail.  

In my quest for the Best Burger in Indy I've had the chance to write a lot for this Indianapolis Menu Guide.  Mostly I focus on Downtown Indianapolis Restaurants, but Bub's Burgers now gives me a new reason to visit Carmel.

(317) 423-3154‎

Indianapolis Nightlife, Wine, fine dining?   OMG thank you for Deano's Wine Bar & Restaurant!

Located just off Fountain Square this is sincerely one of the best restaurants in Indianapolis.   Just about a mile from downtown, owners Dean Wilson and Jody Bryant have created something that is truly unique.   With a motto of "Good food, good wine and good friends"  these guys have really come through in creating a great Indianapolis date restaurant.

Oh...did I mention they have music on weekends?  How's that for those of you looking for some Indianapolis Nightlife that's for adults?

The dinner menu has lots of seafood like a smoked salmon platter appetizer or a "more crab than cake" Crab Cake.  What Indianapolis fine dining restaurant review would be complete without a shrimp cocktail?  (Shrimp Cocktail is to Indianapolis Restaurants like wings are in Buffalo...available everywhere)

The appetizer menu even includes an Italian restaurant touch with four different Pizza's and a portabella & pistachio salad.    Entrees cover seafood to chicken to beef.  As an Atkins eater who is trying to eat more locally produced food, I was thrilled to see Indiana Bison Steaks on the menu...pared with a suggested Petite Sirah......perfect.

Writing this Indiana Dining Guide is makeing me hungry...

Bosphorus Istanbul Cafe
935 S East St
Indianapolis, IN 46225
(317) 974-1770‎
bosphoruscafe.com


If you are looking for great Hummus or an awesome Falafel, look no further than Bosphorus Istanbul Cafe for what I think is Indianapolis only Turkish restaurant.  

If you are looking for  great Indianapolis fine dining is a funky purple house near Fletcher Place (just outside downtown Indianapolis) this might just be your restaurant.   Named for a 20 mile long strait that joins the Sea of Marmara with the Black Sea, the real Bosphorus separates Europe from Asia....ok enough about the geography of the near east...let's talk about the food!

No Indianapolis menu guide would be complete without including the Hummus and Feta Chees Plate appetizers.  Better yet, start your party with the Appetizer combo that also includes stuffed grape leaves, tabouli, babaganush, borek and and eggplant salsa.

As an Indianapolis Date Restaruant why not impress him (or her) with you vast cusine knowlage by ordering the Iskender or Ispankli Tavuk?   This is a great local Indianapolis Restaurant.   It's not quite an Asian Restaruant and is kind of like an Indianapolis Greek Restaurant but ...different.   I'm really happy to add Bosphorus to my Indianapolis Dining Guide.  

So this week the Marketing Team here at Compendium was kind of lacking in its typical numbers. If you want to check out what Compendium Blogware has been up to, check out our website by Clicking Here.

There were only three of us that were able to go out to lunch this time. So Monica was the big decision maker of the day and took us to a place that was literally hidden unless you had heard about it. Gabriel's, located just north of the Baker&Daniel's building on meridian, was the location of our weekly lunch venture. The menu there is very extensive and I think Monica put it best when she said that there is "so much variety, its hard to decide what you want". I found myself changing my mind several times up until the time that I was forced to order because there was a line forming behind me. We all ordered the "Pick 2" meal which comes with a 1/2 of a sandwich and a soup or salad. I got the Turkey Melt with a bowl of Chili (I guess that counts as a soup). Both were very tasty and very filling. I actually had homemade chili the night before, with my roommates and Gabriel's chili was comparable. Monica ordered the Turkey Melt with a Spinach salad. She said that it was "good food at a good value" and both were delicious. Meghan ordered the Chili and the half of the Grilled Ham & Cheese sandwich. She said it was very good; the Chili was delicious and tasted homemade and gave her that "homemade feel". The portion sizes were perfect; not too much food, but filled you up and the next time she goes back she will get the homemade Mac and Cheese. She also mentioned that the bread was "perfectly toasted". She means that the bread made the sandwich better because it wasn't mushy, nor was it like a piece of burn carbon bread.

