Three Latest and Best

Had a good evening at the Diamond in the Rough Sale the other night and ran into quite a few of you I know. Only ordered three cases -- two of a rose prosecco that I suspect didn't last long and one of Villa Maria Sauv Blanc that's become a weeknight staple around my house. Consider it the beginning of "the season." On to three latest and best!

The Best Fish Tacos in Town? I may have to conduct a fish taco taste-off this winter, but the new front-runner is most definitely the fish tacos at Adobo Grill. Lightly breaded, tangy seasoning, and perfectly delicious. Also Scallop: My New Favorite Ceviche.

MacNiven's. Again: You know, this pub is nothing if not consistent. Popped in for a desperado dinner and beer on Friday night where the plain, Jane chicken sandwich hit the spot even though skipped the fat tire onion rings that I *love*. Even better -- met the owners while they were strategizing on new bar snacks. Word up: Deep Fried Sausage Nuggets.

Great Googely-Moogely, Neighbor: Wow, and wow again to a pal who delivered a bottle of premium Ron Zacapa Centenario 23 from Guatemala. It's the single malt of rum, and quite possibly, the best rum I've ever tasted. Thanks again!

Q: Where to Find Legal Absinthe in Indianapolis

A reader raised this question in a thread below, and it made me wonder. Lucid -- one of the four or so absinthes tested and determined legal last fall -- is readily available at better liquor stores. (I'm fairly sure I've seen it at Kahn's.) To refresh your memories, a New Orleans chemist found a way of testing for thujone, the chemical compound in wormwood thought to be harmful. Turns out most commericially made absinthe falls well within government guidelines and is legal after all. As the government tests and clears more of these liquor brands, we've seen a resurgence of absinthe in the marketplace (although I've yet to see anyone serving it the traditional way with a tall glass, ice cold water and sugar cube on a slotted absinthe spoon.) The four liquors tested and cleared by the government last fall were: Lucid, Green Moon from France, and two Swiss absinthes both made by Kubler.

Are there any others to try? Anyone? Anyone? Beuller?

Three Latest and Best

Wine List at Z's Oyster Bar: We went opening week knowing full well what we'd be getting ourselves into. Oysters had shell and the tableside service was awkward, but the nearly empty dining room next to a bleak Northside corporate lake held promises of larger crowds and warmer weather. However, one thing makes me want to come back -- the well-thought out and smart wine list. With nearly 40 well-priced by-the-glass selections (including a few old standbys but many more interesting newcomers) and wine flights sorted by pairing or varietal (say, with oysters or all Cabernets), there's lots to try here. We didn't eat a full dinner, so we owe the food another try, but in a city where once is enough with some new restaurants, Z's earned another try from me.

Goat Cheese Tarts at L'explorateur: You know those tiny tart molds that you see at Surly Table from time to time? Have you ever looked at those and said "What on *earth* would you use those for?" Well, here's an idea: pastry crust filled with melty goat cheese and topped with rich onion and garlic confit. Very French and perfect for snacks at a Beaujolais Nouveau release party.

Coffee Tequila and PAMA Liquor: Not together, but seperately these liquors are perfect to help usher in the winter holiday season. The coffee Patron? Sounds weird but tastes delicious especially in a coffee martini or shot with Godiva white chocolate. The PAMA pomegranate liquor is nearly perfect for drinking on its own -- on the rocks after dinner for a tangy, citrusy but sweet treat -- or in a martini. Another way to try? Dribbled over ice cream or an apple tart or even in champagne. A perfect bottle for the holidays.