Indy's Own $20 Burger

Every city's got a $20 burger and these days, Indy's no different. While I'm a bit partial to the Kobe burger on game day at Ruth's Chris, these days, Morton's is where you're more likely to find a luscious chunk of grilled USDA Prime sirloin on a bun. The best part? $5 of this $19.78 burger-and-fries goes to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. And why $19.78? It's all part of the venerable steakhouse chain's 30th birthday celebration. Available every Sunday through September.

Morton's Recipe Contest

Think you've got a great steakhouse recipe? Enter it in the Morton's Guest Prime Recipe Contest and win a spot in Morton's next cookbook. (Random House will publish in 2009.) The winner gets a trip to Chicago and dinner with Klause Fritsch, co-founder of the chain with Arnie Morton 30 years ago. Entry forms and instructions online. Deadline is June 2.

Three Latest and Best -- All Cocktail Edition

Hey, kids! Think I've sidestepped my cocktailing ways? Think again! Ahoy!

My Favorite Bar Dinner: or even better, Best Salad Ever at Mo's, A Place for Steaks. Oh, dear wedge salad. I'd forgotten how much I love you. Your crisp iceberg head, your crunchy bacon, your red tomatoes. Oh, you provide me with my entire days serving of vegetables all covered with thousand island dressing. And blue cheese. (We decided Thousand Island needs a new moniker -- something to keep up with inflation, maybe "Million Dollar." )

Vodka and Caviar at Morton's: Whether it was the new martinis or the excellent company, we had a great time at Morton's Vodka and Caviar night. We previewed some of the new cockatils -- they follow a much more traditional "martini" line so don't look for sticky sweet "girly-tinis" but subtle flavors that let the vodka shine. And enjoyed loads of smoked salmon, tuna tartare, and Petrossian caviar. (What, you people thought that open tin was just sitting out for decoration? We dug in!) My favorites? The lemon thyme martini and the lightly flavored raspberry with fresh fruit with an honorable mention to the cucumber with the salt and pepper rim.

And Then On To...: I'd forgotten what a great party drinks list they had at Nicky Blaine's -- along with a much better cigar list than I remember. Bellied up to the bar and chose a couple of really sweet, fruity, cherry/cranberry/vodka/liquor drinks that were tasty but completely inappropriate for the cigar I was smoking. But I didn't care. Girly-tinis at Nicky Blaine's are the cocktail version of comfort food.

Morton's Vodka and Caviar tasting

Here's an event I think I actually want to attend -- *if* Morton's has learned some lessons. They're advertising a vodka and caviar tasting, which sounds appealing, Thursday, April 3, 6-7:30 p.m. Here's the deal: It's really an Imperia Vodka tasting and only one of the four pairs is caviar. And hopefully, the "Mortini's" are better than the round of fruity frothy drinks they launched last year. I suspect they are as they seem a bit more basic. And, I have to suspect Morton's has learned their lesson after last summer's event where too many people were crammed into a small space and spent the entire time waiting in line for a cocktail. This could be interesting. $45 per person.

Menu:

Imperia Martini -- Petrossian Caviar
Russian Raspberry Martini -- Sliced Smoked Salmon
Thyme Lemon Drop Martini -- Tuna Tartare Canapes
Cucumber Martini -- Sliced Tenderloin on Crostini

Three Latest and Best

Crepes, Brioche and Nutella: Petit Chou has quickly taken over as my favorite brunch spot in town, not only because of their perfect Broad Ripple location, but also because I love their menu! The crepes win me over every time. My latest favorites? Eggs, sunny side up in a crepe with Gruyere and brioche toast with nutella. This time of year, take your sunglasses and enjoy the patio.

Butternut Maple Soup at Oakley's: It's ba-aaack! If you haven't tried this sublime annual treat at Oakley's Bistro, where have you been? It's one of the single best things about fall in Indianapolis. And don't forget they sell it by the quart if you're already planning for Thanksgiving. (Shout out to the fabulous Lisa Cunningham.)

Dinner at Morton's: What is it about Morton's? Why don't I go more often? Is it the funky street entrance? The pokey stairs? The often absent or inattentive hostess/greeter? No matter. Even with the uninspiring entryway, I've always have a great time especially in their small private board room and warm, clubby bar (with those funky and wonderful art deco carved bar chairs). Unsurprisingly, a recent dinner was no different. After a fantasic meal with great company, I was reminded again that this often overlooked downtown steakhouse has a lot to offer. We enjoyed the standard fare -- great steaks and steakhouse favorites -- but with some welcome additions. My favorites? An ultra-fresh tuna tartare starter with creme fraiche and avocado, a nice change from the standard seared tuna appetizer; a classic iceberg wedge salad with tomato and bacon but with a pleasant twist -- Thousand Island, a salad dressing I've always loved even though it's out of style; and along with roasted potatoes, mushrooms and spinach, and huge asparagus, I loved the perfectly crisp french fries. (They were added after the CEO interviewed servers in all 75 restaurants and asked about the most requested menu item Morton's didn't have.) Add, of course, the excellent Allen Brothers USDA Prime steaks (strips and fliets for most of us). It was all topped off with their polished deserts including a thick chocolate "velvet" cake and their signature key lime pie. I could live without the formal server presentation of plastic-wrapped plates showing steaks and fresh seafood (although I did like the live lobster swaying around), but it was a lovely meal all topped off with a fine 2003 Beringer Private Reserve cabernet. Look for their happy hour bar special -- free mini steak sandwiches from 5-7 p.m. weeknights.