As for the atmosphere, it was almost like a cafeteria type setting. You first grab your tray and silverware. Then you place your order and go pay your bill. You go and sit down and your food is brought out to you. So I guess it is kind of like an upscale cafeteria. Meghan thought the atmosphere was really cool, with the different lights around and different colored paints on the wall. The people there are very nice and very quick with your food order. One last thing, they take both cash and credit when you go, so you don't have to worry about stopping at an ATM prior to going there. So if you are interested in a place to eat that will give you that "home cooking" feeling for your lunchbreak, go ahead and check out Gabriel's Cafeteria & Sandwich Shoppe located at 320 North Meridian, right in the heart of downtown.

So this week the M-Team here at Compendium Blogware didn't want to walk too far for our meal, so we went around the corner to Dicks Bodacious Bar-B-Q. If you want to see whats new at Compendium, go ahead.... Click Here.

When we got there it was pretty empty and we walked right up to the counter... no line at all. I ordered the Pulled Pork sandwich with a side of potato salad. What you have to remember is that the pulled pork is just pulled pork... no BBQ. Also, the meal comes with potato chips and a pickle spear, which makes for a full meal. After I was done eating it, I felt like I should go ride a bull or something. As for the BBQ, it's at the table so you can put as much mild or spicy sauce on it as you wish. Mikey ordered the Beef Brisket and dumped a lot of spicy sauce on his. He said that the spicy sauce provided a lot of "kick". He also mentioned that it was a good place, but he prefers Pepsi products and the ice from "across the street". (He means the kind of ice that King David Dogs has). He suggested that you check into the side of the day because that day it was Sweet Potato Casserole, which he enjoyed. Monica ordered the Pulled Pork sandwich as well. She felt that the sauces were "OK" and her side, cole slaw, was too sloppy. She said they should have "held the mayo". (I didn't even know that cole slaw had mayo in it... who knew?) She said that she really enjoyed her corn muffin, but it could have been a little bigger. Oh and she said that she was not impressed that she didn't get the pickle spear along with her meal. Meghan had the Pulled Chicken Sandwich with a side of Mac&Cheese. She felt that it was a lot of food and if you are looking for a hardy meal on a cold day, that is a good place to get it. She was really happy with the alternatives of chicken and beef, because she isn't a pork person. Megan had the Pulled Chicken as well and had nothing but good things to say about it. She said she was trying to eat healthier that day, so she was appreciative that they had chicken.

As for the overall atmosphere, I think you will walk away with a little southern swagger and a full stomach. The people there are very friendly and very quick when you order. They even came and cleaned up our plates right after we were done eating. Make sure that you get there before 12:30 because that is about when the rush come in. We barely beat the large rush so keep that in mind. So if you are looking for a hardy meal and you are in a hurry, check out Dick's Bodacious Bar-B-Q located at 50 N Pennsylvania St. here in downtown Indianapolis. There is another one in Noblesville if you are up in that neck of the woods located at 2295 Greenfield Ave.

Another great Nicki Laycoax's Indianapolis Restaurant Reviews.   I'm sure Nicki is working on client business with Squish Designs while she's eating all these meals...or maybe she is talking to the owners about using Squish to help them grow their business.  Who am I to not take advantage of a great reviewer...thank you Nicki!

___________________________________________________________________

Dick's Bodacious BBQ
http://www.dicksbbq.com
50 N. Pennsylvania St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone:(317)916-9600
Fax:  (317)916-9605


What a fun title. On Monday, November 3, 2008 my partner and
I ate at Dick's Bodacious BBQ. I was really excited to eat
at the Downtown Indianapolis restaurant  location because I had eaten it before at
the Verizon Wireless Center in Noblesville, and it was SOOOO
delicious.

I didn't realize, until I started writing this blog post, that
Dicks' is not a nationwide chain, but rather a local restaurant!
They used to have locations open in Avon and at the Verizon
Wireless Center in Noblesville, but the only location that remains open is the one
at the corner of Market and Pennsylvania Streets in Downtown Indy.

