Three Latest and Best

The Salty, Fried, Bar Snacks Edition

Crab Cakes at Ruth's Chris: These luscious, moist little delicacies are one of the best items on the Ruth's Chris new bar menu. Look for most plates to range from $8-10 and their new dishes make for a nice change from the standard appetizers. Don't forget the deliciously snacky chips standard at the bar (and better than Capital Grille's.)

Mini-BBQ at Weber Grill: Sure, the bun was a little dry, but the pulled pork was luscious on this $2 mini. Choose from brisket, chicken, or pulled pork. Comes with a small pot of their weirdly sweet beans and a giant pickle spear.

Onion Rings from Capitol Grille: While I always regret not getting a full order of the lobster mac-n-cheese for myself, the onion rings were equally fine. Well battered, perfectly crispy, and served in a tidy, paper cone. Not a bad choice at all for a bar snack in a steakhouse.

Two Minute Warning: In the seemed-like-a-good-idea-at-the-time category, there's the super cheap McCormick and Schmick's bar menu. Let me just spare you the disappointment. Skip it. Skip it all. Skip the smells-fishy-from-a-mile-away crab dip and the dry-as-sawdust mini crab cake "bites". Skip the smell-the-grease-across-the-room wings. All for $1.95. Seem too good to be true? It is.

The Best Summer Cocktails -- Part I

The search for the best summer cocktails is on. What are they and where to find them? Earlier this week, newsgoddess Kate Shepherd and I set out to see what downtown bars could put their money where their liquor was. We saved a few popular spots for Part II (including venerable favorite Palomino). Look for them in the next few weeks!

First Place -- The Stoli Doli at Capital Grille. I was a little skeptical. Isn't pineapple infused vodka so Sullivan's five years ago? But at Kate's recommendation, we stopped in to give this perfect summer cocktail a try. Light, fruity, just sweet enough, and served straight up in a martini glass, this one was a winner. (Kate's comment: "sneaks up on you." More than one or two will make you "tipsy beyond belief.") $11.95.

Runners Up: There's a fine line between a summer cocktail and a fruity martini list, but most of these sweet treats fall firmly on the summer cocktail end of the spectrum.

Arnold Swartzenegger: McCormick and Schmick's take on the Arnold Palmer but with Ruby Red Absolute, Level 1 vodka and fresh squeezed orange juice, $7.50. Kate: "nice blend of lemon and sweet" RW: "all fresh squeezed. Love the grapefruit."

Basil Grape Refresher: Also from McCormick and Schmick with muddled basil, white grapes, vodka, lime, and ginger ale, $7.00 This one has potential if you like herb infused drinks. RW: "Gingerale makes this super sweet, maybe too sweet" Kate: "A bit too herb-y for me. Refreshing but way too much basil."

Worth A Try:

White Mango (left) and Citrus Mango Heat with a jalapeno garnish

Citrus Mango Heat (McCormick and Schmick) with jalapenos and soda, but not sweet or mango-y. Lots of pepper heat/kick, $8.50."Light, refreshing with a kick, pepper cuts the alcohol" "If you're looking for mango drink, keep looking." "soda fizz and slight heat of the pepper are really unique"

Lemoncello Sangria (Weber Grill). Tempted by rumors of their sangria, we decided to give this white sangria with lemoncello a try, $7.50. "good zesty blend of lemon and wine"

Mojito (Capitol Grille), $12.00. The bartender said they had one so we thought we'd give it a try. It was...um...slightly strange. Good, topped up with Mumm, but strange. "Not for the traditionalist" "Would be good on a hot day" "Lime, mint, and champagne, good but odd."

Pomegranate Mandarin Sangria (Weber Grill) Anyone order a Kool-Aid? This super-sweet red sangria was too cheesy for me. The cruncy diced apples on top were nice, though. $7.50

White Mango (McCormick and Schmick) This super sweet cocktail seemed like basic mango puree and vodka. Too sweet and sticky, even for summer. $8.50

Breakfast, Grits, and Forty-Five Degrees

Took a little bit of a break over the weekend but that doesn't mean I haven't been out and about. Here's a little bit top whet your appetite for the week:

A new menu at Meridian. The shrimp risotto is gone but don't panic. It's been replaced by shrimp and grits. Oh, comfort food. My lips to my hips.

