Despite the fact that I have only visited Journey's seafood and buffet twice, and on special occasions, I have already found it to be one of the best buffet-style restaurants I have ever been to!  Simply put, Journey is an Asian seafood, steak, pizza, and dessert buffet, along with just about 100 other types of food from all across the globe.  For example, I recently visited Journey for my girlfriend's birthday, and ended up with pizza, green beans, steak, crab legs, and dessert all on one plate!  While it is somewhat of an unusual combination, it makes for a restaurant where a whole family can visit on a special occasion or just about any time and every person can eat (even if they are very picky).  Although I have only mentioned visiting Journey on special occasions, I would have to say that it would make a good location for a business lunch, a date with that special someone, or just a nice dinner with the family or friends.  Journey is a great place for everyone because it has all types of food and a very modern atmosphere, making for an amazing and memorable experience.  I tend to stay away from buffet-style restaurants, but after visiting Journey, I had to include it in my dining guide as one of the best buffet restaurants in Indianapolis by far!  By the way, don't miss the chocolate fountains near the buffet, as they are very good!  Enjoy!




The Journey
7155 E. 96th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46250
Phone:  317-578-9933
Visit:  The Journey

This past Monday, my fiance and I had the privelege of dining at one of my favorite italian restaurants, Carrabba's Italian Grill.  I have not been here in years and this delightful visit made me realize what I was missing.

We were promptly seated upon arrive in a nice, quiet booth.  Although the food was amazing, one of the best parts about dinner was the service.  Our waitress, Kristen, was sweet, knowledgeable, and gave us wonderful suggestions.  It was Brian's first time to Carrabba's and Kristen was able to guide us through the menu to decide what we would enjoy the most. 

Brian started off with a Sam Adams Summer lager. Kristen brought him a sample of Italian beer, since he had never had it, to see if it suited him better.  I ordered a Sauvignon Blanc which was light, crisp, and went perfect with the dinner.

After drinks were served, we received the bread and dipping sauce.  This is truly unique to Carrabba's.  The bread is always fresh and hot, and the wait staff ensures that you have plenty to eat.  Kristen went over the day's specials and informed Brian of popular dishes he might want to try as a first timer.

For dinner, Brian decided on the Pollo Rosa Maria which is a grilled chicken breast stuffed with fontina cheese and prosciutto.  It is topped with mushrooms and complimented with a delicious basil lemon butter sauce.  The chicken was grilled to perfection and the combination of flavors was brilliant.  I opted for the Lobster Ravioli.  Stuffed with tender Maine lobster in a white wine cream sauce with diced tomatoes, this dish was to die for. 

Unfortunately, we were not able to try any of the dessert because our meals were so filling.  In the past, I have tried the Tiramisu.  This dessert encorporates lady fingers dipped in liqueur laced espresso, layered with sweetened mascarpone, Myers’s Rum, and chocolate shavings.  There were a few others that we wished we could try as well but our stomachs would not allow.

Bonefish Grill
4501 East 82nd. Street,
Indianapolis IN 46250
(317) 863-3474

Genre: Seafood
Rating: 4 out of 5
Location: North Indianapolis

Two summers ago I lived on the north-side of Indianapolis and I would always pass this restaurant on my way to work.  It looked like a pricey, extravagant, and overachieving anniversary type restaurant.  It wasn't until this past summer that I realized the true nature of the Bonefish Grill.

My girlfriend and I decided to make the most of the summer off and enjoy a relaxing night at Bonefish Grill.  To be honest, I was dreading the dinner because I had premonitions that I was going to spend an 'arm and a leg' for the meal.  Once inside, I didn't feel any better.  The interior was elegant and trendy with table displays of an expensive steak restaurant.  We sat down and I reluctantly opened the menu, fearing the numbers on the page.  My jaw almost hit the floor! The prices were well within my range and the dishes were promising.  I was so happy with the prices that I splurged and ordered an appetizer.  The one appetizer in particular that caught my eye was the Crab Cakes.   These large, delicious cakes hit the pallet just right!  I would highly recommend eating these “gifts from the sea” if you have the opportunity.  For the main course, I decided to try the Atlantic Salmon because I haven’t had this dish in a very long time.  I was very impressed with the dish.  It was what I remember Atlantic Salmon tasting like.  My compliments to the chef!

If I were in your shoes and have never tried this restaurant, I would immediately call my closest Bonefish Grill and reserve a table.  Not only do they offer spectacular ‘surf’ but also a wide variety of ‘turf’ dishes.  You can check out the menu here!

14 West Restaurant
14 West Maryland Street
Indianapolis, IN 46205
(317) 636 - 1414

Genre: Mixed (French, Asian, Italian)
Rating: 4 out of 5
Location: Downtown Indianapolis

I was fortunate enough to muster up enough cash to enjoy this restaurant last summer.  I chose this restaurant with the mind-set that I wanted a urbanite feel while also maintaining the integrity of my wallet.

