Food & Fun: Handel’s Ice Cream

I love ice cream. I eat it in warm weather and I eat it in cold weather…it makes no difference to me. Over the years I have identified many favorite places to get it and many different flavors that I really enjoy. For instance, if I am in Evansville I will absolutely get some ice cream either at G.D. Ritzy’s (O-O-Oreo or Kentucky Pecan Fudge) or Lic’s (Chocolate Almond). If I am in St. Louis, the choice is Ted Drewes. If I am in Oklahoma, it’s Braum’s and so on.

When I am at home there is basically one place that I go for ice cream: Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream. Handel’s has been making people smile since 1945 and they have been rated in USA Today, People Magazine and countless travel guides as one of the best ice cream shops in the country. They have many flavors that I enjoy: Banana Cream Pie (yes, with actual chunks of pie crust), Buckeye, Snappy Turtle and Chocoholic Chunk. But there is one flavor that far and away takes the cake for me: Spouse Like A House.

I know, great name for a flavor huh? Here is the description: Vanilla malt ice cream with a ribbon of peanut butter and whole chocolate covered pretzels that have been stuffed with peanut butter. I will give you a moment to take that in…..

I have taken this flavor to, what I consider to be, a new level. There are a couple of the Handel’s workers who remember me for my special creation. It is an experience that you will not soon forget! If you love peanut butter & chocolate, I highly encourage you to try it. Make sure that you have a glass of water nearby though!

BT's Special Creation

I have them fill a cup with Spouse Like A House. Then, they cover it in Reese’s brand peanut butter syrup. The final touch: chunks of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Again, I will give you a moment to fully take that in…..

It is, in my opinion, the finest combination of ice cream, chocolate and peanut butter that you will ever find!!

I hope that you will find some time to give it a shot sometime soon. It’s not on the menu but if you describe it, they will make it for you.

ENJOY!!

Food & Fun – Santorini Greek Kitchen

Nobody would ever mistake me for an adventurous eater. Although I do love to eat and really value a meal that is an experience, I tend to stay in the middle of the road. As I have begun a new job in a new part of the city, I am discovering all kinds of new places to eat. It has been a lot of fun and I am really enjoying it.

Recently I met my friends Scott Hoke & Joey Santos for lunch at an amazing restaurant in Fountain Square (a neighborhood on the Southside of downtown Indy) called Santorini Greek Kitchen. It was fabulous. I mean fabulous.

Located at 1417 E. Prospect St in Indianapolis (46203 – 317.917.1117) Santorini’s is old world Greek food. It is located in a very quaint part of the city that almost feels like you are on the coast in a much larger city. If you are looking for a truly authentic Greek meal in a great setting, I highly recommend this place.

The service was outstanding and the food….well, the food is something I cannot wait to eat again! The only bummer for me is that they are closed on Sunday. So, I have yet to take Kim there. But, we are working on that for sure!

We started with an appetizer of Saganaki, which is Greek cheese that has been fried. It comes to the table where it is set on fire to the cheers of “Opa” from around the room! You take a chunk of cheese and eat it on fresh pita bread that comes with it. It was great! It was also just enough for the three of us. Nobody got stuffed or too full on the appetizer so we were ready for the next course.

Gyro Platter

Joey and I went with the Gyro Platter, a combination of lamb and beef, slowly roasted, thinly sliced and served on a fresh pita with Tzaziki sauce (this sauce, I learned, is a blending of cucumber and yogurt). The Gyro Platter also came with a Greek Salad, Green Beans, Rice Pilaf and Greek Potatoes. For $10 this is a huge lunch and much more than I was able to finish. But, it was wonderful.

Fish Kabob Platter

Our friend Scott chose the Fish Kabobs, which were a daily special. These came with shrimp, salmon and grouper each cooked perfectly and seasoned with Mediterranean spices along with peppers, tomatoes, onions and mushrooms. I cannot stand the smell or taste of salmon or I would have tried this for sure. I can tell you that Scott ate every single bite!

We finished with 3 servings of Baklava…walnuts and honey between layers of phyllo with chocolate and caramel sauce. This was the perfect cap to an amazing meal. 

If you are ever in the mood for something different and enjoy an adventure I would highly recommend Santorini Greek Kitchen. You will not be disappointed. They say that reservations are accepted and suggested since there is only seating for around 50. We were there for a late lunch and didn’t have any trouble.

This was an awesome experience for me and I can tell you for sure that I will be going back again and again.

Food & Fun – 12.12.08

If you know me or are a frequent reader, you know that I love to talk about food and restaurants. I really enjoy a great meal. If that meal can be a unique experience, it’s even better! After traveling for several years professionally we began to notice that most cities have lots of the same places to eat. After a while, they all run together. So, we began to search out the unique experiences and those are some of what I try to pass on through this blog.