The staff was so amazingly helpful, and made the decision making process almost like fast food for new patrons of the restaurant. Of course everything
sounded good, but I was encouraged to try the special of the day-Smoked
Salmon. It was the best salmon that I have had! We also had wings,
a Pulled Pork BBQ sandwich, green beans, sweet potatoes, and a
large drink. All of it was delicious!

Price for 2 meals with sides was approximately $23.

Do I recommend as part of my Indianapolis dining guide? You betcha!

Unique thing at the restaurant? BBQ sauce served in motor oil looking
bottles to top your BBQ that is served sans sauce, for your saucing
preference!

Once again my good friend Nicki Laycoax of Squish Designs has come up with a fantastic review of another place to go under the category: best restaurant Indianapolis.

14 West Restaurant at 14 West Maryland
www.14westindy.com

14 West Maryland Street
Indianapolis, Indiana, 46204
Telephone: (317) 636-1414
Email:     customerservice@14westindy.com

A colleague of mine that I met as a result of blogging, treated me to a nice lunch at 14 West Restaurant. It was my first visit, but had heard great things about the restaurant and the suites that are  above this downtown Indianapolis restaurant, from multiple people.

The restaurant has a great wine list, exciting menu, and very able catering
staff. (I thought I saw a full bar, but I can't confirm from the website)
Ashley Sorenson, the very sweet and professional Hotel and
Banquet Manager made certain that our dining experience was great!

In the picture, you are looking at the Caesar Salad topped with
Seared Tuna as well as the Crab Cakes. We also had the Red Garnet
Yam Soup and the Lobster Brie Macaroni&Cheese.

This restaurant is recommended for those on a professional lunch or
dinner meeting and would also be a nice spot for a romantic Indianapolis date restaurant. At lunch, the music playing in the background was modern adult contemporary.  It was a nice change from what I normally hear in restaurants.

Summary: Food was absolutely excellent. Prices were moderate. Service was perfect.

Reserve your table now!

Buggs Temple
337 W 11th Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
317.955.2389

So how do I evaluate a downtown Indianapolis restaurant? Especially for Lunch?  Ambiance, convenience and food.   To me, to get a designation as one of the best lunch restaurants in Indianapolis you have to start with how it feels.   Most of the time you want a place you can have a conversation, a restaurant that’s attractive and friendly….a place that’s cool so you glow in how cool it is to your guest.

Buggs Temple at the north end of the Downtown Indy Canal meets that criteria.  I never even heard of Buggs Temple before 11am this morning, but Kyle Saylers of Clarian Health Ventures treated me today and it was fantastic.  It’s a great old church located right on the tip of the Canal.  It was a little bit of a hike from my office on the downtown Indianapolis Circle and I saw there was plenty of parking. Inside were huge windows looking over the canal…it was a little chilly for the outside deck, but it looked beautiful.  The waiters were fantastic, fun, knew the menu and were wearing June Cleaver aprons,  Our guy knew the menu, was friendly and attentive while giving us plenty of space to have our conversation.

I've not been to this Indianapolis downtown restaurant  at night, but imagine it's a great place for a date.   Supposedly there is an upstairs that has terrific views and is one of the top spots for Indianapolis fine dining.  The menu did include Steak and Seafood along with great grilled sandwiches.  I had a Cuban, which came with a fresh mixed salad.  I'm not sure about breakfast, and their website is one of the worst I've ever seen.

This week, the Marketing Team here at Compendium Blogware, along with our newest member Chantelle decided to go to China King just right around the corner from our office. If you want to read up on Compendium Blogware, you can Click Here to check it out!