I was impressed from the get-go.  I ordered the 14 West Crab Cake and found myself in a complete trance.  The crab cakes were phenomenal!  Just the perfect size for two people.  The butter sauce was a great compliment to the cakes.

For the main dish, I ordered the Lobster Ravioli.  I was impressed by the presentation of the dish and the timeliness of the service.  The ravioli was a pleasant compliment to the Jack Daniels and Coke I was enjoying.  The lobster filling was the perfect consistency and the confit sauce was delicious.  

The reason for my rating is that I thought that it was a little pricey for the food and drinks.  One of my biggest peeves is ordering a drink and getting a splash of liquor.  Other than that, I would recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for an intimate feel and amazing crab cakes in Indianapolis!

Indianapolis is known for its beautiful downtown area, nice mid-western people, and of course, the food!  This city has some of the most fantastic restaurants in all the region.  I do have to say that out of all the steak houses and rib places in the city, the best one is by far Flemings Steak House.
 
I originally found this place in the Indianapolis Menu Guide and have to say that it was worth every penny.  It is a bit on the pricey side, so if you are looking for Burger King pricing, stay away from here.  Known, for its excellent service and fine wines, Flemings Steak House was everything it was even better than I could have imagined.  My company and I arrived and were promptly greeted by one of the hostesses.  She knew that we had a reservation and seated us right away.  Once we sat down we were blown away by their wine selection.  The waiter came quickly and went over it with us in detail along with the evenings specials and appetizers.
   
I started off with a salad, and my friend began with the lobster bisque.  We Flemings Steak House followed these up by two of the most incredible steaks.  We ordered a fillet  mignon with mashed potatoes and a porter house with the vegetable medley.
   
Of course dessert was offered, and quickly accepted on our end.  We were so full after the meal that we decided to split one of these succulent desserts.  We went with a tradition cheesecake, but there was nothing traditional about it.  It was nothing short of fantastic.  It came with three different kinds of sauces that you could tell were prepared by one of the best chefs in the business.
   
So next time you are looking for steak in Indianapolis, look no further.  Stop at Flemings Steak House and you will not be disappointed.

Stefano’s Ristorante and Pizzeria   
11680 Commercial Dr
Fishers, IN  46038  (across from Super Target)
317-577-9800
Map

Ok, I know I talked about Bazbeaux because of it’s Seafood and other new age Pizza’s.  I like the neighborhood vibe of the restaurants etc….

But y’know…sometimes (most of the time) you just long for an old fashioned taste of Brooklyn.   Now I’m on a mission to find that pizzia here in Indianapolis, and we have a contender with STEFANO’S Ristorante.

To begin, Stefano’s is owned by a guy actually named Stefano,  so there is some legitimate street cred right from the start.  Indy Men’s Magazine named Cio’s Indianapolis’ Best Pizza in 2003 and Stefano’s has that recepie.  The focus is on the traditional toppings including a terrific Italian Sausage and all the Pizza’s are available by the slice…as a true pizzeria should do.  Stefano’s also offers excellent Itialian fare including Spaghetti, Lasagna, Ravioli and a restaurant favorite Baked Ziti.

Carmella…How’s that sound?

I was craving mexican food one night and decided to try out the Adobo Grill on 82nd street.  I with my roommate, Nick, at about 7:00pm and, after a short wait, was seated at a comfortable booth.  Our server was nice and friendly and after taking our drink orders suggested the guacamole as a starter.  Nick and I both like to eat and were quite hungry at the time so we decided to take her advice.  The guacamole was so good that I'm not sure it lasted five minutes on the table.  We both loved our entrees and even saved room for dessert, the plantain crepes.  Nick and I both loved our experience at Adobo Grill and plan on bringing our girlfriends back soon for a double date!

Last weekend, my girlfriend, Siobhan, and I went to Clay Terrace in Carmel for dinner.  We ended up at Kona Grill and after a short wait, while checking out the menu, we were seated at a comfortable booth.  Both of us were impressed by the atmosphere but we felt it was slightly too dark, Siobhan may have called ahead to have them turn the lights down so she didn't have to look at me!  We started off with a sushi dish called the Spyder Roll and absolutely loved it and look forward to going back to try some other delicious sounding rolls.  Siobhan ordered the Macademia Nut Crusted Chicken and I ordered the Island Meatloaf.  I know what you're thinking, who orders meatloaf at a fancy restuarant?  Well, the answer is I do and I am very happy I did!  Siobhan and I loved our dishes but the portions were a little big, but that just means left-overs!  We even saved room for dessert and ordered the Macademia Nut Pie which was very tasty.  The service was second to none, our server was very personable and the manager stopped by our table twice to check up on us.  The menu price was a little high but felt the food was more than worth it.  Siobhan and I have a new favorite restaurant in Indy.