Review: Another Broken Egg Cafe in Indianapolis

Fruit Platter at Another Broken Egg Cafe.
Photo credit: Elizabeth J. Musgrave.

By Elizabeth J. Musgrave
Syndicated Columnist
http://gottagoelizabeth.blogspot.com/

It’s exciting when a new restaurant opens in town. It’s even more exciting when the concept is something just a little different. Another Broken Egg Cafe opened Monday, April 15, 2013, in Indianapolis at the 96th and N. Meridian area– 9435 North Meridian Street, to be exact–with a breakfast~brunch~lunch concept.

Checking out the new eatery from Ruth’s Chris’ local franchisee owners, I was impressed upon entering at the warm atmosphere, colors and decor. Imagine, if you will, a place where modern French Country decor, whimsical artwork and southern charm blend together harmoniously silently inviting you to sit and sip mimosas, nibble on biscuit Beignets ($4.99) and catch up with friends and family in a sunny dining area or at the roomy bar.

Service is more than the obligatory niceness; there appears to be genuine caring about customers’ needs and an excitement in the staff about the food selection, which includes the familiar with an unfamiliar twist.

Grits? Yes, but with blackberries. Omelettes? Naturally, however they come in such options as: The Floridian with cream cheese, crab meat and Monterey Jack cheese, Bacquezo with bacon, chorizo (made in house), The Mardi Gras loaded with Andouille, crawfish and red bell peppers, just to cite a few.

The menu bears marks signifying items that are Gluten-free, Vegetarian, House-made and Signature dishes. Healthy and indulgent choices give the diner several ways to eat, depending on his mood. For the behaving guest, the Seasonal Fruit Platter ($6.99) currently includes mangoes, pineapple, blueberries, strawberries and more with a dip for temptation’s sake.

Sweet Potato Pancakes ($7.49) arrive to you with one plate-size pancake topped with cinnamon-marmalade infused syrup, spiced pecans and whipped cream. The Southern Crabstack ($13.49) comes in a skillet with a crabcake nestled atop a gritcake and surrounded by Andouille sausage and shrimp saute and a serving of crispy cubed potatoes.

Influenced with comfort food of the Midwest, the southern region and Creole favorites, the menu has a wide variety without going overboard, burgers, salads, a variety of Signature Benedicts and Scramble Skillets, with a lengthy list of sides rounds out the menu nicely.

The full-service bar serves up local spirits, including Fuzzy’s vodka in its well-garnished and infused-vodka Bloody Mary. Perfect-for-brunch cocktails, including Mimosas and Peach Bellinis, are listed at a lower price point than anticipated as are specialty coffee drinks.

Collectible stoneware coffee mugs, handcrafted by Deneen Pottery, are available as a souvenir or gift at the front counter in a variety of colors (I chose periwinkle).

Another Broken Egg Cafe will open a second Indy location toward the end of summer in the new hotel The Alexander and will offer dinner as well. Hours at the north side spot are 7 a.m.-2 p.m. seven days a week. Located in the Meridian North Shopping Center that includes Daddy Jack’s and Kona Jack’s, this is not a Cracker Barrel or Waffle House style morning eatery and will easily become a favorite brunch choice for me.

Must-try items on the next visit are: Cinnamon Roll French Toast ($10.99) a giant cinnamon roll grilled with French toast batter, served with cream cheese, Bananas Foster sauce, berries and whipped cream; Southern Shrimp Salad ($9.99) with mixed greens, grilled shrimp, strawberries, blueberries, sprouts, feta and sliced almonds with garlic French bread; Baked Brie Delight ($10.49) with apples, pecans and raisins sauteed in a Grand Marnier butter sauce over warm Brie cheese with toasted French bread and the Lobster & Brie Omelette ($14.99) a cream-cheese filled omelette with Brie and sauteed lobster meat, topped with a Champagne butter sauce, diced tomatoes and scallions.

Okay…maybe my next two or three visits.

Bottom Line: Another Broken Egg Cafe is a welcome addition to the food scene on the north side with a menu that is lively, portions that are great for sharing and a welcoming ambiance.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at http://www.GottaGo.us and http://www.FoodDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on http://www.Gottago.us, http://www.BroadwayWorld.com, and in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

New Qdoba Opens Today in Indianapolis; Also Apr. 15

Qdoba Breakfast Bowl. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2011, all rights reserved.

