Tidbits Tidbits Tidbits

Puck's Out at IMA? Possibly. Based on an article in a recent IBJ, the museum eatery was late on a catering assignment for the museum two weeks ago and the IMA has put them on notice that they may terminate their contract. Puck's denies there was a problem, but it may be that museum officials are looking for reasons to get out of their relationship with the expensive enterprise. Rumor has it that the restaurant has been losing money (or not making minimums) for months and the museum has paid extensive sums to fulfill contract commitments. It's no surprise the restaurant's location and pre-packaged meals fresh from their corporate center haven't been a draw for diners or chefs. Word is that several caterers in the city are eager to take over the IMA's event contracts. Look for some changes in the next few months.

Hardesty Represents! Star columnist Susan Guyett reported Sunday that Element's chef Greg Hardesty will represent Indianapolis in the annual Taste of the NFL in Florida on Superbowl Sunday. Chefs representing NFL team cities prepare a tasting sample every year for this hunger relief charity event. Hardesty will prepare 3000 portions of carpaccio with Fischer Farms beef and Trader's Point Creamery cheese.

The Chef's Academy: I recently spent two afternoons with Chef Tony Hanslits, director of culinary education for the new Chef's Academy on East Washington downtown. The state-of-the-art new facility is setting a new bar for full-time culinary students and will be ramping up their next classes and pastry program in the coming weeks. If you get a chance to visit their school, part of the Indiana Business College, make sure you do!

Sometimes It's the Small Things: Hey, did you notice? Sunflower Market finally put handles on their paper bags! Paper bags lugged the old fashioned way was my least favorite part of this quick little market. Thanks!

There's Always a Catch: While I love R Bistro, I find my opportunities more limited each time they send out one of their menu announcements. On New Year's Eve, they made it clear they would be asking people from the first seating to leave if they delayed the next round of diners. Now for Valentine's Day, they've announced a special menu but with the caveat -- two-tops only! Since I almost always dine in larger groups -- with or without a date, it sounds like we'll be skipping RBistro on Wednesday, February 14.