Where I've been and what I've been doing

Hey, all -- thanks for your patience while I've taken a nice, long summer blogging break. After 4.5 years of FM/DM, I'm due, right? I mean, who wants to keep doing the same thing after it gets old, right? Besides, you didn't really miss me, did you? Most of you know the news from the past few weeks:

* Greg Hardesty is shooting for a Sept 1 open date for his new place at 49th and College
* Cafe Nora closed
* Eli and Nicole sold H2O Sushi
* Ambrosia announces a 2nd location downtown in the old J.Gumbo's space

Additionally:
*Nicole Taylor's pasta shop is open and pretty awesome
*IMA very quietly stopped allowing Friday night movie patrons to bring their own beer or wine (but you can buy it on site, natch)
* The farmer's market season is in full swing. (Why can't we have better markets? Cheese, cured meats, olives, rotisserie chicken with potatoes covered in drippings?)
* I cured and dried my first bresaola. Next up: Saucisson sec.
* Did I mention the two weeks tasting wine and laying by a pool in Bandol? I'm now a certified Mouvedre-head.

So, why the break? I'll be honest, with FM/DM, things were getting a little nutty. My inbox was regularly full of PR requests, press releases, review requests, and demands for links. Frankly, I dislike how many restaurant owners and wine people were pressuring my friends and colleagues to get me into your restaurant to cover your new menu or wine dinner. Add to that a general dissatisfaction with fine dining here in Indianapolis and the last few months would have been a piss-and-moan factory around here anyway. The disappointing food scene, the poor quality that diners in Indy demand, and all the new food blogs celebrating how great everything is, ugh.

Lots of people are talking about food here but few have anything useful to say. Everyone has a food blog, column or newspaper section. And while people love to read about food and restaurants, too many blogs are poorly written ego-fests with glowing "reviews" of crap I wouldn't feed a dog. (And yes, I'm well aware that FM/DM has at every turn been one of those things :-) But come on, people, can't we do better?! Can't you offer some analysis? Some useful information? Why doesn't anyone work to have something original to say? Not every restaurant is great and we should be telling people about it. No one but customers -- that's us -- is going to hold these owners, chefs, and managers accountable. No one is going to demand that they be better. And until "just good enough" is no longer the norm, it won't change. (Come on store owners, don't you realize that every high end eater in this city orders from Artisinal or Murray's for every dinner party? Doesn't that bother you? Do you *think* there might be a market if you were expand your cheese selections beyond the boring and bring in better quality and different stuff? Every time I go to a dinner or party and something is truly original and different, I found it came by mail from outside Indy.)

Mix my rant well with a general boredom about food in our fair city, a frustration of the limited selection and quality, and a fascination wtih microblogging tools like Facebook and Twitter (@feedmedrinkme) where I've been posting quite often, and the result is a long blog silence from me.

What's next? Well, I'm still a blogger and the fabulous Noah Coffey and Shawn Plew once again have asked me to share some expertise at the BlogIndiana 2009 conference. More on that in another post. I'm still a big eater -- although, frankly, there are so few restaurants I even want to go to anymore, I don't go out nearly as much. I'm lucky to have a large circle of friends who tend to cook, eat in, and share incredible wines. I'm working with an incredible team to lead one of Indy's excellent fine dining societies (Viva la Chaine!) with incredible events. Take heart, I'm even more of a food snob than ever. Best of all, I'm working on a cool new chapter for FM/DM -- one that will engage all of you, I think, and be something pretty different. So, stay tuned.

Ultimately, FM/DM will be again what it was four years ago -- my own personal blog, one that I post to when I'm in the mood or have something to share. I know -- and appreciate -- that many of you have been emailing (read: hounding) me for the latest scoop, but I'm going to tell you, I might not have it. And if I know it? I might not share it. I'm going to move back to blogging for me, which is the real reason any of us who blog do it, right?

Thank you thank you thank you to all the subscribers who keep hanging in, all the kind folks who've emailed just to make sure I'm OK, and friends who've patiently waited it out and said "thank god, she's not talking about that damn blog all the time!" I look forward to many, many more pleasant meals with FM/DM -- and the creative juices will be flowing again soon.

Spicy Updates -- Thanks for pitching in!

I knew our readers would step up to help -- and this spice drive has been truly impressive. Thanks all for helping with the pantry at Second Helpings! There are still a few more items up for grabs and we're planning on seeing you tomorrow night for the Meet and Greet. Snacks, wine, and a look at Second Helpings' home are all on tap.