Mmm. Breakfast! It never occurred to me that Capital Grille would be open for breakfast. (They're in a hotel, duh.) But they have a few things I want to try including an eggs Benedict with lobster and hollandaise, a peppered filet hash, and what looks to be a fantastic Belgian waffle. Considering that there aren't a lot of good brunch options downtown, I've just added this one to my list.

Forty Five Opens? An ad in Nuvo touts FortyFive Degrees restaurant and lounge is opening 06/07/08. I haven't peeked in the windows lately, so I'll be curious to see how this new venture from the Blu Martini folks shakes out. (It's in the Beilouny building, a.k.a 757 Mass Ave, at the corner of College and Mass Ave.)

Devour Downtown Starts Today

Hey, kids, it's the summer version of Indianapolis restaurant week. Starting today and running through June 15, most of the restaurants downtown have $30 prix fixe menus. It's a great way to try something outside your budget, or get a great deal at a place that's one of your favorites. We did a little preview last week and here are a few tips:

Capital Grille: I still think the steakhouses offer some of the best deals for Devour Downtown. In most cases, you're getting an entree that would be $30 on its own plus an appetizer and full size dessert. Capitol Grille has a dry aged 10 oz Kona crusted sirloin that's pretty damned great. (Also look for their half roasted chicken, their 8 oz filet, and grilled salmon in a sweet citrus glaze ("Atlantic" farmed salmon, but what are you gonna do.) My tip for Capital Grille? Add the suggested wine pairings from Greg Van Winkle, their in-house wine guy. Just say yes to the Hess Collection Block 19 Cuvee from Mt. Veeder with the filet, the Terrazas Malbec Reserve Mendoza with the Kona-crusted sirloin, and the Iron Horse rose and the I'M Sonoma Chardonnay with the salmon and chicken respectively (or frankly, just on their own. I loved that I'M chard.)

The Oceanaire: Oceanaire's summer menu is always a treat and this one is no different. Ryan has a real talent for elaborate salads with fresh fruit, crunchy veg, and cured seafood. Look for a frissee salad with in house smoked or cured salmon, goat cheese, grapefruit and fennel and my recommendation for a main course, a scallop dish with mushrooms, bacon and a little "something" that turned out to be mint. They scale their dessert portions down for this menu which is smart since everybody gets one. Keep in mind that Oceanaire's menu may change -- over a two week period, they sometimes switch it up.

Other tips:

14 West: I love their pretzel bread and they'll have sangria by the pitcher if you want to sit outside.

Claddagh: Two eat at Claddagh for the $30 price with one appetizer to share, choice of shepherd's pie or fish and chips and a dessert to share.

J. Gumbo's: Mike Deweese may struggle with concepts, but the guy knows his beer. Beer fans will note this $30 menu includes beer pairings with each course. Elbow Room's menu also comes with a glass of house wine.

R Bistro: Regina's going old school with a brined, spiced BBQ pork loin, cornbread and cole slaw. That sounds so good to me right now.

Be sure to check out the full list of restaurants at the Devour Downtown website or make reservations via Opentable. Most of them have menus online with specials for restaurant week. Check out the menu at the Harrison room at the Columbia Club. It says call for reservations, so I'd say if you've been wanting to check it out, go for it!

Three Latest and Best

Comfort Food at Capital Grille: Met some friends for a casual supper at Capital Grille on Saturday night. Just what I needed -- comfort food on a cold and rainy night. I love you, lobster macaroni and cheese and truffle Parmesan French fries!

Best Roast Chicken Ever: Yes, it's true. I can make a foie gras au torchon but I can't roast a chicken. Good thing I have friends who take good care of me. Friday, it was a perfect supper with juicy moist chicken, crunchy, fresh Ceasar salad (loaded with anchovies, the best way) and a bottle of Paraduxx for dessert. (Bonus, breaded and fried giblets with onion confit -- liver and onions!)

Burger Love at MacNivens: Every once in a while, we all crave a great, greasy burger and mine of choice has always been the pounded-flat, peppery behemoth at MacNiven's. The secret? Fold it up in quarters and center it on the bun. Sometimes, I feel little dirty afterwards. (Oh, how can you be so wrong when you taste so right?)

