So today I was talking to Mikey again today about restaurants (funny, I didn't realize Mikey is a restaurant connoisseur). He mentioned a place that we all went a few months ago for our Marketing team celebration for meeting our goal the month, Adobo (but I missed it because of finals week.. ugh).

Anyway... So I went around to everyone else that went to get their take on this place because I have never been.

• Meghan thought that the food was delicious and the had the best margaritas ever. It was a cool atmopsphere and the food was made right in front of you (kinda like a hibachi).
• Megan said her marg was not too sweet and was a good mixture of booze and mixer. It was a "good place to go for after work drinks and snack." When I asked her about it, she also said that you couldn't go without getting the Guacamole and if you don't like margaritas, you need to try at least one.
• Mikey, the all knowing of local restaurants, said that the food was fresh. He had a cumcumber shot chaser that was made right there by the "awesome bartender" from Guadalajara who taught Mikey about the good places to visit in Mexico.

So if you are looking for a place for drinks after work, I might meet you there sometime. Adobo is located at 110 E. Washington Street across the street from Fogo De Chao. Also, if you are concerned about whether you can use cash or stop by the ATM.... don't worry about it.. they accept both.

So the other day I was talking with Compendium's creative designer Mikey about places to grab a bite to eat in indy. He has mentioned a place that I hadn't had since I was a kid. Arnie's pizza, located up on 96th street is a great place to grab some pizza at a reasonable price.

After Mikey had mentioned Arnie's, I had to ask what he thought about it. He first said that the variety is a lot wider than he expected. Arnie's has an extensive menu including not only Pizza, but subs and salads as well (there is something there for everyone). Mikey also said that he liked that the pizza was thin crust (my favorite!!) Also, the ingredients are chopped up in smaller pieces (which allows for more toppings!) On top of the great pizza and the wide variety of food, Mikey said that there is a big bar. So it is a great place to grab a bite to eat and a few drinks before a night out.

There are several locations where you can get your fix of Arnie's pizza. The on in Indy is on 96th street (it recently moved up there from it's previous location on 86th street in the strip mall next to Wal-Mart). You can call in or order on-line and get carry out for those nights that you want to pick up something on your way home from work!

Bakeries, Bakeries, Bakeries!  I love desserts, cheese cake, home made cakes basically anything that has sugar in it!

Try Encore Deserts and More on 116th Street and Allisonville in Fishers. 


Encore Desserts and More is locally owned and bakes  their deserts on site!  They have been in their location for a little over a year now.    Fresh and Extremely Flavorful are a couple of ways I would describe Encore desserts! 


Check them out for your next birthday, anniversary, wedding or event!  I highly recommend them!!

We have talked about 96th Street Steakburgers as one of the best hamburgers Indianapolis, but did you know you could get them at the new Indianapolis International Airport?   I'm a little concerned because the restaurant is after security and it's best to eat while you wait for your flight according to the Indianapolis Star...they don't hold up well on a long flight.

I like to get to the airport at the last minute on my way out, but I do arrive back in Indy late most of the time, so I'm hoping they stay open until at least midnight.

At that time, my quest of the best burger in Indy is at it's peak.   I'll miss the double cheeseburgers of the old airport McDonalds, but....well look at this picture!  This is a great Hamburger.

This blog is about Indianapolis restaruant reviews, and perhaps my "Best Hamburger" obsesson isnt' all that appropriate, but  business travelers (you know who you are), you come home from a long two flight trip from the west, or the nightmare of LaGuardia and you just want to grab some big time junk, Hamburgers Indianapolis, 96th Street Steakburgers at the airport at certain times makes my list of the best Fast Food Indianapolis list.

So this week, it was my decision to where the Marketing Team at Compendium Blogware, would go to lunch. I chose a place that we have been talking about for a while, but we just haven't been. It is called The Educated Sandwich, which is a branch of a well known caterer, MBP Catering.

