Suddenly Shuttered -- Pikk's Tavern

Some will notice the recently opened Pikk's Tavern in the former Adobo Grill space is already shuttered for good. Folks from the DaVinci Restaurant Group who also own the Adobo Grills here and in Chicago as well as the Pikk's in Valpo, say it was a combination of economy and location. (Mabye Steve Oakley put a curse on that space when he left Something Different/Snax all those years ago.) No word on where the Frank (the chef) and Hans (the bar manager) will end up. Business appears to be picking up at Adobo Grill downtown -- and based on the number of familes with kids there last time I was in, sounds like going "non-smoking" was a good idea.

Update: Javier says: Gift Cards from Pikk's bought through Pikk's will be honored at any DaVinci restaurant. (Adobo Grill or Pikk's in Valparaiso.) Gift Cards bought through restaurant.com for Pikk's will only be good at the Adobo Grill in downtown Indy.

And speaking of shuttered...Looks like the Starbuck's closure's are finally happening. Saw boards over the windows at the Fall Creek and College location.

Openings, Closings, and Talking Turkey

**November 4, look for Tulip Noir to open at the Old Towne Shopping Center on west 86th. Owner Dina Romay-Sipe will specialize in breakfast, lunch and an extensive tea menu. Carlos Salazar, a former line cook at Oakely's Bistro, will run the kitchen. Get there Monday-Friday since they're not open weekends.

**Is the end near for Dunaway's? No official word yet, but I've heard the same rumors you have about the venerable south side landmark. Sounds like they've had a tough financial go in recent weeks. Sadly, they're not the only fine dining restaurant we hear is struggling with the downturn. Update: Owner Jeff Dunaway denies the rumors are true and says they are absolutely not closing.

**If you still haven't ordered your fresh, Thanksgiving turkey, the folks at Good Earth want me to remind you they are a source as well for ordering fresh, all-natural birds. More on your turkey options.

Pikk's Tavern Opens

With the Adobo move, opening two restaurants in a month is a tough task which is why DaVinci brought in the venerable Karl Benko to help get them stay on track. The team opened Pikk's Tavern, yesterday, with the help of chef Frank and Hans, the former bar manager of the late, lamented HotSchotz.

Tableside service is a signature for this restaurant group and the highlight? Shrimp cocktail -- by the shrimp -- then shaken in a really terrific housemade tartar sauce, a sweet Asian sauce or even a spicy cocktail sauce. Served tableside -- and probably one of the best things we tasted!

Pikk's jumps on the gastropub bandwagon with updated but still casual steakhouse classics in a lighter environment more suited for the casual family feel of the north side. We previewed the menu last week with old style oysters Rockefeller, Scotch eggs, blue-cheese stuffed mini-burgers, flatbread pizzas, and crusted steak.

The Indy location is the 2nd restaurant in a concept Da Vinci has had running in Valpairaso for some time. (Da Vinci also owns the Adobo Grill restaurants in Chicago and Indianapolis.)

Also, bonus, they pour the new Death's Door Gin, another artisan gin making an appearance at a few bars in town. They've changed the space adding dark wood and a few bookcases, but leaving lots of light and open seating. Booths will fill out the center of the main room. More pictures at Flickr.

Red Hawk Sighting!

Was running errands on the north side and popped by the new location of Cork and Cracker. Rob and Ashley have partnered with co-owner Heather (and her partner) for this new venture at Michigan Rd and 106th (practically next door to El Rodeo!) The shelves are a little bare compared to the gourmet tidbits and wine accessories at the Broad Ripple store, but the important stock is in! Wine, wine, everywhere. Expect the same great wine list with hard to find faves, high value names, and very little you'd find on the grocery store shelf -- all in the $12-20 range.

Even with a few bare shelves, the cheese case held the most important merchandise -- Mt. Tam, Pt. Reyes Blue, and one of my favorite all-time cheeses -- the Red Hawk. This triple cream cheddar (yes, you heard me right) will blow your mind. (And yes, I do know that our own Fons at Trader's Point Creamery had a hand in the making of my favorite gem.) There was only one left, but Heather says they'll be making regular orders from Cowgirl Creamery, so they hope to keep it in stock.

Clean Out the Refrigerator Friday

You know that stuff in the back of fridge? It's still good. Make a casserole or something. Or soup. Yes...soup sounds good!

*The northside Adobo Grill is still open until late-August. Official last day is August 31. Downtown is still on track to open Sept 10.