Thanksgiving in Indianapolis: Eating Out

Just a few folks for Thanksgiving this year or simply don't want the hassle of cooking this year (or the leftovers?) For travelers and locals alike, eating out can be a great option. Haven't made plans yet? Here are some of the local restaurants open on Thursday and serving the classic turkey and dressing (or something close, at least.) As always, it's worth it to call the restaurant directly as reservations may be required, they may be booked, or they may have changed their hours or plans. Most of these restaurants have a traditional meal or buffet planned for a fixed price and some are offering limited other options or their full menus. Call ahead to find out what's for supper, especially if you have several folks in your party. Eating out is so popular that you'll be surprised more restaurants don't offer it! Thanks to Traci Cumbay for a few of these. Reservations for the rest are still available on opentable.com or by calling the restaurant directly.) (And a shout-out to Kate Shepherd who asked me to post on the topic!)

Conner Prairie offers a full traditional Thanksgiving buffet from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., $24.95, reservations required.

McCormick & Schmick's downtown is offering a traditional holiday menu along with its full menu. 12:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Capital Grille at the Conrad is offering traditional turkey for $40 as well as their full dinner menu.

Weber Grill is offering a grilled Thanksgiving feast, $28.95. Check out the menu.

Palamino is open all afternoon and into the evening. No word on a special menu.

Danielli at the Canterbury is offering seatings for Thursday. No word on the menu.

Maggiano's Little Italy on 82nd is open and offering a delicious-looking Thanksgiving treat available for eating in or ordering ahead for takeout. Details and menu on the website.

Kinkaid's Chophouse in Carmel is listed as open and accepting reservations. No word on their menu.

Ted's Montana Grill -- both locations offer a traditional meal as well as salmon and prime rib. 12:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., $30 for the turkey.

A Spate of Openings!

Petit Chou in Broad Ripple: While in Broad Ripple the other day, I noticed that Petit Chou, new outpost from the Cafe Patachou folks is coming right along. Look for it on Westfield next door to Midtown Grill serving breakfast and lunch with a European coffee shop flair. Expect parking to be an issue, but in Broad Ripple, when is it not? Scheduled opening is next week.

Harry and Izzy's is Open! No, I haven't been yet but early reports are it's good from the sandwiches right down to their signature St. Elmo's shrimp cocktail. Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, there will be plenty of chances to try it out.

Capitol Grill Opens Next Week: Capitol Grill, the new steakhouse chain opening at the Conrad, will do a soft open starting April 23 with invitation only dining. Look for them to be fully open to the public by the first of May.

L'Explorateur for Lunch: L'Explorateur will open for lunches beginning May 16. Look for their delightfully light but satisfying sandwhiches and treats. And enjoy their deck when the weather improves.

Wonderful Wine Bars: And look for one more opening later this year in the lofts at 25th and Delaware. In addition to a gourmet market, The Goose, rumor has it a wine bar will be opening to provide locals with a little light libation. We look forward to it!

Claus', Klemm's, Oh, that Brat Place: May 1 look for Claus' German Sausage and Meat (nee Klemm's) to reopen in their new location. Apparently, they always take April off, but this May 1, they're opening for the first time in Fountain Square on Shelby. No matter what you call them, I still call them good!

Monday Duke's Mixture

As if I didn't have enough to pass along over the weekend, here are a few more bits and pieces to get your through the early part of the week.

Ivy Tech Releases Plans for Campus Expansion: If you haven't seen the plans yet for the new buildings on the Ivy Tech campus at Meridian and Fall Creek Parkway, you've been missing out! When their growth spurt is over, they will have built out and moved into the old St. Vincent's hospital building, built a new building behind it on Capitol, and two new parking grarage/mixed-use buildings on Illinois. Plans went out to the neighborhood last week since they'll begin demolishing buildings attached to the St. Vincent's stucture this month. Kudos to them for keeping the original structure intact and demolishing the "modern" eyesores. Kudos also to their commitment to sod the space and green it up during the construction. Congratulations to Ivy Tech for their fantastic growth due to success of programs like their culinary arts program.