I chose this place because it was a place where I used to go with my supervisor from my internship over the summer. Upon arrival, there was a long line (luckily it moved quickly). After lunch, when I asked Chandra what she thought of it, she responded with "I feel like I smell like my sandwich". She ordered the Club Sandwich on Sourdough bread and said that she really like it. Meghan and I again happen to order the same thing, Turkey, Bacon, Ranch wrap with chips (I swear, I am not a copier... I didn't even know what she ordered until we all sat down). She mentioned that it was a lot of food and she only ate half of her wrap. It was a lot more than she expected. Meghan also mentioned that she thought it had a wide variety of foods, and very unique foods (such as split pea soup) that made it feel more like a home cooked meal. Megan ordered the side salad and chicken fiesta soup. She said that the soup was good and tasted homemade. Also, she said that there was real veggies in the soup and you could eat very healthy there. Chantelle ordered the egg salad sandwich, but wasn't too impressed. She said it was alright, but just wasn't her favorite place we had been. She also ordered the Chicken Fiesta soup and said that it had good, healthy portions of chicken. Mikey ordered the Greek Chicken wrap and the split pea soup. He mentioned after lunch that "I think I just wanted some Broccoli Chedder and that was the closest thing to it".

Overall, I think my selection was a success. It was a good place to go and grab lunch, but I think the time I go I would get take-out because while I am writing this blog, I still smell the deli on my shirt. The people there were very nice, and always are willing to talk to you. So if you are near the Capital building anytime around lunch, just pop on in to The Educated Sandwich located at 150 W. Market Street.

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!

Carrabba's recently launched a new line of mini-desserts and the cannoli is among them.  You can even make these delicious desserts in the comfort of your own home.

Carrabba's Mini Cannoli Recipe

Cannoli Mix

1½ cups            ricotta cheese
½ cup               powdered sugar
½ teaspoon       vanilla
¼ teaspoon       cinnamon
½ cup               mini choc chips
1 cup                Mascarpone cheese

Mix ricotta cheese and powdered sugar in a mixer with a wire whip until smooth (5 minutes)

Stop the mixer and scrape the sides of the bowl with a spatula.  Add vanilla, cinnamon, and chocolate chips.  Mix on low speed until blended

Stop the mixer and add the mascarpone.  Mix by hand with a wire whip until blended.

Place mix into a piping bag to serve.

To serve mini cannoli:

Pipe cannoli mix into a tall shot glass about halfway full.

Layer a tablespoon of crumbled cannoli shells.

Pipe cannoli mix to the top of the glass.

Top the mix with a teaspoon of chopped pistachios.

I have always been a steak guy. Some people dowse their steak with ketchup (which always makes me cringe just thinking about) or even with a little steak sauce.. which is a little better, but for me... I have always have liked my steak plain with all its juices... cooked medium rare (is your mouth watering yet?)

Well if you are into steaks there is a great place here in Indy to try out. Moe's... A Place for Steaks is one of the best steak restaurants in Indy. It is kind of an upscale restaurant with a vast wine selection along with a lounge to enjoy a cigar and a glass of scotch (or wine and a cigar... whatever you please). If you go I would recommend the Shrimp Cocktail or the Bruschetta as your appetizer. As for the entree, you really can't go wrong with any of the steaks there. They also have alternatives such as chicken and lobster if you or anyone you are with are not a steak person. Also, make sure you save room for dessert because they have a small but delicious dessert menu that you need to check when you go!

As for the atmosphere... perfect. You can go there for almost any occasion. If you want to go out on a romantic date or a business meeting. They also have private dining available for banquets and private parties.

So if you are looking for a great steak restaurant in Indianapolis, you should check out Moe's... A Place for Steaks. It is located at 47 South Pennsylvania Street.

Hope you are getting ready for the holidays and not getting overwhelmed!  Just wanted to let you know that Carrabba's is proudly offering Mini Desserts this season.   Mini desserts are a huge trend this year, and they are a great addition to any holiday celebration that wants to sport some forward food fashion. Carrabba's "Bacino" (little kisses) are small guilt-free versions of our favorite desserts that allow guests to enjoy a few bites of something they love, or share several different flavors with friends and family. With mini portions come mini price tags - you can get any "Bacino" for only $2.25, and take home the glass for only $1 more.

Mini desserts are also great to make at home for holiday parties. If any of your readers want to make them from scratch, I've provided our Carrabba's Mini Cannoli Recipe and details on our mini desserts (including a picture) below.

