Weber Grill Restaurant – Big taste in a little city.

Do you like barbeque? Do you like steak, ribs and chicken?  Well there is a place in Indianapolis that you can get a mouthwatering meal with full flavor.   Where is this place you ask?  A place where the meat is so tender it falls off the bone.   It is in Indianapolis!  The name you ask? Weber Grill Restaurant is the name and meat is the game.

The atmosphere let’s simply call casual.  Jeans are strongly recommended as you do not want to be out of place.  You cannot miss the door as a Weber Grill hangs outside ready to usher you in to a world of old school BBQ.   As you enter a life size bronze statue of your father working over a charcoal grills welcomes you.  This brings back memories of summer’s past.  If the food is not enough to entice you then just the memories this place brings back should.

The prices are inexpensive compared to other establishments in other cities.  This place will not break your wallet.  So sit back and enjoy.

The BBQ Combo is recommend so you can sample a huge bit of everything.  You have your choice of 2 succulent entrees including, Hickory BBQ Ribs, Grilled BBQ Quarter Chicken, Pulled Pork , Black Angus Meatloaf, House Smoked Sausage.   The rib meat fell off the bone.  The chicken was moist and plump like it took a bath in water.  The BBQ sauce is a party in my mouth.  Truly an exceptional experience.  The cornbread is top notch.

If you prefer something different the Tuscan Brick Chicken was a combustion of flavor.  A semi-boneless half chicken with lemon thyme jus served with sautéed spinach and roasted garlic mashed potatoes.  The lemon thyme jus sauce had a tang that was addicting.  The chicken required more sauce but it was juicy inside where it needed to be.  I do not typically eat roasted garlic mashed potatoes but I could literally not stop eating them, they were that fabulous.  “Fabulous” a strange word to describe potatoes but hey go with it.

The service in Indianapolis was the best service that I have had in a long time.  My water glass was always full.  My server had a constant smile on his face.  He was honest about what to order off the menu when I asked for recommendations. 

This establishment was wonderful surprise.  With a name like Weber Grill I expected prepared food reheated with an overprice menu.  This was far from the case.  Weber Grill was exceptionally priced, friendly service, and a comfortable atmosphere.  The food was spot on tender and juicy which is hard to do when grilling.  This place is definitely a 3.5 Fork Up.  When in Indianapolis do give this grilling establishment a chance you will not be disappointed even the locals hang out at the bar.

10 N. Illinois Street
Indianapolis IN 46204
317-636-7600

 

Indianapolis – The biggest small town in America.

Indianapolis, Indiana is one city you can view from your hotel window.  The whole city can literally be fit in the palm of your hand.  Although small the people have the biggest heart in America. 

You can see the whole town in just a few days but you cannot taste all the differences in town in just that short time.  This town is an active town filled with sports.  From football to basketball the town vibe is one filled with activity.  Act lively you are part of something bigger here even the children love there sports.

Don’t walk run to the nearest event.  The Indianapolis 500 held in May is the car event of the year. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum is a walk through a time machine.  The original Hall of Fame Museum opened in 1956.  There are approximately 75 vehicles on display at one time.  There are more than 30 winning cars from the Indianapolis 500 throughout the years.  Some cars on display are:

• The four cars driven to victory by A.J. Foyt Jr., including his 1977 machine that represents his record-setting fourth Indy 500 win.
• The Duesenberg #12 Murphy Special, the only car ever to win both the Indianapolis 500 (1922) and the French Grand Prix at Le Mans (1921).
• Dave Evans' #8 Cummins Diesel Special, the first car to complete the Indy 500 without a pit stop in 1931.
• The 1965 Le Mans-winning Ferrari 250 LM.
• A 1954/55 Mercedes-Benz Formula One car.
• A 1957 SSI Corvette.
• A 1998 Stewart-Ford SF-2 Formula One car.
• A rare 1935 Duesenberg Model JN four-door convertible passenger car, of which only three were built.
• An equally rare 1925 McFarlan TV6 passenger roadster.

The people are some of the friendliest I have met and I am comparing them to the Canadians who have always had my heart.  So be warned do not come with an attitude as you will not be welcome. They may be friendly but they do have pride.  Pride you will experience in your walk about town.  But for now I will just leave you with this thought….”Indianapolis the biggest little small town in America.”