Thursday, May 21
5:15-6:30 p.m.
Second Helpings -- Eugene and Marilyn Glick Center
1121 Southeastern Ave(off Keystone)
Free!

Here's the updated list of what's been donated so far! Excellent work!

Cheryl: 1 Black Pepper
Steve and Twyla: 1 Rosemary, 1 Rubbed Sage
Maggie: 1 Tarragon
Andy: 1 Garlic or Chili
Nikki: 1 Black Pepper
Andrea/Circle City Socialites: 1 Crushed Red Pepper (of course the roller derby gals pick "Crushed" Red Pepper!)
Vicki: working with vendors
Kirsten: 2 Cumin
Renee: 1 Lavender, 1 Clove and 1 nutmeg
Shawn: $10
Chuck Matsumoto: $20
Cheryl Pleak-Copeland: 1 Oregono, 1 Basil
Erin Day: 1 Garlic, 1 Parsley

Three Latest and Best -- Making My Way Back Edition

Cheeses at Euphoria: Whether snacking or tackling a full menu, you must save room for a cheese course at Euphoria. German, Italian, French and US cheeses, there's Brillat-Savarin you'll need a spoon to eat, Port Salut, and Boucheron (a personal favorite, the gooier the better), and don't forget the Humboldt Fog, the 5-year aged Gouda, and the Robiola Bosina.

Mary Beth Poe Catering: OK, so, I'm a little in love with the sweet cheese tarts with candied nuts all nestled in the phyllo cups. Also, the shrimp wrapped in bacon. Plus, you guys make great mint julips. That is all.

A Little Scotch Egg Love: Yes, yes, I know, start up the "you only go to the same places engines", but who can't resist giving the guys a MacNiven's a little Scotch Egg love. Honestly. They're just awesome. (I recently read a review where someone dinged the Scotch Eggs because they're *fried*. Excuse me?)

Two Minute Warning: The Capitol Grille at the Conrad has had a couple of tough weeks losing GM Greg Van Winkle and apparently some kitchen staff. Friday night was packed but with surprisingly slow service. We were already wondering if the meal could be saved when our steaks arrived -- all painfully overcooked. Back they went. Of course, the next round were very rare, but we were out of time (and patience) to send them back for a third try. (We now know where to get a good black-and-blue steak in Indy.) On the plus side, the company was excellent and we had incredible wines thanks to our dinner companions' wine locker (Chapellet, Van Strasser, and Tikal, oh yes). It was clearly a tough night for the kitchen (and accountants, I'd suspect) but in the competitive downtown steakhouse market, customers expect a premium restaurant to nail it every time. Our evening ended on a high note with Ryan, John, and a bottle of bubbly at the Oceanaire. (The Capitol Grille web site says "be wined, dined, and dazzled." Ouch.)

Congratulations, R Bistro!

Bon Anniversaire to the venerable RBistro celebrating 8 years in business on Thursday. Celebrating seasonal ingredients, local when possible, and an ever-changing (like clockwork each week), RBistro is one of our independent success stories. Kudos for Regaina delivering consistently great food and making her concept work.

Thanks and Keep 'Em Coming

Thanks for the RSVP's and commitments to spices we've received so far! As Kirsten and I update the list, keep considering what you'll donate, then call Ben and do it. Whether you donate or not, we look forward to seeing you at the Meet and Greet next week. As of 5/14 we have confirmation for the following spices:

Cheryl: 1 Black Pepper
Steve and Twyla: 1 Rosemary, 1 Rubbed Sage
Maggie: 1 Tarragon
Andy: 1 Garlic or Chili
Nikki: 1 Black Pepper
Andrea/Circle City Socialites: 1 Crushed Red Pepper (of course the roller derby gals pick "Crushed" Red Pepper!)
Vicki: working with vendors
Kirsten: 2 Cumin
Renee: 1 Lavender, 1 Clove and 1 nutmeg
Shawn: $10
Chuck Matsumoto: $20

Check out the full list and contact Second Helpings to help out! See you Thursday in person!

5:15-6:30
Thursday, May 21
Second Helpings
Snacks, wine, free

Service Arrangements for Joseph Allford

Services for Chef Joseph Allford will be held Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. at the Condo and Son Funeral Home in Wilkinson, with Rev. Jenny Charles officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home Saturday, May 16, 2009 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Interment will occur at a later date. (From the Star obit.)