*Starting Saturday, August 17, J. Gumbo's will feature a Crawfish Boil on Saturday nights from 8-10 p.m. $30 per person all you can eat. (Must. Not. Say it...)

*Broad Ripple wine shop Cork and Cracker is on track for opening a northside store at 109th and Michigan Rd August 15. Look for a grand opening celebration in September.

Mo's Irish Pub: It's a hit!

Mo's Irish Pub co-owner Jeremiah Hammon reports the new venture at Saxony in Noblesville is a hit, such a hit that they've had to hire additional staff to accommodate the early success. Early budgets are out the window as early customer response has exceeded expectation. Mmm. Now I'm craving a big Reuben sandwich for lunch.

Preview: Mo's Irish Pub

Popped up to the new Saxony development in Noblesville last night for a pre-view service at Mo's Irish Pub, the latest venture from the Milwaukee/Indianapolis crew who brought us Mo's, A Place for Steaks and the third of their popular Irish pub concept. Owners and managers were putting servers -- and the kitchen -- through their paces last night in their first service -- with a planned opening on Friday at 11:00 a.m. I have to confess, I love to be a guinea pig. (I loved Escoffier at CIA for the same reason with the chef students often halting, stopping, and starting over on their formal presentations.) There's just something about being part of the overall process that makes me a forgiving, happy customer. But even on a regular night, I would have been happy with this place.

Decor is comfortable pub style with lots of dark wood, fireplaces, upholstered chairs and barstools imported from Ireland, and solid, bright colored walls. Somehow, it skips the forced "stone" feeling other Irish pubs seems to feel is important. Three main seating areas plus a large outdoor patio ensure this place should have room -- although in this neighborhood, I suspect it will fill up fast.

The menu, modified some from its sister restaurant, Mo's Irish Pub in Milwaukee, focuses on flavors that will keep customers coming back. Corned beef/sauerkraut/swiss cheese Reubens come in a variety of forms including quesadillas, sandwiches, and "shalaylees" stuffed egg roll style and sliced. Along with the traditional favorites -- corned beef and cabbage, burgers, and a salmon boxty, salads like a California-style Cobb and a classic Ceasar look appealing, too. The hit at our table was the triple grilled cheese with bacon, tomato and avocado and oven roasted tomato soup. Another soup -- a cream of mushroom with brie -- was rich but oh, so, good. Desserts were basic -- but good. An apple crisp topped with creamy vanilla ice cream, a giant chocolate chip cookie with chocolate dipping sauce and ice cream, as well as a rich but strong Bailey's cheesecake. Don't miss the signature Mo's bar service -- always excellent.

Chef Ken Arnone, the consulting chef for the Mo's family, will be in the kitchen for the rest of the week ensuring the staff is up to speed on his well-thought out menu. (Some of you will recognize his name as both a CMC and Chef Professor at CIA from '99 to '05.) Mo's will host a pre-opening benefit, open to the public, tonight from $6-midnight. $20 includes food and drinks with Dave and Rae. (Proceeds to Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Central Indiana.) After a ribbon cutting on Friday, they'll open for lunch with 5 After 5 playing Friday night and The Last Good Year on Saturday.

Mo's, A Place for Steaks regulars would know Johnny V. and Jeramiah, but might not know operating partner Randy Cramer. My prediction with this restaurant team, the location, the food, and space, I just can't see how these guys don't have a hit on their hands. I suspect they'll find a welcome audience between nearby Geist, Deer Creek, and Noblesville neighborhoods. Congratulations on a new venture!

More pictures of the interior and space at the Feed Me/Drink Me Flickr group.

Noblesville, Saxony, and Broad Ripple

Matteo's Gets Robbed; Catches Burgler! Matteo's in Noblesville was one of several businesses hit in a spree of break-ins last Monday night. But with the crafty surveillance video, police were able to arrest a suspect who, as it turns out, had been fired from Asian Grill and hit them as well. (Via Indychannel.com)

Mo's Irish Pub at Saxony: Mo's Irish Pub at Saxony, the next venture from the folks who own Mo's, A Place for Steaks, will open on schedule May 2. (VIP soft launch starts 4/30 with a private dinner, followed on May 1 by a a pre-opening benefit for Big Brothers Big Sisters, 6-10 p.m., $20 at the door.)

Brugge Expansion "On Schedule": Brugge Brasserie owner Ted Miller says they should be opening the new upstairs space expansion in May. (via DIG-B)

One More Time: Fast Food is Bad for You!