By Megan Wallace
Qdoba Mexican Grill
http://www.qdoba.com/

Qdoba Mexican Grill^®, the fast-casual restaurant concept known for its fresh, quality ingredients and innovative Mexican fare, announces the addition of two new restaurants in the Indianapolis area. Both restaurants are slated to open this April.

The first new Qdoba location will open its doors in City Way at 233 Delaware Street today, April 8, 2013. Just one week later, on April 15, a second restaurant will open in Southern Plaza at 4200 S. East Street. The new restaurants will mark the 21st and 22nd locations in Indianapolis, and will bring the number of statewide locations to 35.

To celebrate the April 8 grand opening at 233 Delaware Street, Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee will join Qdoba at 10:30 a.m. for the Ceremonial First Bite. On April 15, the Qdoba located on S. East Street will celebrate its grand opening by hosting a fundraiser benefiting the Susan G. Komen Foundation, in which 25 percent of sales will be donated to the organization’s Race for a Cure.

Adding to the excitement, guests who visit the City Way Qdoba from April 8-14 or Qdoba at Southern Plaza from April 15-21 will have the chance to win Free Burritos for a Year (one free entrée, per week for 52 weeks). Every day during each restaurant’s grand opening week, one lucky guest will be selected at random to receive a Qdoba Rewards Cardpreloaded with the Free Burritos for a Year offer. In addition, each guest who drops by either restaurant during its grand opening will receive a coupon for a free breakfast entrée during a subsequent visit.

All of Qdoba’s meals are handmade in front of guests and topped with personally selected fresh ingredients, including one of five distinctive salsas. Guests can choose from some of Qdoba’s signature flavors, including Mexican Gumbo™ or 3-Cheese Queso and Ancho Chile BBQ Burritos, as well as its Craft 2™ menu. Craft 2 lets guests mix and match perfect portions of Qdoba’s most popular items, including a Naked Burrito^®, Naked Taco Salad™, Mexican Gumbo™, 3-cheese nachos, two tacos, quesadilla or tortilla soup. The new restaurants will also offer a breakfast menu from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. every day.

For occasions outside the restaurant that call for Mexican fare, Qdoba offers catering, with buffet style Taco, Nacho and Naked Burrito^® bars. Perfect for groups of 10 or more, Qdoba catering bars come with everything needed for personal and business events alike, including napkins, utensils andchafing dishes to keep meals warm. Orders can be picked up or delivered. To place an order for catering from the new Indianapolis locations please call (855) 77-QDOBA.

For more information on events and promotions at the new Indianapolis locations, guests can visit www.Facebook.com/QdobaIndy.

Qdoba Mexican Grill – City Way
233 S. Delaware Street
Indianapolis, IN 46225
Phone: 317-602-8555
Hours: Mon–Sun: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Qdoba Mexican Grill – Southern Plaza
4200 S. East Street
Indianapolis, IN 46227
Phone: 317-515-6198
Hours: Mon–Sun: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.

About Qdoba Mexican Grill^®

Qdoba Mexican Grill is a fast-casual Mexican restaurant where anyone can enjoy a fresh, handcrafted meal. In each of Qdoba’s restaurants, guests are invited to participate in the creation of their entrée by hand-selecting ingredients from a broad menu of inspired, innovative flavors. An open kitchen concept allows Qdoba to showcase its passion for food, commitment to using high-quality ingredients that are prepared fresh throughout the day, and dedication to taking the time to handcraft every meal served, so that every guest is guaranteed an exceptional experience. Founded in Denver in 1995, Qdoba is among North America’s largest Mexican fast-casual chains, with more than 600 restaurants in 44 states, the District of Columbia and Canada. Qdoba is a wholly owned subsidiary of Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ: JACK). Franchise development rights exist for additional Qdoba Mexican Grill restaurants in areas throughout the United States and Canada. For more information about Qdoba or about franchising opportunities, please visit www.qdoba.com.

Things to do in Indianapolis, Mar. 11-17, 2013

At last year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Downtown Indianapolis.
AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2012, all rights reserved.

