Bits and Pieces

Turning the Conrad Around: Apparently there are more problems at the Conrad than just the terrible restaurants. Various local sources reported last week that the hotel's general manager and sales and marketing director are both stepping down in wake of operational problems and low occupancy rates since the hotel opened. Sounds like Hilton is trying to work some turnaround magic.

More Indianapolis Food? If you really want to do Indianapolis-themed food for your Super Bowl party, try these favorites: White Castle burgers, Wonder Bread, brats from the former Clem's, chocolate from Endangered Species Chocolate Company, and cupcakes from the Marsh bakery (or better yet Crawford's or Taylor's). You could even including Capriole goat cheese and Collins Caviar, both Indiana food producers. And Hoosier Beer Geek is giving readers a list of Indiana beers to choose from. Meanwhile, Scott over at The Hungry Hoosier has been test driving party versions of your favorites -- from mini-Sliders to this famous sugar creme pie I've heard so much about. (Finding myself now in possession of one of said pies, I'll report back.)

300 East Open for Business: For those curious about the status of 300 East, the new bar/restaurant/family eatery in the Julia Carson Government Center on Fall Creek Parkway, they were granted their liquor license last week. News reports at the time mentioned they were planning to be open for business by Super Bowl Sunday.

The Assembly is Back in Session: If you haven't noticed, there are a lot of suits downtown these days. Try hitting any major steakhouse or fine restaurant around 8:00 p.m. and you're likely to be caught up in a sea of legislators, lobbyists, and other various hangers on. I love this time of year!

An Fine Idea: I can't say who but at least one local chef is floating the idea of a neighborhood pub in and/or around the Fall Creek neighborhood area, maybe, say, around 25th and Delaware. Say, you know, just maybe.