One Less Incredible Indianapolis Chef -- Joseph Allford

As Arthur Black reported on his blog, Always Thirsty, I can confirm the death of Joseph Allford, pastry chef-extraordinaire, yesterday at his home. Joseph was the man behind the pastries, cakes, and chocolates at Peterson's for many years before leaving in March 2008. He had moved into the teaching at the Chef's Academy although his I hear his classes as Frasiers' were always crowd pleasers. He was young, vibrant, and made a mean chocolate cake. He'll be greatly missed. From The Chef's Academy:

While attending Indiana University, Chef Joseph began working part-time at the Encore Café. After two years at the Encore, it became clear that working in a professional kitchen would allow Joseph to explore his creative side as well as earn a living. After a class focusing on Reay Tannahill’s ‘The History of Food’, Joseph made the decision to continue his education at the New England Culinary Institute. Leaving the world of Psychology and Film Studies behind, he entered into the challenging world of professional cooking.

The two years spent in Vermont set the stage for Joseph to begin traveling and cooking internationally. After an internship at Indianapolis’ Something Different, Joseph moved to County Sligo, Ireland to work in the esteemed Cromleach Lodge. Working at one of the top Country Hotels in Ireland became the pivotal point in Joseph’s culinary career. Rising from a commis chef to the head chef de cuisine in a matter of two years, Joseph gained invaluable culinary experience. Spending time in patisseries and chocolate shops in Brussels, Cologne, London and Montreal opened the world of patisserie to Chef Joseph.

Upon returning to the United States, Joseph began working in several of Indianapolis’ top restaurants. The Kendall Inn gave Joseph the chance to have his first dessert menu. Tavola di Tosa allowed Joseph to perfect his technique in fine Italian and European pastries. Being asked to join the staff at Peterson’s Restaurant provided him with an opportunity to create dessert menus influenced by seasonality and regionalism. Indianapolis Monthly, Intake Magazine, Indianapolis Dine Magazine and the Indianapolis Star have recognized his award winning dessert menus.

Since 2004, Chef Joseph has been working at Peterson’s Restaurant, teaching culinary classes at Frasier’s Gourmet food shop and providing clients all over the United States with private catered events and wedding cakes. Chef Joseph taught at the Art Institute International Culinary School before joining The Chef’s Academy in 2008, using his talents to teach in the Pastry Arts program.

A Spicy Feed Me/Drink Me Meet and Greet!

Hey, kids – I know it's been a long break but at little face-to-face get together is the perfect way to come back! Mark your calendars for next Thursday, May 21 as the fabulous Kirsten of Middle West Meals and I team up with Second Helpings to host a community get-together.

Here's the deal: In order for their culinary students to learn, Second Helpings -- the city's premier food rescue and retraining program -- needs to stock the pantry. Kirsten and I think filling this need is right up the alley of most of our readers.

Which herb or spice will you add to the Second Helpings pantry?

$35 Donation: Black Pepper (need 2), Mint
$25 Donation: Cumin (need 4) (Kirsten – 2), Oregano, Crushed Red Peppers
$20 Donation: Garlic tubs (need 2), Thyme leaves (need 4), Ground Chili (need 6), Tarragon
$14 Donation: Cloves (Renee), Rosemary, Cajun Seasoning, Nutmeg (Renee)
$10 Donation: Marjoram, Basil, Parsley or Dill
$8 Donation: Rubbed Sage, Coriander, Savory, Cinnamon, Chives, Fennel or Lavender (Renee)

Want to sponsor a spice? Contact Ben Shine via email at ben at secondhelpings.org or 317-632-2664, ext. 29, and reserve your spice of choice. (Plus, email me and I'll note your pledge, too!) Then join us on May 21, you'll get a chance to see Second Helpings in action, celebrate our effort, or just plain meet some fellow bloggers, food writers, chefs and food lovers in person!

There will be snacks (courtesy of Class 54 of the Second Helpings Culinary Job Training program, as well as the Best Chocolate in Town and Cabot Creamery) wine, and a chance to take a look around.

What to choose? I chose some of my favorites to cook with – Cloves, Nutmeg and Fennel. Hope to see you there!

5:15-6:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 21
Eugene and Marilyn Glick Center
1121 Southeastern Ave(off Keystone)
Free

April in Paris Dinner, Sunday, April 26

If you've attended in the past, you know Ivy Tech's Culinary Program's annual April in Paris dinner is nearly as huge an event for the students -- who plan, prepare and serve the seven-course meal -- as it is for guests. (The event serves as a fundraiser for the Hospitality Administration program funding scholarships and study abroad.) Tickets and more info available online.

April in Paris
5:00-8:00 p.m., Sunday, April 26
The Fountains Banquet Facility (Carmel)
$125 per person

Weekend Events Open Thread!

