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.

Thursday Tidbits

The Rumors Are True! Kahn's has Shiner Bock in stock. (It was moving pretty quickly yesterday, though.) Thanks to Chris from DIG-B for the pointer.

Bloomington Slow Food Has a Feast: Menu and details are online at My Plate or Yours about this Sunday's Slow Food Bloomington chef's dinner.

The New Guy at Ruth's Chris: The downtown location welcomes their new executive chef, James Mockerman, down from the Mishawaka location.

Three Latest and Best

A Little Ruth's Chris Love: Popped up to Ruth's Chris on the Northside Wednesday night to meet friends for cocktails and donate some money to their Hurricane Katrina relief fund. (I'm always happy to cocktail for charity.) Ran into old pals and new and had forgotten how much I love a simple bar dinner of lobster bisque and the chop salad. We accompanied it all with a really lovely Twomey Merlot. (Maybe this will be the year of Bordeaux.) A great time was had by all.

Best Snacks Ever: After my first really good training run this year, I found myself in a long committee meeting at the International Culinary School with Chef Marc Aquilara. The best part? Some of the best culinary school snacks I've had in a long time (and it wasn't just because I was starving, I swear!) Chicken skewers with a perfectly tangy Asian peanut sauce, phyllo tarts filled with corn salsa and avocado, and even a hint of spring with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil drizzled with a balsamic vinaigrette. Finished with squares of apple pie and caramel sauce and lemon/blueberry bars. Perfect.

Wines from the Table: I didn't take notes on the bottles at the wine auction dinner last week, but two stand out as favorites: The Cakebread Sauvignon Blanc -- crisp, dry, but not flat with just enough Semillon and Sauvignon Musque to make it interesting. Very elegant. Row Eleven Pinot -- fun, bold, very Cabernet-like with some spice. Looks like this winemaker sources grapes from the Santa Maria and Alexander Valleys which add to the bigness. Yum!

Karl Benko Leaving Peterson's

For a town this small, I was surprised the rumors didn't start earlier. Yes, it's true, Chef Karl Benko is leaving Peterson's to spend a year teaching, consulting, and learning. He announced it to his staff on Friday before service. He'll tentatively leave on March 1 after which he'll serve as a consultant to the restaurant.

What's next for Chef Benko? Karl is already an active consultant, teacher, and presenter for culinary groups like Star Chefs and Food University working with well-known chefs and food personalities around the country. This year, he'll be involved full time with Food University, hitting the road for a 15-city tour this spring as well as expanding his national consulting business. He's even planning a stage or two with some well-known chefs in Chicago and NYC. He and his wife, Carrie, plan to stay in Indianapolis and hope to remain here long term.

Karl and Carrie are dear friends and the best of people. From the US Culinary Olympics team to seminars at Food University, Karl has a long history of generously sharing his knowledge and love food and wine. I can hardly wait to hear about his new adventures. (Maybe there's a guest blogger spot in his future.)

Ch-ch-ch-changes: The Glass Chimney will serve its last steak Diane at the end of April. Chef Dieter Puska is retiring and the old school Carmel eatery will close April 26. He's also closing Deeters next door. Deeters and Gabes, Puska's restaurant at 86th and Ditch, closed 5 years ago. (Oakleys Bistro is in the space.) More from the IBJ.

Quitting the Night Job: Susan Brewer, bar manager extraordinaire at the downtown Ruth's Chris, celebrated her last day (night) with the restaurant last week. In her day job, Susan is an accomplished local artist with a studio at the Stutz Building and will be pursuing her art full time. (Good for her!) She will be missed.

Closed for Remodeling: Reports are trickling in from Zionsville that changes are in the works at Brix. They're currently closed for remodeling and a format change while ownership changes within the family. (Their website touts a new seafood raw bar.) They're targeting February for an opening date.

Late Lunch: Z's Oyster Bar is still in "soft launch" phase but we're hearing they have some marketing plans in the works for the Spring. In the meantime, they'll be opening for lunch later this week which could be a good way to try them in the daylight.

Devour Downtown WinterFest Preview

Last week, a few of us did a pre-Devour Downtown tour to check out the prix fixe $30 three-course menus a few local chefs will serve starting January 21. A few dishes were impressive, a couple were disappointing, and many we know will be fantastic. Based on what we've tasted so far, what the chefs have to say, and who we know will deliver, here are a few of my recommendations for restaurant week:

Greek Islands: This South Meridian family owned restaurant (just south of Shapiro's) has long been a favorite among locals who know Greek food. And if you're wondering what $30 a person will get you in a restaurant where regular prices aren't that high, we got your answer: A feast! Not only was everything here wonderful -- from the saganaki (flaming cheese) and florinis (feta stuffed roasted red peppers with olives) to the housemade baklava and galactobouriko (custard with phyllo crust), but it was also plentiful. The Devour Downtown menu includes the lemony orzo soup (avgolemono) or salad, salmon and vegetables smothered in a creamy dill sauce, and dessert. Plus, this restaurant also features the most extensive list of Greek wines I've ever seen. Opa!