As if we needed another reason to skip the Burger King breakfast, the Burger King at 96th and Keystone was robbed this morning when the manager and employees arrived to open. The thief locked them in the freezer. After calling 911 police arrived and let them out. (via IndyChannel.com)

New Plans for Old Bahama Breeze Space

Early word is that the former Bahama Breeze building has been taken by a group of Chicago restaurateurs who'll bring out outpost of their already popular chic Japanese concept to Indy. Names are circulating (we've heard Miyagi but wouldn't bet the farm on it) and the savvy owners are betting that the northside will embrace something a little hip and upscale. All I can say is "welcome to the neighborhood!" No word yet on an opening date.

Whole Foods Bait and Switch

I spent a good deal of yesterday looking for items and ingredients all over town that I just couldn't find and it was frustrating. After several fruitless stops, I swung into Wild Oats to pick up some simple items which, of course, they didn't have. I appreciate that Wild Oats is a bastion of all natural, organic *stuff* but it irks me that I can't get a broader range of basics or gourmet tidbits there. I have accepted for a long time that Wild Oats is not a one-stop-shop, but it's especially frustrating when I can't even find the specialty items I'd expect them to have.

What really irks me is that their assimilation to becoming a very low level Whole Foods is almost complete and reports are there are no planned inventory changes to go along with the shiny new systems and signage. After a few years of operating the Wild Oats chain separately, Whole Foods as a corporation is, of course, folding the natural/organic chain into the rest of their business. But new grocery bags do not a Whole Foods make. Repeated inquiries to a variety of employees yield that they are not changing the inventory substantially at this particular store and will not be significantly expanding. So, the wide assortment of high end gourmet products, name brand basics, and huge natural/organic selection one can find at a Whole Foods market? Forget it. Next month, the Wild Oats sign will come down (reportedly) to be replaced by the Whole Foods moniker but it will still be the same crappy grocery store -- and decidedly *not* a Whole Foods. (Although, Wild Oats is living up to one part of the Whole Foods legacy -- the high prices and "Whole Paycheck" reputation.)

What about the *real* Whole Foods scheduled to open in Indianapolis later this year or early next? Don't hold your breath. As development deals change, scale back, and even fall through, it's safe to say the Whole Foods project on 86th street is in limbo. (Search on "Whole Foods" for the complete picture.)

For any of you who have ever patronized a Whole Foods on a regular basis, you'll understand my frustration. And sadly, I fear that too many people will see the sign and think "What's the big deal about a Whole Foods. Is this it?" Just know that while the sign may say "Whole Foods" soon at Wild Oats, it's a rotten bait and switch. We want our *real* Whole Foods.

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!

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.

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.

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!

Tuesday Tidbits

Lots of little things floating around in the food world these days -- new restaurants, chefs, books, news and more.

Another New Chef in Town! Congratulations to Carrie and Chef Karl Benko from Peterson's on their new baby boy -- Alexander Joseph weighing in a 7 lbs and 14 ounces. Welcome to the wide world! (There's a dry aging/wet aging joke in here somewhere, but I'm not sure where it is.)

Mad Cow in Northern Indiana? Four cases of death recently in Ft. Wayne were ruled regular Creutzfeld Jacob Disease, not the more rare new variant Creutzfeld Jacob Disease (nvCJD) reports the Indy Star. nvCJD is the a rare human form of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy or mad cow disease. Regular CJD is not directly related to nvCJD, an unusual variant caused by prions ingested from infected cattle.

Zoobilation on Friday: Shut out? Me, too! Zoobilation, Indy's most successful annual fundraiser, sold out in record time this year. Currently there are tickets on eBay -- from $700 for two full VIP and event tickets (including parking) to $325 for an individual ticket. (There is one pair up for $305 for both but don't expect it to last long. At that price, that's less than face value.)

Nuvo's Best of Indy: It's that time of year again. Time for those all-knowing readers of Nuvo to vote Red Lobster "Best Seafood Restaurant". You can help turn the tide. Vote for your favorite restaurants at their website. Annoying registration required. (Or you can rip the page from this week's issue and spend your own postage to send it in.) All votes due by June 12.

Tidbits Tidbits

New Chains in the North: IBJ is reporting two new concept restaurants will open on the Northside. Look for Z's Oyster Bar and Steakhouse to open "along Interstate 465" in a building "that once housed The Wharf." (I have no idea where that is.) This will be the second location for the Louisville-based Z's specializing in upscale aged steaks and seafood. It should open mid-June to early July.