 

 

 

THE FLYING PIG – Sounds like something out of a fairy tale only Vancouver style.

The Flying Pig is one of Gastown’s best establishments comfortable and causal a perfect place for a first date.  Although sometimes it may get a little loud the atmosphere lends itself to make a good first impression.  It has a loft appearance with cloth napkins and excellent service.

It bills itself as “nouveau Canadian Bistro” what that means I really do not know. I call it casual with an upscale vibe and a down home BBQ flare.  So relax its all good from this point on.  The only way you can really screw up is to be pretensions as this restaurant does not lend itself to that type.  So if you are from Toronto or Beverly Hills this is not a place you will fit in.  But if you are of the type that less is more than this place is definitely someplace to see and be seen.

The amount of food can be ridiculous so if you are eating light I recommend the appetizer menu.   I indulged in mussels in white wine and garlic served with a side of frits.  Yes this is what is considered an appetizer.  The menu is season so it does change but I have noticed that the main staple is pork and some form of it remains on the menu.

The mussels were nothing less than fresh and although I am trying to cut back I eat the frits.  Unfortunately for my waist line they were addicting so I could not just stop at one.

Ah…the pork.  The Red Wine Braised Beef Short Rib served with roasted bone marrow and aged white cheddar mash was rich and tender.  It melts in your mouth. In case you have been living under a rock roasted bone marrow is all the rage.  It appears that every cooking show is featuring some version of it.  It is not an easy recipe to follow but if you have technique then it is a winner on any cooking show. 

Do not be scared to bring your date as there is something for everyone from Pan Seared Queen Charlotte Halibut to Wild Seafood Pappardella.  The sides are exceptionally appetizing and “different” but in a good way.  Try the Bone Marrow Cheezy Bread, yes I said the bone marrow again, or how about the Lobster and Prawn Risotto.  Canada’s specialty dish is also available Andrew’s Pulled Pork Poutine.  Yes this dish is catching on in the US. 

The service is exceptional as they are always ready to ply you with alcohol or any drink of your choice.  The only draw back is the price it might seem a little high if you’re a tourist but for the locals it is spot on.  The dessert is served but I prefer to walk down the street and order a crepe.  This place is 3 ½ Forks Up.  Ready set go!

102 Water Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V5T3E8+1 604-559-7968

Cardero's in Coal Harbour – The sea, the view, the food.

Just when you thought it could not get any better it does.  The view from the restaurant is amazing.  The locals will tell you that it’s a fabulous restaurant and one of the best which would leave you to believe you must be dressed to the 9’s to enter the establishment but that is simply not true.  This place is casual and relaxing located in the Harbor itself. 

The one thing about Cadero’s is it is not a local secret.  Tourist and locals dine here together.  It is not my local hole in the wall that first attracts me to a restaurant but it is the atmosphere and location that hooked me.  As I sat by the window I had an impressive view of the Harbor with its ships coming in and out.  Nothing better than a glass of red wine as enjoyed the moment and with that thought I ordered the oysters on the half shell which were simply put delicious.

 It was lobster season so what better dishes to order than Lobster Fettuccini with Saffron.  There was just a dash of saffron not to overwhelm the buttery flavor of the lobster which was done to perfection. It has always been my father’s contention that you never order fish unless you are at a fish restaurant by the sea.  I could not argue with that logic as the lobster was fabulous. 

The fish so fresh that it jumps out of the ocean is not your taste then they also cater to those who prefer a land.  The pork chops and chicken are a treat for those not of the sailor type. 

Finish the meal with a dessert and you will not be disappointed. I always rate my desserts as to whether or not they are worth the calories.  Unfortunately for me the answer was yes.  Thus my diet when I got back to the States.  That is what I get for asking the waiter what he suggested.  Of course the answer was a brownie sundae.  So good but yet so bad for you so I went straight to my hotel room and did 50 sit ups like that was really going to help.  But it did ease my conscious a little bit.

This establishment is casual, relaxing and well staffed.  The food was good but it was a little pricey for my empty wallet.  I recommend a definite trip for cocktails and appetizers in the bar area.  It will not break the bank but it is fabulous to sit in the middle of the Harbor and just relax.  Three Forks Up because my wallet did not match my appetite.