R Bistro: We stopped in for a chat with Chef Regina Mehallick tasting a delicious arugula salad with creamy French feta, pears, and pomegranate and a near-perfect apple cranberry crisp in cream as a preview to her menu this week. (She opens on Weds.) But the real star of the show will be the sauerbraten -- which is probably marinating as you read this. Working with Clause Muth to get the cut of beef shoulder just right, she's put together a traditional combination of juniper berry and cloves and will serve the finished product with spaetzle and root vegetables. (Her coq au vin last winter for this menu was lucscious, so I know she can pull it off.) If you like R Bistro and want to try a similar style of fine dining for Devour Downtown, don't forget Elements just a few blocks away. Chef Greg Hardesty typically does a lovely menu and it's a great way to enjoy a fine meal with good wine and not break the bank.

A Few Others Place of Note:

** Best Deal -- Ruth's Chris: We didn't preview this one, but I know from past years, Ruth's Chris has one of the best value Devour Downtown menus going. It's typically a salad or soup, a small filet, and dessert -- a *steal* for $30 a person.

** Best Night Out -- The Oceanaire: Several lower-key food loving friends have told me their choice for restaurant week is The Oceanaire. (A few even have big nights out planned.) The $30 menu looks delicious. (I've seen it around here somewhere, but don't recall what's on it particularly, but just that it looked good.) And for $30 a person, you can even still afford a dozen oysters to share.

** On My Personal "To Try" List: 14 West, Capitol Grille

** Don't Overlook: SheBi Street Cafe and Bistro in Fountain Square (always a well-executed treat), Elbow Room (another possible feast), and 6 Restaurant and Lounge (Chef Tyler Herald does great food).

Check out the Devour Downtown Winterfest website for the full list of participating restaurants. Check websites or opentable.com for reservations. Devour Downtown runs through Feb 2, 2008. And check in here and tell us what you've had so far and what you think!

Three Latest and Best

Even with the heat, what's best about this time of year? The long evenings where everyone seems ready to cram in the best of summer the week before the kids go back to school. Most of us think of August as "the hot month", but even the weather seemed to take a back seat in the past few days as we enjoy the best the sunsets have to offer. Welcome to Three Latest and Best: Long Summer Nights edition.

Dinner at Ruth's Chris: What do I love most about being a grown up? Nights like four of us had on Saturday when an impromptu dinner (after a day at the pool) turned into a leisurely supper of cocktails, snacks, steaks, and fine wine. The filets were great (all ordered differently prepared -- hint: get the roasted sweet peppers), the mashed potatoes hit the spot, and the noble bread pudding that arrived swimming in sauce was the perfect end. The wine? A 2004 Caymus Cabernet -- Napa cab goodness.

Bread from Jungle Jim's: The weekend found me in Cincinnati for a quick commando raid on Jungle Jim's. (We didn't have much time.) It seems like I try something new every time I go there and this was the first time we'd raided the bakery. And oh, what a raid it was! The bread was so delicious looking, we opened it in the car! The best? The olive rosemary and the cheddar jalapeno. Tip -- have them slice it for you fresh before they bag your loaf.

Sunday Night at Bella Vita: I'm not a regular at Bella Vita by any means, but as far as restaurants on lakes go, this one can be pretty darn good. The food? Expensive but edible. The service? Surprisingly efficient although it wasn't crowded. And the deck? Perfectly suited for watching the comings and goings of life on Geist. It was pleasantly uncrowded which we attributed to weather, school starting, and the algae scare, but we enjoyed it immensely! Say what you will about the bars and "beach" (and those oh-so-tacky neon lighted palm trees), but we had a blast. (Yes, I did play corn hole. Try not to faint.) Here's a special shout-out to Jim Arnold and his lovely wife (and their entire party) who looked terrific in their summer whites! After dinner, we piled back in the boat and headed out to the lake to watch the spectacular sunset. Hail to long summer nights!

Three Latest and Best

Hey, kids, I know I've been scarce around here lately but it's not been for a lack of food coverage. It's been because of too much! I'll be able to say more later, but in the meantime, here's my version of simplicity, the summer three latest and best!