We first weren’t sure where we wanted to go, but when the idea of Chinese came up we decided that is where we were going to get our usual Friday lunch. Mikey ordered General Tso’s Chicken and said, “The General was commanding my taste buds.” So I would have to guess that he enjoyed it, along with his fried rice. He ordered some dumplings, but didn’t end up eating too many because he was filled up by “The General”. Chantelle ordered an array of foods. She had Crab Rangoon, Hot and Sour Soup, along with a side of Steamed White Rice. When she got her food, I noticed that her rice came in a huge container and she ordered a “small” side of rice. Meghan ordered the Sesame Chicken with Fried Rice lunch special. The other Megan ordered the Veggie Lo Mein and only had one complaint. She had wished that the veggies in the food were a little larger. As for me, I ordered one of my default dishes when ordering Chinese… Beef with Broccoli along with fried rice. I thought the food was delicious and probably better tasting than any small Chinese food place. Also, make sure that you realize that if you go in a group and you eat in… they will bring all your food out at the same time. BE CAREFUL when you first start eating it. The food is VERY hot. I made the mistake of jumping right into it and burnt my tongue… OUCH! So open it up and let it cool for a few before you dive into your Chinese chow. We all agreed that the portions that they serve are much bigger than you might expect and the price is very reasonable for the amount of food that you get.

As for other things that might be of interest to you, Chantelle mentioned that the place would be great for winter time because you can call in and get carry out, and they even deliver. Meghan said that if you are going to China King expecting a Chinese Food chain experience, you had better think twice. It is different than a typical chain. The food is very authentic and so is the atmosphere of the restaurant. Also, the rush comes in about Noon, so if you don’t want to wait in line you should either have it delivered or go before or after the rush at Noon. I would imagine the rush dies down about 1:30 or 2 o’clock. Another point of note, they take both cash AND credit card… so you don’t have to rush to the ATM before you get there. So if you are looking for a Chinese place to eat here downtown that won’t require you sitting there for two hours… Check out China King, located at 148 N. Delaware St in downtown Indianapolis.

Mo's A Place for Steaks
47 South Pennsylvania Street
Indianapolis, IN
Phone: 317-624-0720
Fax: 317-624-0721


What I love about this Downtown Indianapolis Steak Restaurant is the setting itself.  (I'll get to the food)  I like windows and because of Mo's location on the Corner of Pennsylvania and E. Maryland you have great windows not only in the front, but also all along the wall on the Maryland side.   I love reviewing Indianapolis restaurants, but don't often get to talk about windows...but once you have them you hate to give them up.   We are blessed with some great Steak Restaurants in Downtown Indy including Morton's, St. Elmo's, Shula's and Ruth Chris' but none has nearly the great interior of Mo's.

When you think of Indianapolis Nightlife, Mo's is well located next to Conceo Fieldhouse so it's perfect for before or after an event.   The bar is great for Pub beers and terrific Martini's or anything else you would want in a cocktail.  They do serve lunch but are much better suited as an Indianapolis Dinner Restaruant.  No entertainment so it's not a nightlife place except for the other people who keep it buzzing.

Oh the food....delicious.  Excellent Steaks including a huge Porterhouse and awesome filets.  Some seafood and of course a hamburger.   What more can I say?

I would put Mo's clearly in among the best restaurant in Indianapolis and one of my favorite Date places..... Fine Dining for sure. 

This week Meghan (with an “H”) was in charge of making the decision for the weekly Compendium Blogware Marketing team lunch. If you want to check out Compendium and what we do you can Click Here.

This week Meghan chose a place that is just around the corner from our office called King David Dogs. It is a small place on Pennsylvania Street in the heart of Indianapolis. When you walk in you will see the menu posted right there on the wall. They have a full menu with foods ranging from a corn dog to a New York Dog with sauerkraut, mustard, and a New York style Onion Relish. They serve quarter pound hot dogs on a poppy seed bun (or if you want a pretzel bun) topped with almost anything you want. After leaving the restaurant Megan said she was “thoroughly stuff and did not anticipate being that way.” So when you go make sure you are hungry because the meals are larger than you might expect. She and Meghan ordered the Chicago Dog which had mustard, tomato, a sliced pickle, sweet relish, and onions. Both of them thought it was delicious. To add on, Megan said that it was a “fork and knife” meal and you’re definitely going to need napkins when you get your food, so stock up when you get your drink because it is kind of messy. Meghan also said that it was good for a cold day because all the food is “warm food”. Mikey ordered the New York Dog along with a cup of chili. He also requested some chili on his dog, but the hot dog guru behind the counter advised against it because it would be like a double chili bomb and he might regret it in his future. Mikey said he was glad that he took the guru’s advice. I decided to be adventurous and try the Pretzel dog. It was the same hot dog, but on a pretzel bun. I didn’t know what to put on top of it, so again I took the guru’s advice and put some chili and cheese on top and I did not regret it. However, it is very filling because the pretzel bun is a little larger than the normal bun and I had to take some of it home. As for the price, I think Meghan put it best when she said that it was very reasonably priced for all the food you get (your dog and fries or tater tots). It made the price even better when you order a drink, you get a nice souvenir cup with the King David Dogs logo on it to take back to work for a water cup. Also if you are a ice eater, the ice is light and fluffy, kind of like snow but when it is packed together a little (that is as well as I can describe it so just go get the ice).