Located at: 1583 Coal Harbour Quay, Coal Harbour, Vancouver, BC. 

Reservations recommended 604-669-7666

Reservations are strongly recommended and encouraged.  However, if you fail do not despair as there is a fantastic bar area to warm up in with a wide arrange of selections. 

 

The Templeton Restaurant – Breakfast served Tammy style.

Vancouver has so much to offer from its organic fruits and vegetables to its laid back artistic atmosphere.  The Templeton is not located on the prettiest street or in the best neighborhood but maybe that’s what makes it all the more charming. Located in the heart of the entertainment district The Templeton brings back memories of sock hops and rock n’roll that your parents thought was the devils music.  But The Templeton is so much more it is a reminder of a simpler time when there were no Iphones to interrupt your dinner.  There are no microwaves here to cook with only a good old fashioned stove and grill.  

Processed food no, good food yes from its natural free run, non-medicated eggs to its handmade specialty turkey sausage The Templeton is all “real”.  May I recommend the Tofu Scramble made with medium tofu sautéed with veggies, lightly seasoned with curry and nutritional yeast, rosemary potatoes and toast?   The taste is orgasmic and the price will not burn a whole through your wallet.  If your more in touch you’re your manliness then try the Truckers Breakfast  made with 3 eggs, turkey sausage or bacon or veggie bacon, delightfully seasoned rosemary potatoes and toast.  Even truckers need to watch what they eat sometimes.  This little one of a kind gem has everything from smoked salmon omelet to blueberry banana pancakes.  There is always something for everyone.

I recommend starting off your visit in Vancouver with breakfast at The Templeton it will feel you up and keep you going.  However do not be sad, they serve lunch and dinner.   Remember this place is old school with a twist on today’s flavor profile.  You can order from grill cheese sandwich to veggie chili dog.  They have a wide choice of specialty salads including Asian Noodle Salad organic buckwheat soba noodles, fresh cilantro, carrots and peppers in peanut lime vinaigrette dressing.  Plenty of hamburgers to fill your belly combined with a good old milkshake.   

The Templeton is open late Thursday – Sunday and serves liquor and beer.  It is a great place to kick back after a show and grab a drink to unwind. 

Its exterior may seem harsh buy today’s standards but the inside resembles days’ gone bye with its 50’s interior still in tack.  Each booth has mini juke box ready to play at your request.  No the waitresses do not dress up as if going to a soc hop but they are extremely friendly and helpful.  The place is small so expect a little wait but I assure you it is well worth it.  The prices are not from a time when…but they are quite inexpensive compared to today’s standards.

This little whole in the wall deserves your attention.   Best for breakfast or a late night snack with its inviting drink options including its spiked milkshakes and floats.  Shh…don’t tell anyone.  So let’s see a strong 3.5 Forks Up – just because.  Food, fun, friendliness. 

Located at 1087 Graville St., Vancouver, British Columbia V6Z 1L2

604-685-4612

9am – 11pm (except Thurs-Sun 1am)

GYPSY DEN – An electric surprise in Santa Ana, California.

The menu is stirred to taste.  The ingredients are prepared fresh.  The bread and pastries and baked in house.  The atmosphere is coffee shop with a rather hip vibe taking you back to the hippy era. 

The menu caters those health conscious with a selection of food cooked fresh from the garden.  For those more into meatless delights there are several entrees that meet your dietary requirements.

Personally the difference between the Adobe Stew and the Veggie Chili is minuscule but that will not stop you from trying both.  The Adobe Stew is a vegetable stew with corn, zucchini, tomato, onion and green bean, topped with cheese.  The Classic Gypsy Chili is a vegetarian chili with soy meat, beans, onion, tomato and corn and topped with cheese.  The difference in preparation is only the vegetables used but the difference in taste is amazing. 

Yes there is meat on the menu The French mean is a twist on the classic Roast Beef Sandwich.  The seasoned melt in your mouth roast beef is sliced and heaped on a fresh based pretzel bun smeared with horseradish mustard. It is served with a side of au jus for dipping.