Recently, we had the chance to go out with some friends for a meal at one of the newer Indianapolis restaurants. It’s a Brazilian eatery called Fogo de Chao. I can honestly say that I don’t remember a more unique food experience. Before I get into my thoughts, let me say this. If you plan to go to Fogo you absolutely need to go hungry. I would also suggest limiting your meat intake for a day or two ahead of time!

I am a person who loves a good steak. I would also say that I have to have some kind of protein at every meal. Having said that, I was not prepared for what I experienced at Fogo de Chao. The basic premise is this: there is no menu; they serve meat and lots of it – 15 different cuts to be exact; there is also a huge salad bar and they bring some side dishes to your table; and, oh yeah….it’s completely awesome!

The 15 cuts of meat fall into the following categories: beef, chicken, pork & lamb. Each person at your table is given a place card – one side is green and the other side is red. This card is your signal to the servers to let the meat-fest begin. Once you flip this card to the green side, hold on to your hats….the meat begins coming from all sides. In our experience, I would estimate that approximately every 2-3 minutes we had a server coming with a different cut of meat. It’s your choice to partake in whatever you like. And, if you find something that you really like, they will keep bringing it back as long as you can stand it.

Here is a pic of one of the skewers of beef. The meat is extremely tender and very well seasoned. I was prepared for more spice, which is not something that I typically enjoy all that much. But, I was pleasantly surprised by how moderately seasoned all the cuts were. I thoroughly enjoyed everything I tasted. Each skewer is filled with the same meat cooked at different temperatures….so, the rare person can get rare and the medium well person can get medium well.

One of the highlights for me was a dish called Lombo, a lightly flavored parmesan pork. Another highlight was the bacon wrapped filet mignon and chicken. Then there’s the signature dish, Picanha, a cut of sirloin seasoned with sea salt and garlic. I would easily order any of these dishes as my entree’ whenever I had the chance. The beauty of Fogo de Chao is that you don’t have to because you really get to have them all.

I also need to tell you that as a person who really, really enjoys steak, I was not prepared for the meat hangover that I experienced the next day. You really do have to pace yourself at this place. Don’t be afraid to flip your place card to the red side and take a break. You will definitely need it!

In all, this was an amazing experience that I would highly recommend. Keep in mind that Fogo is expensive at $44.95 per person for dinner ($29.50 for lunch) although where else could you sit and literally eat fine steak – all you can eat – for an entire evening?

We had an awesome time and thoroughly enjoyed our experience. If you are looking for a unique place to spend an evening, check this place out. Make a reservation. You will not be disappointed.

My friends Steve & Tony at Fogo de Chao

What’s The Deal With Sliders?

What’s the deal with sliders? Have you noticed how many restaurants are putting “sliders” or miniature sandwiches on their menus? It seems that all of a sudden they are everywhere. Not that I’m complaining about them, I’m just seeing them all over the place. White Castle has always had them and down south Crystal has them as well. But now, even sit-down restaurants are serving them. Burger sliders, steak sliders, chicken sliders, tenderloin sliders, meatball sliders….it is an ever developing list of possibilities.

It occurred to me…..I need to try some sliders. I need to get out there and find some good ones! So, I did, and here is my opinion on the sliders I have sampled. Let me remind you that there is nothing scientific about this…I’m just ordering them when I have the chance. Here are some places where I have found some real winners. They are in no particular order and I will include a rating at the end of each one. You will see that my ratings system is based on thumbs. The more thumbs you see going up, the better the sliders.

One of my first ventures into sliders was at Ruby Tuesday. These were very good and you have the option of ordering them in ground beef or ground turkey. They are topped with a crispy onion (almost like an onion ring) and make for a really nice meal. They even have an option to combine these with the salad bar, which my wife really likes.

Next, I tried the sliders or mini-burgers at Cheeseburger In Paradise. These are decent and I will probably order them again. But, after some of the other places on this list, they would not be my favorite sliders.

My third experience happened in St. Louis, MO at a wonderful place called Culpepper’s. This place rocks! Excellent sliders with your choice of cheese and toppings. Obviously this is quite a drive from Indianapolis but if you are ever in the area, I would highly recommend this place. Also, tried the toasted ravioli. It will change your life!

Next came the Cheesecake Factory and their Southern Fried Chicken Sliders. These are very, very good. I have had them many times and each time they are crunchy and not greasy at all. They come with a sauce that is something like Thousand Island dressing. Excellent. These make a great meal!

Hands down, the very best sliders I have ever had are served at Harry & Izzy’s here in Indianapolis. They have taken the slider to an entirely new level. They serve 3 kinds of sliders, all on garlic rolls: steakburger, breaded pork tenderloin and filet mignon. That’s right…..filet mignon!!!!! This place is incredible. The steakburger will melt in your mouth. You may say, “How can a burger be that great?” Just try it. The pork tenderloin is amazing and comes topped with slaw. I have saved the absolute best for last….the Filet Mignon slider. This is quite an experience, especially if you are a steak lover. This thing is amazing and an absolute must! It’s $4 for a cooked-to-order mini filet served on a garlic roll. The first time I tried these I was begging for more!