The atmosphere was awesome because it gives you that hole-in-the-wall feeling when you walk in. It might not be good for a business meeting because the food might end up on your suit. However, it would be good if you are wanted to step out of your comfort zone and try someplace different. It would also be good for a date, but be sure to bring your gum because those onions will mess with your breath. It would be a great place to grab some lunch in downtown Indianapolis. So if you are looking for a place you can get a hot dog with pretty much whatever you want on it check out King David Dogs located at 15 North Pennsylvania.

Au Bon Pain
26 Monument Circle
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Phone: 317-226-9300
Fax: 317-636-9128



So in the beginning I was resistant to Au Bon Pain when they first opened on the Circle in Downtown Indianapolis.   I liked the South Bend Chocolate Factory and felt bad supporting a evil national competitor opening right next door.  I also hate names that I can't pronounce very well...

So I was wrong.  I probably frequent Au Bon Pain more that any other restaurant on the circle.  An they are not evil.   If you look at the Au Bon Pain website, you will find that they are front and center with all of their nutrition information for every menu item.  Health Magazine has named them one of the healthiest restaurants.   The food is really good and has a wide variety.  Every day they have an assortment of soups, and as you can see from the video, they encourage sampleing.   (I'm sure you could sneak in a lunch just on the samples)  The also have lots of portion appropriate salds already made up, along with fresh wraps and half sandwiches.   I wouldn't call this a dinner restaurant,  it's more like a delicatessen with great lunch food that's fast.  They also have really good breakfast foods and for cookies&muffins it's one of the best bakeries in Indianapolis.

The people are friendly and I'm happy to write a positive review of this great downtown Indianapolis restaurant. 

Shapiro's Delicatessen
http://www.shapiros.com
808 S Meridian St
Indianapolis, IN 46225
 317.631.4041

 6:45am to 8:00pm
Everyday
 


Today we are happy to post a review from guest blogger  Nicki Laycoax of Squish Designs:
 
I was craving a big healthy salad for lunch today. Not certain where
to find the best salad downtown, I chose a delicatessen that I had
eaten at before-Shapiro's. Shapiro's is an ala carte dining option.
 
The line starts with desserts ranging from fresh fruit flan and cheesecake
to cakes, pies, and fresh fruit. I chose the Devil's Food Cake that had a layer of
cheesecake between two layers of cake. It was topped with shavings of
white chocolate, chocolate icing, and fudge drizzling.
 
The next option I was presented with were the salads. Though I really
wanted a salad today, I opted out of the large salad and instead, got my
fresh veggie fix by selecting the broccoli, bacon, and grape salad. (Waldorf maybe?)
 
Then it was on to the main course selection. Tuna Salad on Freshly Baked Rye
Bread... While it was the most expensive tuna salad sandwich I've purchased
in the area, $8.15, it was definitely in the top 2 best that I have had (it's a toss-up
between Jimmy John's and Shapiro's)
 
Total for lunch: $17.05=Sandwich, salad, cake, and iced water. It was quick, delicious, but on
the upper end of what I like to pay for lunch...
 
One big bonus-They use PatronPath! If downtown you can order online and have your food ready when you arrive!