Coconut Shrimp at Ruth's Chris: Shrimp at a steakhouse you say? Well, hey, I love happy hour menus. My current fave comes crispy and sweet with orange marmalade. Mmmmm.

The Bitch is Back: Sure, I broke up with Pizza Hut for a while miffed over my lost order, but when a relationship is that good, you just can't stay way. You, yes you, thin crust, you are my true romance.

Steak at a Kitchen Table: In my recent travels (or travails, whichever you prefer), I've been lucky enough to be welcomed into the home of some of the best beef producers in the state. I've had some fantastic steaks but I have to give special props to Diana Fischer, wife of Dave Fischer of Fischer Farms. (Fischer is arguably the state's top small producer of natural, corn-finished beef served locally at The Oceanaire and Elements.) Diana made us the most simple and delicious lunch this week and it was one of the best steaks I've had in a year. So good and cooked so perfectly that the back of my mouth is watering again as I type. I couldn't leave her out of this week's Three Latest and Best.

Two-Minute Warning: Dear Harry and Izzy's, I know we didn't go out very many times -- three or four dates, but it's time to decide whether or not to take our relationship to the next level. Frankly, I'm just not that interested. I never really felt like you were trying to make an effort to win me over. Maybe you did really try, but the honest truth? You're boring. Sorry, there, I said it. Your food is merely average and your bar scene is dull. You can say it's me and maybe it is. I'm a party girl who just likes to relax with a good meal sometimes and not get charged extra when your bartender offers to put pomegranate in my cocktail. But your food doesn't excite me and I need to be excited. I'm sure you won't be at any loss for other regular girlfriends. I wish you the best of luck, but I think I'm over you. Maybe we can just be friends. Call me for drinks sometime. I'll be at Mo's.

Three Latest and Best

Whoa, doggie, have I been in the bunker! Haven't left the house except to run or bike ride for the past few days and am glued to my desk chair for a little while more. (Which, of course, does nothing to improve the shape of my behind!) Good thing I foraged at the grocery store last week or I'd have been starved out. In the meantime, it was tough, but I managed to cobble together an odd -- but strangely satisfying -- Three Latest and Best:

14 West, Art, and the Fabulous Susan Brewer: I escaped from the office briefly on Friday night to enjoy the yearly Stutz Artists Open House. The trick to enjoying this nuttily crowded event is to go early and stay ahead of the big crowds. Plus, when you go early, most of the artists have food! We saw lots of great art, met many terrific artists, and enjoyed a lot of Charles Shaw. But the standout in not only the art scene but also the food was Susan Brewer. You may know her as one of the best bartenders in town at Ruth's Chris downtown. But we know her for her day job -- artist extraordinaire. 14 West executive chef Brandon Hamilton personally served his smoked salmon canapes and spring rolls with acai berry sauce to the crowd enjoying the beautiful abstract paintings in Susan's studio. And there were more than a few Ruth's regulars hanging around just to make Susan feel right at home!

My New Favorite Food: Yes, I'm an advertising target. If it's the latest, newest thing, I'll usually try it at least once. But my new favorite treat? Edy's ice cream Dibbs. They're ice cream nuggets! Covered in chocolate! In a tub! Both in vanilla and chocolate. Why didn't anyone think of this before.

Sambusas, Goat, and Strawberry-Watermelon Smoothies: Due for a little catch up with Mr. Kirts, we ventured last week onto West Washington street, one of the most interesting areas in town. While we mainly think of it for Mexican food, this time we were in search of Somali and East African and we found some cafe gems. You'll see more in next week's Nuvo, but the goat (Halal killed from a farm in Greenwood) was unbelievably fresh and well cooked, the fried meat pies were incredible, and we discovered that watermelon really does a fruit drink justice, especially when mixed with strawberry and banana. Look for specifics including names and locations in his article.

Three Latest and Best

Dessert at The Chef's Academy: What a great turnout for this week's Dine magazine event at The Chef's Academy. Along with lovely summer prosecco, we snacked on treats prepared by Chef Tony Hanslits' students including house-cured salmon, chorizo in pastry, and all the fabulous finds in the dessert room! And hey, if you want to learn to cook, check out their new cooking classes starting this summer. (More to come on those.)

Steak Sandwich Minis at Ruth's Chris: While you're out enjoying the fireman in town this week, don't forget to check out the new bar menu at Ruth's Chris downtown. Along with new snacks including coconut shrimp, try the mini filet sandwiches with juicy fresh tomatoes and perfectly tender steak slices. And, the best part? The bar menu is half price between 4 and 6 p.m.