First, let me give a hearty welcome to our new readers/subscribers who found us throughrecent write-ups in Indy.com and the IndyStar. I typically cover a bit more local restaurant news, cooking, and my own eating adventures than I have lately, this week has been a flurry of events. Late April is one of the most busy food times of the year!

I haven't heard much about last weekend's Chef's Alliance dinner at The Oceanaire but will try to get some news in soon. While last year, all of the same events landed on the same weekend, this year they're a bit better spread out over three. This weekend includes Midwest Wine Experience (tonight), the Biergarten opening at Das Rat (the Rathskellar), the Slow Food event at RBistro and Ivy Tech's April in Paris both on Sunday. The local Confrerie des Chevaliers du Tastevine is in France on their group trip and the spring craziness ends with the Chaine des Rotisseurs Rites of Spring Elevation and Induction at Meridian next weekend, on May 3. (That's after two days of Derby Parties, of course!) (Huge kudos and a giant thanks to Chef Dan Dunville for accepting a challenge and creating not only a terrific menu for us but rallying his staff at such short notice. I believe it will one of our best events ever.)

Dont' forget one event in the non-food related column: tonight and tomorrow the annual Stutz Open Studio nights -- always a great way to enjoy art and run in to lots of people you know.

So, how about it? Any reports on fine dining events so far this spring?

Indy Food Co-op

Image via Wikipedia

Sounds like plans are moving forward for an eventual food co-op grocery store for members. Don't know where they are on support, but they've planned stops on their spring member drive at popular festivals and events. They're also planning a May member meeting. Updates on their blog, Indy Food Coop.

Yes, It's Official: Elements is Closed

I don't have much more info other than that owner Dennis Dunn informed his staff yesterday that the funding had run dry and Elements is closing. Rumors have been rampant for a while that closing was imminent.

Indianapolis Chaine des Rotisseurs members, please hold the May 3 date for our upcoming Induction and Elevation black tie dinner that was scheduled at Elements! I will be in touch via the email list about back up plans. We *will* have the dinner -- just clearly, not at Elements.

Midwest Wine Experience 2009

Don't forget your tickets for Midwest Wine Experience this Friday, April 24 at the Montage. This event is always a stunner -- although it used to be all premium and collector cabs. It looks like's now more "Diamond in the Rough -- Part I" which isn't a horrible idea considering the economy. Tickets are hefty but it's for a good cause. Proceeds benefit Riley Hospital. 75 wines, deep discounts, spread o' food, silent auction. Not a bad way to spend a Friday night.

Midwest Wine Experience
6:30-9:00 p.m.
Friday, April 24
The Montage (at Allison Point)
$50 in advance, $75 at the door
Collector Room, $75 in advance, $100 at the door
Available at Kahns, Riley Hospital (Bekcy) 317-278-2854, or online

More New Blogs for Your List

Looking for a few more blogs to add to your reader? These are keepers:

One Gastro-Gnome: How happy am I to see wine collector and fan Chuck Cooper finally sharing his wine and food adventures with us? Very happy! Great to see you in the blog-world! His SO is a pretty cool lady, too, so I look forward to hearing about their wine and food adventures.

Grape Sense: A Glass Half Full: I don't follow too many wine blogs. I tend to stick with local favorites and folks I know. This guy I don't know, but I kinda like his blog. It's good baseline knowledge (although he omits that roses they should be current year -- friends don't let friends buy old rose, although I accidentally bought some 06's the other day.)

Benko at James Beard House

Enjoyed a lovely Sunday brunch with a special guest apparance by Chef Karl Benko and his lovely wife, Carrie. His news? He'll be the featured chef for a James Beard dinner, August 11 at NYC's James Beard House. More to come with details. (We hear there's an apparance on the TODAY show scheduled as well.) Hear hear!

Three Latest and Best

Lunch at RBistro: Had a lovely late lunch with pals, spring pasta, and a chat with Chef Regina herself. A perfect way to introduce spring. Get the big table by the window. And the chocolate cake.

Dante at the Royal Sonesta in Boston: While my hostess had a lovely neighborhood French bistro picked, we were too tired to trek out again in the weather. Lucky for us, we stumbled upon one of the best modern Italian meals I've had in a really long time. Yes, Virginia, there are waiters who will intelligently answer questions about every menu item and wine on the list. (He had tried every wine on the list we asked questions about.)