Happy Sliding!

Food & Fun – 6.27.08 – “All Italian”

Kim and I absolutely LOVE Italian food. It’s probably one of our favorite comfort foods. So, for this weeks Food & Fun I decided to make it all about our favorite Italian restaurants and pizza places. Again, not an exhaustive list, these are just some of the real favorites we’ve found while living in Indy.

First, for the Italian restaurants, in no particular order.

1. Bravo! Cucina Italiana. I am absolutely addicted to this place. Hands down the best bread & oil I have ever eaten. We love this place for Sunday lunch. You can almost always get in easily at that time. We both have our favorites (mine is Spaghettini Bolognese – an excellent take on spaghetti and meat sauce….Kim’s favorite is Chicken Parmesan Milanese) but will even change up every now and then. They also have excellent salads and a fabulous Italian Wedding Soup. Bravo is always a very solid choice!

2. Another favorite that is off the beaten path is Enrico’s (6158 Hillside Ave – Indianapolis – 46220 – 251-1488). Near the intersection of Keystone and 62nd Street this has been a favorite for years. Great food that is cooked to order. It’s also a very quaint mom -n- pop type place to have a quiet dinner. Excellent tomato soup!

3. Amalfi is another wonderful place to have an excellent meal. Located at the intersection of 86th Street and Ditch Road on the northside of Indy, this place has never disappointed. Great for lunch or dinner and again, off the beaten path. My brother-in-law Kevin promises that their food will change your life!

4. If you are ever in the mood to eat your weight in pasta, Maggiano’s Little Italy is the place for you! You  can order off the regular menu and get a great meal. But, the only way to do Maggiano’s is to order from  the family style menu. The family style meal is all you can eat and believe me, there will be leftovers to take home when you are done! This is a fabulous dinner choice that will also be a great experience for a group of friends or family! Promise me that you will try the mushroom ravioli…..WOW!!!!!

5. Another great off the beaten path place for an excellent Italian meal is Mama Carollas. Nestled into a neighborhood near Broad Ripple this will also be a quaint spot to enjoy a quality Italian meal. They offer a great menu with wonderful food.

Now, on to our favorite PIZZA places!

1.  Puccini’s Smiling Teeth is always an excellent choice for pizza. There are 6 locations in Central Indiana. Try the Ultimate Warrior Pizza. An excellent choice! Great salads too.

2. If you spend much time with us, chances are that you have eaten Firehouse Pizza in Fishers (7261 E. 116th Street – Fishers – 46038 – 842-9299). This is carryout only but an excellent choice! We serve Firehouse Pizza at our house at least once a week. It’s always hot out of the oven and has become a real favorite of ours!

3. Also in Fishers is Greek’s Pizzeria. We really enjoy this place. Greek’s is a small place so you may have to wait a few minutes but it will be well worth it. Let me also offer a word of caution … when you look at the menu, you may be tempted by the Gourmet Meat Pizza (formerly known as “lots-o-meat”). Proceed with caution! This baby is loaded with 6 kinds of meat (including double pepperoni) and has come back to “bite” the boys and me many, many times. Great other choices and wonderful salads and bread sticks.

4. A new Indy favorite is Jockamo Pizza, located in Irvington on the near eastside of Indy. This place is awesome! Any day during the week you might find the First Church staff having lunch here (they offer a $4.50 lunch special which includes a slice of pizza, lunch salad and drink…a great deal). Jockamo uses local products to make their pizza’s, which is a really nice touch. The specialty pizza’s are all excellent including the BBQ (with sauce from G.T. South’s) and my personal favorite, the Slaughterhouse Five (pepperoni, ham, sausage, bacon and italian beef). This is one of the best pizza’s I have ever eaten!

5. Some Guy’s Pizza Pasta Grill is a place that really fits into both of these  categories. They have a location near Broad Ripple and one in Carmel. Great place for pizza, salads and Italian food in a casual atmosphere. This place also has live music on certain nights, which is really cool. When we hit Some Guy’s, we create our own pizza: meatballs, mushrooms, green peppers & onions. It’s awesome!

6. Last but not least, I humbly offer up the Costco Pizza. Yes that’s right, the pizza at Costco rocks! You can buy it by the slice at the cafe (huge slice and a drink for less than $2) or they will even make you a whole one for $10. That’s right ten bucks! And, I promise it will be one of the biggest pizza’s you have ever seen, making for an excellent meal at a great price.

So, there you have it….our recommendations for some excellent Italian food or pizza. If you know of others let me know in the comment section and we’ll be sure to check them out! Have a great weekend of Food & Fun!