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.

This week, we put trust in Mikey to choose where the Marketing Team here at Compendium went to lunch. You can check out Compendium Blogware’s website by Clicking Here.


A small Cuban restaurant on Market Street, next to the Capital building is where we spent our lunchtime today. The place is called Tata’s Cuban Cafe. If you are in the mood for some authentic Cuban, this is the place to go. The menu isn’t too confusing, with 12 dishes (6 sandwiches and 6 entrees), you won’t feel overwhelmed while looking through it. Megan and I both got the Sandwich Cubano El Quaso, which has some pork, ham, Swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles all in a conglomeration, joined by being hot pressed on a Cuban bun. Megan and I both agree that is was very good, but could have used more condiments. She said it was “perfectly pressed” and she would defiantly go back to get the same sandwich, but would also like to try the Shrimp Varadero. The other Meghan ordered the Pan con Bistec Santa Palabra which is a thin grilled top sirloin that is marinated in citrus juice along with an abundance of grilled onions, all on pressed bread. She thought it was a lot of food for a great price. She also said it was very good and it “Satisfied my Cuban craving.” However, it was a messy sandwich, with lots of onions but be prepared to use lots of napkins. Meghan also mentioned that the service was great, very nice and accommodating. Also, the sandwiches are much larger than you expect so come hungry, or be prepared to take some home with you for left-overs. Mickey however decided to get an entrée. He ordered the Arroz Amarillo cienfuego. It consisted of yellow rice, with some herbs and corn along with grilled chicken and sweet plantains. He said that he really liked it and it “whisked me away to another place.” Mickey also mentioned that “the rice tasted really good... and so did the chicken.” So apparently he enjoyed it. He also mentioned something about wanting to go there for his next birthday party. So interpret that as you wish.

About the atmosphere, Megan felt it was a quaint place to grab lunch but defiantly allow yourself an hour if you can. If you can’t they also do carry-out, so that might be another option if you are limited on time. They have a patio outside with a few tables and chairs that is a great place to enjoy the day and eat some Cuban food. I must warn you that if you want to sit and eat, you better get there a little before noon because once 12:15 hits, it will fill up quick and you might find yourself without a table. Also, if you like the aroma of Cuban food, that is great because you will be sporting a new scent of Cuban cuisine for the rest of the day. So if you want to check out Tata’s Cuban Café it is located at 137 West Market Street here in Indianapolis. If you want to check out their website Click Here.

Today we decided that the Marketing team here at Compendium Blogware needed to check out the City Market a few blocks down from us for lunch. If you want to check out Compendium’s website Click Here.

We originally went for some Greek food, but upon arrival we realized the cornucopia of merchants there. Meghan, Mikey, and I decided to check out this place called Las Senoritas instead of going with Greek (the other Megan stuck with her gut and got the Greek food). We each ordered something different to get a real feel for the place. Mikey went with the ‘Burrito Gigante’ which is a burrito with chicken, refried beans, some rice, and chips and salsa. He told me that it was great and, “It wasn’t life changing, but it made me briefly reflect on my life, ‘Wow I have this burrito in my life and only two blocks away.’” Meghan bought the ‘Lunch Special #1’ which was two tacos beans and rice (just a hint, don’t ask for steak in your taco because they only do that for burritos). I got the ‘Wild Burrito’ which is literally half chicken and half beef, kind of crazy… I know. It is one of those burritos that will fall apart when you try to pick it up and eat it, so defiantly grab a fork and napkins while you are waiting. The first few bites were beef, and then all of a sudden it was chicken on my fork. Very delicious and everything I dreamed it could be and more! As for the atmosphere of the City Market, in a word I would say, busy. There were several people there grabbing a quick bite to eat on their lunch break from work. Meghan actually said it was really cool and it was the kind of place you would see in like Seattle. As for price, it was pretty inexpensive for the food you get. However, make sure you bring your cash because it is only a cash only location.

As Megan who went with the Greek food, she came back with a Chicken Gryo. She said that it was a perfect proportion and they always seem to have fresh food. Also, the owner is always very friendly. She told me that the Tzatziki sauce is a little spicier than she remembered the chicken was a little dryer than she likes, but the pita was fresh and delicious and overall… she would go back again. As for the price, it is pretty reasonable for the proportions and would recommend it to anyone. There are several other places to check out at the City Market, so there might be more posts about this great place in Indianapolis!

The other day, my coworker Jennifer Buscher was telling me about a restaurant just north of Broad Ripple on Westfield Boulevard and 86th street. To read up on Jennifer’s business blog Click Here

 It is called Amalfi Ristorante Italiano. It is authentic Italian food made by an couple who moved to the United States from Italy. She said it was a high end restaurant with a romantic atmosphere. She also mentioned that would be good for a romantic night out for an anniversary or Valentine’s Day. Not some much of a place for a first date or a business meeting. The pasta dishes are phenomenal, but she highly recommended their lasagna, which is apparently the restaurants most popular dish. Also, she said there is a vast wine selection, which would probably be a good topper for that romantic evening you were looking for. As for price, she said it was “Not very expensive; but expensive.” From what I can guess, I think it means that it was cheaper than she was expecting. As for a rating from Jennifer, 5 out of 5. So go check it out.

While I was talking with colleague, Jenni Edwards, she started telling me about a place she had eaten at recently, and I felt I needed to share it with you. To check out Jenni Edwards' business blog Click Here.

Up on 82nd street there is a steak and sushi place called Sapporo.  It is a hibachi grill, where the cooks make your food right in front of you, which is always entertaining. Jenni told me the food was very good…the Miso soup is good because of the small portions that don’t overwhelm your meal. Their sushi is delicious as well, but what is phenomenal there is the Tempura Ice Cream! It’s a deep fried ice cream that is both hot and cold. If you do go there, I would highly recommend saving room for that dessert! As for the price, it is a little more than she expected. The atmosphere is great for almost any occasion, whether you are going with your family or just out to get a bit to eat and might even be a great place for a date. It was highly recommended overall and I am sure that anyone that goes would feel the same way. So if you’re in the mood for some Japanese cuisine here in Indianapolis…check out Sapporo!