Bacino - "Little Kisses"

That's just what Carrabba's mini desserts are like; sweet, bite-sized versions of our favorite desserts, made fresh daily.

We know that many guests crave a taste of something sweet at the end of their meal. When large parties dine with us, guests like to order several full-sized desserts and share with the entire table. We discovered that guests wanted that same experience even when dining in a smaller group. Our mini desserts allow guests to enjoy a few bites of something they love, or share several different flavors with friends and family.  Either way, mini desserts are a fun way for guests to end their dinning experience on a sweet note.

Examples of mini desserts featured on the Carrabba's menu are Zabaglione, Tiramisu, Mini Cannoli, Chocolate Coconut Mousse and Chocolate Espresso Mousse. Other mini desserts will be available at varying times.  If you are doing any reader contests, I'd be happy to provide you with Mini Dessert coupons so they can try out the desserts.

Visit www.carrabbas.com to find your closest Carrabba's location.

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.

96th Street Steakburgers
4715 E 96th St
Indianapolis IN 46240
(317) 844-6351

I guess I thought that Steak &  Shake would have a trademark on the name "Steakburger" but apparently this place is using it with impunity. Whatever you call it, this is one restaurant that is deserving of the rank "best burger in Indianapolis".   I know it's not democratic, but just the opinion of one blogger who happens to write restaurant reviews Indianapolis.

In spite of the name, this is no steak restaurant.   96th St. serves only great hamburgers, fries and cookies (and grilled cheese...I'm seriously going to start a blog just on the best grilled cheese in Indianapolis)  This is a fast food Indianapolis style:  Burger, Double Burger and for those of us on Atkins...a lettuce wrap hamburger.

I'll continue my quest for the best burger in Indianapolis for my Indianapolis Restaurant Reviews. If you have any ideas, please drop me a line  chris@compenidumblogware.com

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.

Five Guys
2902 W 86th St
Indianapolis IN 46268
(317) 876-0811

Any credible blog seeking the best restaurant Indianapolis has to have a special place for the best hamburger in Indy right?   I love burgers and am constantly soliciting recommendations.   Well this one: Five Guys is a great new addition to my Indianapolis menu guide.

Now keep in mind, Five Guys is a chain but it's also a really good burger, not your usual fast food Indianapolis joint.  The menu has only three things Hamburgers, Hot Dogs and Fries.   In those catagories Five Guys streaches a little including Kosher Style, Bacon, Cheese for the Dogs,  Five Guys Style or Cajun for the fries (cooked in pure peanut oil)  The claim to fame on the hamburgers is the choice of any or all 15 toppings...all no extra charge.

If your date is a vegitarian, they do have an option of a veggie sandwich using any of the burger toppings and a grilled cheese sandwich...hmmm  Maybe I'll start a quest fo the best Grilled Cheese in Indianpolis next....

If you want to put in a restaurant review indianpolis post, just hit me with an email.  chris@compendiumblogware.com

(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.

Linnie's Pastry Shop and Deli
115 S. Harrison
Shelbyville IN 46176
Phone: 317.398.7525

Any blog focused on the topic of local restaurants Indianapolis has got to include some of the surrounding small town.  So hat's off to Linnie’s Pastry which won national fame during the most recent elections for a clever promotion where they scooped other Indianapolis Bakeries by creating and tracking sugar cookie sales in the shape of either democratic donkey’s or Republican Elephants.

Only a small town bakery could pull this off.   By the way, these cookies were good!  For $1.99 they had thick buttercream icing in blue and red. As of election day morning, Linnie’s Bakery and Deli had sold 740 donkeys and 659 elephants.  That’s a sweet $3,000 bump for clever owners Bill and Diane Moore.

Linnie's isn't just a great bakery, It's also belongs in the family restaurant Indianapolis category. it's got fast food, hamburgers and is a terrific delicatessen.  I think Shelby is one of the prettiest small towns near Indianapolis and it's really hard to find a good, old fashioned bakery anywhere any more.   You might wonder why I would include Linnie's as part of a Restaruant Reviews Indianapolis blog, well...there are just not enough Indianapolis bakeries to talk about any more and this one is worth the drive and deserves mention in my Indianapolis Dining blog.