Wither Buggs? Over the weekend, I was on the canal and wondered what the Sam Hill was up with the opening of Bugg's Temple? My question didn't go unanswered long. Susan Guyette reports:

And Chuck Mack's Buggs Temple project on the Downtown Canal at 337 W. 1th St. is getting closer to completion. Owners are looking at a late May or June opening, according to Amanda Cravens. The project will include Cornerstone Coffee, Ritter's Frozen Custard and a restaurant that will feature chef Brad Gates in the kitchen.

Well, that's what they were saying *last* year, so we'll see if they actually make it. Even May or June will be late for the summer canal traffic season.

Capital Grille Cometh: Speaking of an on-time opening, Capital Grille, opening in the former Restaruant du Soliel space at the Conrad touts May 2007 on their front windows. Sounds like they'll make it with training openings beginning later this month. Guyett reports the official opening day is April 30.

The Scoop on Caterers: If you want all the information you could every need on caterers, look no further than this week's issue of the IBJ. They feature Indianpolis' largest independent caterers in their Forcu list. The top 10?

1. Crystal Catering, Carmel ($22 million last year)
2. Kahn's Katering, Carmel ($7.4 million last year)

3. Ritz Charles, Carmel ($5.9 million)

4. Indy Anna's Catering , Indianapolis, ($4.7 million)

5. Thomas Caterers of Distinction, Indianapolis ($3.8 million)

6. MBP Distinctive Catering, Indianapolis ($3.1 million)

7. Hoaglin Fine Catering, Indianapolis ($2.6 million)

8. Execudine Corporate Catering, Zionsville ($2.0 million)
9. Jonathan Byrd's Catering, Greenwood ($2.0 million)

10. Malone's Catering, Indianapolis ($1.8 million)

Many of the above caterers provide higher end fare while Malone's specializes in fried chicken, ribs, pork, and fish in classic BBQ style. Sahm's was the top restaurant caterer weighing in at number 12 with Primo right behind at 13, and Qdoba Mexican Grill at number 16. The IMA has recently added Kahn's and Ritz Charles as two additional options for events at the museum in addition to Puck's which didn't appear on the list.

Buh bye Du Soleil; Hello Capital Grille

Word on the street is that The Conrad is finally putting both its restaurants out of their misery. We hear that Hilton corporate has agreed to lease the space for both Vitesse and Resataurant Du Soleil to Atlanta-based RARE Hospitality Intl, owners of The Capital Grille line of steakhouses. (Note that's "capital" as in "What a capital idea to make our restaurants profitable" as opposed to "Look, the Capitol is right over there.") No word on food and beverage for the rest of the hotel. I assume they'll keep hotel staff in place to handle events and catering.

The Capital Grille is a high-end steakhouse featuring 5000 wines and rated favorably by Wine Spectator and food guides such as Zagat's. They have around 25 restaurants in the chain with heavy saturation in south Florida, the northeast corridor, and even the Chicago area.

In the past week, I've had a lot of emails and dinner discussions with folks demanding we protest and blanket hotel developer Kite and corporate parent Hilton with letters. But, hey, how much space have I devoted here to how awful the Conrad restaurants are after all the hype? While I think independent restaurants are great, I've also made no secret about the fact that I think smart, successful independent restaurateurs have to pursue excellence. And sometimes chains can get the job done better. Would anyone really want Du Soleil to stick around when they've had execution problems, service problems, and even a question that Indianapolis will support a pricey French bistro downtown? Hotel restaurants are already a tough game to run -- and even tougher in a downtown like ours so heavily saturated with convention hotels and stand-alone restaurants. There are two things restaurateurs know about Indianapolis: It's a steakhouse town, and it's a perfect spot for smaller, high end chains. (If you don't think chains work, try getting a table at Fleming's on a weekend.) Restaurants are business and sentimental favorites don't make good business sense. What does make good sense is for Hilton to find an good, solid restaurant company to take over operations of their eateries.

I'd love to hear other opinions on this, so please feel free to post. But also check out The Capital Grille's website and while you're watching the elegant flash animation, remember that Du Soleil and Vitesse never even *had* websites of their own let alone updated menus and wine lists.