Tuna Salad at The Pub: Just like I make it at home, mayonnaise-y and with sweet pickle relish. It was so gooey I had to eat it with a fork. Served with a thick slick of tomato and a leaf of lettuce on a toasted bun it was little kids lunch at home in the summer complete with Ruffles on the side. Welcome back to this Mass Ave standard. Simple but good for the start of summer.

Three Latest and Best

Best Kept Secret in Broad Ripple: Finally popped in to the fabulous little Cork and Cracker on Broad Ripple Ave near Marsh. The owners are enthusiastic, knowledgeable about wine, and carry just enough little gourmet tidbits to make putting together a quick snack easy. Their difference? All their wines are under $15 grouped by flavor profile and I didn't see a dud in the bunch. Delicious! Also, don't forget about the dukkah (African spiced nut mix served with olive oil and bread) and the Sticky Toffee Pudding -- both exclusives this gem of a store is known for.

Kobe, Kobe! KOBE! My favorite part of playoff frenzy? The special Kobe beef game day burger at Ruth's Chris on Sunday! Additionally, look for their special Kobe fillet which has been making regular menu appearances.

Getting Drunk at the Movies: Can I say how much I love the Landmark Art Cinema at Keystone at the Crossing? Best part aside from the great movies? Bringing beer and cocktails in from the Cinema Lounge. This is an idea whose time has come.

Two-Minute Warning: I've recently been in search of great felafel and based on recommendations I'd received from friends, I headed over to try Fountain Square's Luxor. I'd heard of a legendary lunch buffet with great felafel at this place that bills itself as specializing in Italian, Greek, and Egyptian food (which might be a problem right there.) While I wouldn't call the lunch buffet legendary, it's fine if you're in the mood for something light -- Greek salad, hummus, a pasta, chicken, and maybe pita and gyro meat. But if you're looking for something more substantial for your $8.50, you probably won't be happy here. While the hummus was grand, the salad dressing was oily, the tzatzici too bland, and the pita cracker crispy. And, unlike what I'd heard, there was no felafel. (Insert sad face here.) I haven't completely written them off, but it's going to be hard to go back when I know Santorini's is just around the corner. In the meantime, I'm still in search of a great felafel. (If you know of one, let me know!)

Three Latest and Best

Kobe Beef Burger at Ruth's Chris: Nothing says Colts game day like a great steakhouse burger. And nothing could be better than the Kobe beef burger at Ruth's Chris on the game day menu. It comes served with my favorite crispy shoestring fries. Paired with an excellent glass of cabernet, it's just perfect. (As is their bar during the game, I might add -- uncrowded, warm, great service, and with good television coverage of the action just two blocks away.)

Salads at Oakleys: Yes, it was raining, and yes, I went in for soup, but I couldn't resist the salad. Every one looked fantasic -- bibb, romaine, olives, pine nuts, candied pecans, buttermilk dressings, mustard vinaigrettes. And three words, people: Goat Cheese Foundue.

Roast Chicken and Wine at L'Explorateur: There is at least one nationally known chef who interviews job candidates simply by asking them to roast a chicken. It's harder to do than you think which is why everone raved over the simple but incredble roast chicken at L'Exploratuer. Neal Brown (and the fabulous Lindy) hosted an Indianapolis food and wine who's who for their beaujolais nouveau release party on Thursday. My favorite? The wild boar sausage with parsnip marmelade. We defininately need more wine holidays!

Three Latest and Best

Ginger Crusted Salmon at Oakley's Bistro: Get the to Oakleys. Get thee to the ginger crusted salmon with mashed potatoes, bok choy, and shrimp dumplings (fried crispy like wontons!) topped with a spicy tomato glaze and daikon radish. That is all.

Shortbread at Plum's Upper Room: This new Zionsville eatery is a cozy, warm spot upstairs over the quaint old town main street. With a wide array of coffees and pastries, they also feature wine in a "wine bar" atmosphere later in the day. My favorite? The cranberry, macadamia nut shortbread. Not too dry and very flavorful, even though it was shaped like a big cookie instead of the traditional shortbread round.

Shoestring Potatoes at Ruth's Chris: For some odd reason, lately I've been craving french fries -- with everything. So, it was natural and good that last week, while ordering my regular bar dinner at Ruth's Chris, I decided to forgo the ahi tuna and order a huge plate of their perfect shoestring fries. Tiny, thin, just crispy and served with housemade ketchup. How can they be so wrong when taste so right?