Did some one ask for Tuna?  The tuna is prepared with the sweetest green apples, crisp celery, sliced tomatoes and cheese.  You can ask for the tuna to be mixed lightly with mayo as every tuna sandwich is prepared from scratch. 

If you want something different and are weaning off the meat then try the Goat Melt.  Fresh baked wheat flatbread with melted goat cheese, red bell peppers, spinach and Greek olives.  It is a Mediterranean delight.

Using my logical I ordered the Carrot Cake for dessert.  What logic you ask?  Well since this place caters to the health conscious and all ingredients are made fresh I analogized that the desserts must be healthy too.  So on to the Carrot Cake made with REAL carrots, spices and light cream cheese frosting.  Yes Heaven is a dessert. 

The staff is always friendly and patient with me because I never know what I want to gobble down next.  The atmosphere is so under dressed although you might catch a glimpse of a judge or attorneys do not be dissuaded this place is more artsy than sterile.  The art work hanging on the walls are from local artists.  The Anaheim location has an open mic every Wednesday night.  Each location is different and I am particular to the Santa Ana location.

For atmosphere, fresh ingredients, friendly staff this rates 3.5 Forks Up.  But if you have high expectations of a romantic location or anything more than what it is then this place is NOT for you. It is what it is – comfortable.

Locations:

The Gypsy Den Grand Central Cafe

125 N. Broadway Ave. Santa Ana, CA 92701

(714) 835-8840

The Gypsy Den Cafe @ the L.A.B.

2930 Bristol St. Costa Mesa, CA 92626

(714) 549-7012

The Gypsy Den Anaheim Arts District

211 W Center St Promenade Anaheim CA 92805

(714) 956-4400

SPIKES FISH HOUSE – Fresh fish in California what a concept!

Yes it is located in a strip mall but what does that really matter?  Have you ever heard that some of the best eats are found in whole in the wall establishments?  Well I have tasted more than one that fits that bill.

Their motto is “simply grilled” and it is just that simply grilled.  However you do have your option as to how you want it grilled, such as panko, Cajun or simply grilled.  You can even mix it up a bit with Cajun panko.  With a little help you can add a spice to your liking.  I seem to be stuck on the Chimichurri for the simply fact that I cannot always find that spice at restaurants.  This tasting sensation is prepared with fresh parsley, oregano, garlic, red wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil.   Prepared light with the oregano all the fresh flavors are happiness on my taste buds.

It is an art to grilling a fish and here it is a work of art.  The fish is not overdone but moist and light.  Try the Tilapia you will not be disappointed.  There is wide selection of fresh fish to choose from such as Tilapia, Basa, Salmon, Mahi Mahi, Snapper, Albacore and shrimp.  I can commit to the fact that the Salmon like the rest of the fish selections is not fishy. 

You pick the protein, how you want it prepared and served.  It can be ordered on the most delicious soba noodles I have ever eaten and mind you my day job is within the Asian community so I do know a thing or two about soba noodles. Do not think Top Ramen – its not.  If not on soba noodles you can have the fish as a wrap, burrito or sandwich.  If you want to be healthy then get it on fresh cut greens. 

For the traditional fish fry then give the fish and chips a try.  The batter is crisp and yes seasoned to taste.  The fish is moist and again not over cooked.

Taco Tuesdays exists and served Spikes style with pico de gallo, corn and cabbage in a flour tortilla.  For the calorie conscious then the lettuce wraps may be fore you less than 150 calories each but it takes two hands to eat. So wear a bib.

The atmosphere is comfortable and extremely causal.  You order at the counter and the staff will bring you your food.  They will also refill your drinks so you do not have to get up.  I recommend that you leave a dollar or two tip as they are more than happy to serve you like a full service establishment without a whisper. 

This place is good for a lunch or quick bite to eat for dinner.  This is not a date place so if you are trying to impress I strongly suggest that you take her/him to someplace special.  This is not the place which will get you past second base but enjoyable for quick bite before the movie or just to catch up with friends.  This place gets 3 Forks Up. Price is manageable, service is great and staff is fabulous.  It carries a very casual atmosphere.

Located at 30465 Avenida de las Flores, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688.
949-766-3382.  Next to Starbucks in the Lowes Shopping Center.