NOW OPEN: Barley Island Restaurant and Brewhouse in Broad Ripple

Barley Island Restaurant and Brewhouse in Broad Ripple is now open.

I had seen a twitter conversation about a "soft opening" party so I knew the day was coming close.

This morning, I received an email that they are now officially open!

This is the second Barley Island, with the original in Noblesville. I've never been, but I heard it is a great place and I'm looking forward to checking it out.

It also appears that they will be having live music! Always a plus!

Anyone know if they have WiFi?

I'll let you know about my experience after I check it out! (Probably this weekend)

There are also rumors that Upland Brewery is opening their tasting room soon, in south Broad Ripple.

NOW OPEN: Barley Island Restaurant and Brewhouse in Broad Ripple

Pecha Kucha - November 12 - FREE

This is just a quick note/reminder -

The 7th volume of Pecha Kucha will be held on November 12th at the IMA.

This is a very fun event and should not be missed.

Although the event is free - you MUST have a ticket: Get one here

Pecha Kucha is a series of presentations, each presentation has 20 slides, each slide remains on the screen for 20 seconds....then advances, whether the speaker is ready or not.

Topics include a variety of projects that help make Indianapolis a more inspiring place. This time the winner will receive $10,000 to make their idea a reality.

Check it out!


NOTE: Tickets will likely be available at the venue on the night of the event, but get yours early to be safe.

Pecha Kucha - November 12 - FREE

Hell Night - Yes, It was HOT!

Friday night we went to Chef JJ's Backyard in Broad Ripple. The event was called, "Hell Night."

Chef JJ's Backyard is an experience dining establishment where participants learn to grill almost anything. He's made breakfast, pizza, desserts, all using a Big Green Egg. The food is always very delicious and seemingly easy to make! Chef JJ Boston tries to use local ingredients and partners with Indiana businesses. There is always Sun King Beer on tap and great people who quickly become friends.

Hell Night was no different. The night started with a generous tasting of a special chili creme ale from Sun King beer, brewed specifically for the evening. It was definitely a unique brew, with each sip building on the heat of the prior one.

The food was just as delicious. Chef JJ prepared a Jalapeno wrapped in bacon that was the perfect amount of heat without making it inedible. I have to admit, I was sad when they were gone.

The next course included curried pork and Jamaican jerk chicken, both weren't very hot out of the gate, but Jim Campbell, owner of Mild to Wild Pepper & Herb Company, brought along fresh peppers and sauces to make the night even hotter. Jim has a huge farm in Franklin Indiana and grows all of his own chili's.

The finishing bite was a phenomenal blueberry bread pudding that had been manipulated to include a nice kick.

All in all the night was a blast!

Jim Cambell even let us bring home some of the peppers that he brought and tonight we are making enchiladas with a Ghost Chili. Let's hope I survive!

NOTE: Jim Cambell's company, Mild to Wild Pepper & Herb Company has been seen on Food Network. Jim also stair climbs for charity, "Step up for Charity", be sure to help support his cause.

Hell Night - Yes, It was HOT!

Yats as a bar? It just keeps getting better

Hats off to Cory over at Property Lines for keeping Indianapolis updated on the happenings in the Commercial development world.

His latest post was one of the more exciting tidbits of news that I've read in a while. Yats is planning a Bar/Restaurant concept.

It plans to be more upscale then the current Yats concept that we have all grown to love, but unlike the current concept, there will be alcohol included. I've always wished I could have a New Orleans Hurricane [drink] with my Maque Choux.

While I'm sure the menu will be different, I'm also sure that the place will remain fun and lively.

The location will be across the street from another favorite, Urban Element. Tentatively named "Bar Yats" we should expect to see the opening in early 2010. I'm glad this area is getting more development. There is a lot of under-utilized real estate in the area and this could really help drive some changes....not to mention that it is near the Central Library!

VOID: The only thing that doesn't get me excited about this news is the name. I think "Bar Yats" is kind of boring, I think a name like "Maque Choux" or "Crawfish" would be more interesting.

What are your thoughts?

Yats as a bar? It just keeps getting better

It's almost time for Recess!

On my way home from downtown tonight, I happen to drive the future location of Recess Indy, at the corner of 49th and College. (A stretch of college which I've read is being called the Gourmet Ghetto by Neil Brown)

There was dust coming from the open door as the construction workers inside are working to transform an old looking storefront into something delicious and new.

Chef Greg Hardesty describes Recess as the restaurant that he has always wanted.

If I am to understand his website/blog, it looks like there will be two ways to enjoy the experience.

• "Recess Take Away" will be a takeout stop on your way home from a busy day. If you don't want to cook, but you want a fully prepared meal, swing by, get the ingredients and assemble at home.

• "Recess The Restaurant" on the other hand will be a restaurant with a whim. Chef Greg and his team will post their dinner online and patrons won't have to make any decisions once they arrive. I interpret this idea as everyone eating and enjoying the same deliciously prepared meal, which will be whatever the team wanted to make that day.
  

It looks pretty interesting!

I can't wait, especially because Recess will be on my way home.

I'll try to keep you updated when I see the open sign, in the meantime follow their progress on their website.

It's almost time for Recess!

Good Morning Mama Cafe

This past weekend we visited Good Morning Mama's Cafe.

The line/wait was over 30 minutes, which didn't bother us as we were having fun chatting with my small group. They also offered free coffee to the folks that waited, which always makes the time go by easier.

I think they still have a few kinks to work out. I overheard one of the servers mention that they intended to have a "quiet," soft opening, but word spreads too quickly in this day in age. We were there for over 2 hours in total due to some of these kinks, but I try to look the other way when a place is new.

I tried the Hoosier version of the Loco Moco, a traditional Hawaiian breakfast meal. Honestly, it was good, put probably never something I'd order again. I felt it was missing something and unfortunately (or fortunately) the only things I could think to add was cheese and bacon. It is basically layered eggs, potatoes, biscuit, hamburg, and gravy. They let you customize the dish somewhat including the option to include Hawaii's mainstay, SPAM.

The rest of my dining companions all seemed to agree that the food was good, but nothing memorable. No dish that jumped out and made us want to return. One of the best things was the fried Hoosier treats we had as a starter.

In contrast to the food, the place itself is very fun and eclectic! There are a lot of fun things to look at and discuss, including a mural of the owners driving off into the sunset.

I'll return soon, hopefully to try something else that WILL be memorable.

Have you been? Did you LOVE what you had?

Good Morning Mama Cafe

Bearcats Restaurant - Re-opening

Bearcats Restaurant - "In the Stutz Business Center" plans to re-open on Monday, October 19th.

They will have Wifi available.

There is a new owner and they also promise a new menu with fresh ingredients.

This was one of those places that I told myself that I would not go back unless it opened with new management. Since they are so close to Creation Cafe, and since I don't work in the Stutz building, it may be hard for me to make it over there.

If you go, let me know how it is.

http://www.bearcatsindy.net/

Bearcats Restaurant - Re-opening