Sushi Feed at BuDa Lounge: Sure, they've been open for six weeks or so, but Monday night, Stephen and Binh gave their new "regulars" a treat with a sushi-feed welcome. Dirty Geisha's for everyone! Thanks for the Opening Night festivities.

Cork and Cracker Tasting at The Upper Room

Thursday night tastings at Cork and Cracker are back starting tomorrow night, April 16 at The Upper Room. Tomorrow will feature the Spanish wines of Torres with National Wine and Spirits. Well, you certainly have been asking, and we are pleased to announce that we are starting our Thursday night wine tastings again!


Thursday, April 16th
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
The Upper RoomBroad Ripple Steak House
929 E. Westfield Blvd
$15 for six wines and appetizers. No Reservations needed.

Next regularly scheduled tasting on May 7th.

A Little Bird...Tweeted, Twittered, Tweeked...

Image via CrunchBase

Some of you have been after me for months to Twitter! The rest of you found me on Facebook like normal people. Either way, I've decided to take the Twitter plunge. So far, it's only made me feel really old, but I'll soon get the hang of it! (Social networking is hard!) If you want to follow my step-by-step food exploits, it's one of the places to find me these days. And thanks for the warm welcome!

Looking for more Feed Me/Drink Me?

Follow @feedmedrinkme on Twitter
Feed Me/Drink Me on Facebook
Feed Me/Drink Me group on Flickr: Share your photos!
Feed Me/Drink Me on Smaller Indiana
Feed Me/Drink Me on FOHBOH

Gods and Goddesses with PPIN

Alas, I'll miss it (Hey, nephew who's getting married on Saturday!) but don't forget about Saturday's Planned Parenthood Indiana's 6th Annual Gathering of Goddesses and Gods at the Westin Indianapolis, a night of food, massage, pampering, a silent auction, and general luxury featuring and Endangered Species Chocolate "Better than Sex" VIP lounge. (Now *that's* an original contraceptive idea!) Good thing PPIN has you all set up with exams, birth control, and condoms since this year's menu is all aphrodisiacs! A sample?

Beef/grape skewers with passion fruit and chili; fig and marscapone en croute; and oyster shooters with lime. The Greek Market will feature psychic readings along with a garden salad with artichoke hearts, roasted red pepper, feta, and an olive oil and goat cheese vinaigrette. Dinner is honeyed chicken with dried cherries and champagne-braised orzo. And dessert wouldn't be complete without chocolate torte with blackberry mousse and an espresso and port reduction. More info and tickets online at PPIN. It will be a night of decadence, dinner and dancing -- plus, all for a great cause. (Look for pals Ed Wank and Dave O'Brien from HANK-FM as the evening's emcees.)

5-11:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 18
Westin Indianapolis
$130 a person, VIP $200

Indiana Food Blogs: They're sprouting up all over!

January always brings a new crop of food and wine blogs on all sorts of topics. Some have a clear and unique function while others give us an inside glimpse to a family's life -- and eating! I know how hard it is to blog -- and keep blogging. Best intentions and all that, so I usually tend to give new blogs a few weeks, keeping an eye on them before adding them to my list. It's April and a few are still going strong -- all offering some sort of unique view. May you have many happy blog years to come!

City on a Hill: WeLL-pal (and frequent guest on NPR's Fresh Air) music writer Ed Ward recently moved from Berlin (Berlin Bites) to Montpellier in France. Ed's an accomplished cook complete with a full repertoire of San Antonio-style Mexican food. He's currently regaling us with tales about his food adventures in France. Or, as he puts it "Food, Wine, Travel and Unavoidably, the French."

Indy Winter Farmer's Market: They're just going out of season, but I'll bet they'll keep everyone updated over the summer. Add them to your reader to stay up with the latest.

Indiana Wine Blog: Every niche needs a champion, and this blog has become it for Indiana wine. I have a fundamental difference of opinion with the author when it comes to his topic, but he's doing a great job of consolidating news and information about a local industry that needs some image help. It's worth a read -- and should become a forum for some lively debate/discussion.

Would I Buy It Again? Ever walk into a place and say "Who *eats* this stuff?" It's these guys. Reviewing fast food, burgers, pizza, fast casual chains, and the occasional sit-down restaurant, they answer one primary question: Would they buy it again? Unfortunately, the answer is usually "yes". ("It's gross-out fun!" Feed Me/Drink Me.)

Going Green Mama: I've mentioned this handy local blog before and it's a good add to your reader. Along with easy recycling tips, the reality of family and expenses, this blog shares food ideas (yogurt in your crock pot -- who needs a fancy maker?) and updates on the local farmer's market scene.