Things to do in Indianapolis
March 11-17, 2013

• 33rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Downtown Indianapolis
• 55th Annual Flower and Patio Show at the State Fairgrounds
• ‘Blarney Bash’ on Georgia Street in Downtown Indianapolis
• ‘Northside Nights’ Dining Event in Indianapolis
• WWE RAW Live at Bankers Life Fieldhouse
• Taylor Martin’s Indy Magic Monthly at Theatre on the Square
• Dance Kaleidoscope Live at the Indiana Repertory Theatre
• Stewart’s Indiana Flea Market at the State Fairgrounds
• 2nd Annual Shamrockin’ the Circle in Downtown Indianapolis
• Monster Supercross at Lucas Oil Stadium

Free publicity for your events! Submit an event.

Devour Downtown Winterfest, Jan. 21 to Feb. 3

Blackened Ahi Tuna at the Colts Grille, one of the restaurants participating in the Devour Downtown Winterfest. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2011, all rights reserved.

By Susan Decker
On behalf of Devour Downtown
http://devourdowntown.org/

The Devour Downtown Winterfest, Jan. 21 to Feb. 3, 2013, will provide an extra helping this year by encouraging diners to savor fare while supporting the local nonprofit chapter of Back on My Feet (BoMF). The partnership allows participants to make $10 donations by texting “Feet Devour” to 52000 to benefit the homeless and underserved populations.

“Giving back is very important to our restaurant community and Back on My Feet is an organization close to many of our hearts,” said John Mirabal, president of the Indianapolis Downtown Restaurant and Hospitality Association. “Some of the participating restaurants have employees who have successfully participated in the program and have obtained a new outlook on life.”

BoMF is a national nonprofit organization that is dedicated to creating independence and self-sufficiency within the homeless and other underserved populations by first engaging them in running as a means to build confidence, strength and self-esteem. In 2012, 56 B0MF residential members enrolled in job training education courses and 25 members obtained employment and housing.

“The support we’ve seen from the restaurants and hotels in Indianapolis is incredible,” said Jamie Cox, executive director of BoMF’s Indianapolis chapter. “It’s amazing to see our members transform with an increase in confidence, independence and self-esteem while working at some of the participating Devour Downtown restaurants.”

During its 14 day run from Jan. 21 to Feb. 3,  2013, the Devour Downtown Winterfest allows guests to take advantage of special pricing at more than 50 restaurants offering prix fixe menus. Participating restaurants and menus will be listed at devourdowntown.org as they become available and announced via Facebook on the Devour Downtown Indianapolis page and on Twitter @devourdowntown.

For more information, call 317-673-4211.

Editor’s Acknowledgment: Susan Decker Media.

Second Thursday on Georgia Street, Oct. 11

Georgia Street in downtown Indianapolis. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2012, all rights reserved.

By Taylor Newell
Indianapolis Downtown, Inc.
http://indydt.com/

Second Thursdays on Georgia Street with ExactTarget is a new, FREE event. Mark your calendars for the second Thursday of each month in October and November (Oct. 11 and Nov. 8).

Georgia Street is downtown Indy’s’ newest and coolest gathering place. Employees, residents and visitors are encouraged to come down on lunch hour for people watching, take an afternoon break from the work day or start the weekend early.

Outdoor cafes including Hooters, Harry & Izzy’s, Tilted Kilt, Howl at the Moon, The Pub Indianapolis, The Old Spaghetti Factory and Kilroy’s Bar and Grill offer prime seating.

Georgia Street activities will take place from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Oct. 11. Attendees can:

• See Butler’s favorite mascots and cheerleader performances throughout
the day.
• Hear Nashville recording-artist PJ Anderson at 11:30 a.m.
• Meet the Pacemates and Boomer from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Get autographs from Colts cheerleaders from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Try the Ice Slapshot from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. & 4 – 8 p.m.
• Dance to fun bands: Jake Brothers - 4:45 p.m. and The Rhinestones -
6:30 p.m.
• Play cornhole all day.

Bring your friends and join ExactTarget and Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. on Georgia Street Oct. 11! For more information, visit http://indydt.com/, or call 317-237-2222.