In Carmel Indiana, use this link for Shapiro's Online
 
4/5 stars
 
Nicki Laycoax
Squish Designs, LLC
317.627.8860
www.squishdesigns.com <www.squishdesigns.com>
www.nickilaycoaxofsquishdesigns.blogspot.com <www.nickilaycoaxofsquishdesigns.blogspot.com>

McCormick&Schmick's Seafood Restaurant at the Corner of Illinois&Market Streets at the base of the Downtown Hilton
(317) 631-9500

As an interested party to this Indianapolis Dining Guide, I'm always on the lookout for something different.  Typically during the day downtown I eat lunch as someplace fast.   The other day however, I found myself wanting to go someplace nice with my partner Ali and our big time Lawyer (patent work).   McCormick & Schmick's was perfect.   The place has just the right mix of being busy with downtown workers (all wearing ties) yet still easy enough to get in and out of.  We took a booth in the bar which is really nice looking with big booths and a great wooden bar.   They have two TV's up high and turned down low on ESPN so you could catch some highlights out of the corner of your eye...but not be intruded on.  

Indianapolis menu guide:  they update the menu twice a day so you always know whats fresh & available.

Although McCormick & Schmick's is a great lunch spot, it's has really good seafood, terrific for dates,  but perhaps most popular among the crowd here at Compendium Blogware it's the best happy hour downtown. I wouldn't call it a place for Indianapolis nightlife,   but what is so appealing is the great bar and the terrific drinks.  Happy hour is fun and crowded partly because of the great menu.   Everything from fish tacos (for the mexican food lover) to one of the best Hamburgers in Indianapolis all for like....$1.95 each.   Great prices for great food.   All in all, a place I would highly recommend.  See the Video for a sense of the Lunchtime ambiance...

So this week was my choice in where the Marketing Staff at Compendium would be going for lunch. You can check out Compendium Blogware by Clicking Here.

This week I decided to go back to the cornucopia that is the City Market and try out this place called Philadelphia Steak&Cheese. Joined by Monica this time, we agreed that it was a good place to eat, but some felt like the food needed something else. We all ordered Philly Cheese Steaks, but there were also burgers on the menu along with breakfast foods that I believe are only served in the morning. Mikey and Monica felt that the sandwiches could have used more cheese. Monica also thought that the meat tasted like it was re-heated beef, which I guess has a different taste. She also said that the “seasoned fries” would be better if they had the peel on and they need to have lots more seasoning. Mikey mentioned, “The next time I go, I might opt for one for the burgers that I didn’t see until I got up to the counter.”  Meghan said that her sandwich and food was delicious. She had never had a Philly Cheese Steak before and doesn’t have anything to compare it to, but “for the first time it was really, really good and I want to go back.” As for the boss lady, Megan, she really enjoyed her Philly experience. She said that her food was fresh and hot, but could have used more seasoning and cheese. Megan mentioned that it was not as greasy as expected and she really liked the wheat bun (isn’t all wheat bread just wheat bread?). And since it was Boss’s day, we all pitched in for her meal and she loved “that my wonderful team paid for my lunch.” As for my meal, I felt like it was great. I had gone once before last spring, and it was just as good as I remembered. And just like everyone else, I wish there was a little bit more cheese on the sandwich, but overall I thought it was great.

Now the atmosphere of the whole lunch is something we all agree on. Meghan said, “As always, the atmosphere was excellent.” She also felt that the guys behind the counter brought Philadelphia to Indianapolis. Mikey thought the staff was awesome and if you speak even a little Spanish, there is a free lesson at the end of the line. The man there speaks Spanglish and as Mikey found out, if you speak even a little Spanish to him, he will talk in only Spanish. So who-ever said you can’t learn at a fast food restaurant, you can tell them they are wrong. Monica thought the service was very efficient and well organized. The owner really knows how to make a quick, good Philly Cheese Steak sandwich. However, don’t be polite to the cashier (who I think is a real Philadelphian) because he gets thrown off and doesn’t know how to respond. When I gave him my money, I said thank you (just like my mom taught me to do) and the cashier said, “Why are you all being some polite to me, I work in the fast food business, you’re supposed to abuse me.” But I think he was kidding…. a little.

So if you are in the mood for a quick taste of Philadelphia, you don’t have to worry about driving out there and the price of gas. Just cruise over to the City Market located at 222 East Market Street, right in downtown Indianapolis and get your free Spanish lesson along with a good sandwich.  If you want to check out was else the City Market as to offer you can Click Here.