Also, look for a new concept restaurant from Darden who owns Red Lobster, Olive Garden, and the fine, fine Bahama Breeze. (I hope you read the irony here.) The the second location of Rocky River Grillhouse is set to open in March by Castleton Mall in the building formerly housing Smokey Bones. News like this always makes me so happy I don't live on the northside.

House Brands Take Over: On Sunday, I popped into Sunflower Market in Broad Ripple and headed to the tea aisle. They've always carried a full line of great medicinal and herbal teas as well as hard to find TAZO flavors. My favorite? A great sample box of TAZO teas with 5 different green teas as well as Calm and Passion flavors. Sadly, the entire aisle of interesting and diverse teas has been entirely replaced by their Nature's Best house brand. They seem to be switching the store over to house brands where possible which would explain the coupons I keep receiving for free jars of their Nature's Best peanut butter and jam. Whatever happened to variety? I inquired and was told they won't be carrying any additional brands again at least with the teas. Whole Foods! Hurry!

Fresh Market Makes Progress: Speaking of hurrying, work is moving fairly quickly on the Fresh Market going in at 54th and College in the former Atlas lot. Buildings have been knocked down, ground has been broken, and signs are up. They can't open fast enough for some of us in the area. Here's to progress!

Three Latest and Best

Italian Dinner with Friends: Was it the asparagus wrapped in aged prosciutto with reggiano, ancient balsamic vinegar and lemon? Was it the housemade pasta rags stuffed with cheese and gently placed in a bed of freshly ground Parmesan and topped with white truffle brown butter? What about the salad with apples and grapes soaked in white wine, the roasted brined pork or the blood orange syrup (with flourless chocolate cake and Cointreau ganache, my contribution)? How about that it was a terrific dinner with friends and some of the best Italian wines I've had in years.

Hanging with Karl: My favorite food moment of the week? Hanging out with Chef Karl Benko at Peterson's brainstorming about food, flavors, chefs, and wine. Bonus? I got to see where he dry ages all those steaks he serves.

Devouring RBistro: If you missed Devour Downtown, you missed a great opportunity to see some chefs doing great food. Our choice? The coq au vin at RBistro. My favorite dish on the tasting menu? The pistachio semi-fredo. Delish!

Two-Minute Warning: I've given it the old college try and I've come to the realization that I just can't eat at The Jazz Kitchen. Let me clarify and say I love their catering! I love the brie on a skewer with brown sugar and berries! I love the horseradish-y cocktail sauce with the shrimp and even the quesadillas. But if an outing involves dinner at the restaurant, nothing works from the crab cakes to the etouffe. I love the owners and managers, I like the bartenders, and I've even had good service. But if you want to enjoy the best The Jazz Kitchen has to offer, go for the great parties (their Carnivale party is coming up and it's a fun one), go for the salsa and jazz, and skip the menu.

Whole Foods Moves Forward; Association Drops Appeal

The IBJ reported yesterday in its real estate newsletter that the Driftwood Hills Neighborhood Association has decided not to appeal the recent court ruling that opened the doors to a Whole Foods at 86th and Keystone. The Whole Foods will be part of a condo development on the site at the northwest corner of the intersection of Keystone and 86th.

From the IBJ:

Residents of Driftwood Hills argued in a lawsuit filed nearly a year ago that the Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission and the City-County Council violated state law by approving rezoning for the project, which is being developed by Paul Kite of Zionsville-based PK Capital LLC.

But Marion Superior Court Judge Gary Miller ruled two months ago that the governmental bodies were well within their authority in approving the rezoning. An agreement between the parties, announced Jan. 26, gives the association input into final plans, which PK Capital has revamped several times in hopes of winning over neighbors.

More on Keystone Grill Closing

Christy Speer has, well, the dish on the closing at Keystone Grill and what will replace it. From Indianapolis Monthly's weekly Dish:

--Well, it's official: The rumors we'd been hearing about the demise of Keystone Grill (8650 Keystone Crossing, 848-5202) have been affirmed. The restaurant (which has managed to weather Indy's dining scene since opening in the mid '80s) is closing--immediately. At the end of this week, the Grill's parent company, California-based El Torito Grill, will begin a quickie makeover of the upscale seafood spot into a high-end Mexican place modeled after two other El Toritos on the west coast. Why the (sudden and surprisingly quiet) change? A staffer reports that the company decided to streamline the restaurant with its western counterparts, including a standard Mexican menu--all to be unveiled in the beginning of December. The restaurant--as we know it--will serve its last meal on the 21st.