Portillo’s Announces Avon Location Coming Fall 2018 @portillos

Artist’s rendering of the Avon, Indiana Portillo’s location.

By Ana Espinoza
On behalf of Portillo’s

The Chicagoland restaurant brand unveils plans for new location, slated to open in Fall 2018

Portillo’s, the fast casual concept known for its menu of Chicago-style favorites, proudly announces its newest location at 10444 E. US Hwy. 36 in Avon, IN.

The Avon location follows locations in Merrillville, Fishers, and Mishawaka, with a southside Indianapolis restaurant slated to open later this summer.

“Though Portillo’s originated in Illinois, we have seen such a phenomenal welcome from our Indiana neighbors,” says CEO Keith Kinsey. “Our location in Avon is situated in a strong retail area with a great mix of business and residential audiences. We look forward to joining this vibrant local community.”

Once complete, the restaurant will feature a Prohibition-themed interior, drawing décor inspiration from the 1920’s and 1930’s. The 9,000-square foot restaurant will include seating for more than 200 guests; a seasonal, 46-seat outdoor patio; and double-lane drive-thru.

Guests to the new Avon location can enjoy all of Portillo’s classic menu items, including Chicago-Style Hot Dogs, Italian Beef Sandwiches, char-grilled burgers, fresh salads, and Portillo’s famous Chocolate Cake.

Fans can register for a chance to attend a sneak peek training meal prior to opening and receive updates on the Portillo’s Avon location by signing up at www.portillos.com/avon.

For more information on the restaurant, please visit www.portillos.com or follow Portillo’s on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Devour Indy Aug. 21 to Sept. 3, 2017 @devourindy

Mama Carolla’s Old Italian Restaurant is one of the participating restaurants in Devour Indy 2017. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2015, all rights reserved.

By Sarah Stegmeyer
On behalf of Devour Indy

INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, Aug. 21) – More than 200 restaurants in the Greater Indianapolis area are serving up exclusive, value priced menus for Devour Indy 2017
Summerfest. Take advantage of these tasty menus from today, August 21, through Sunday, Sept. 3, 2017.

Beginning today, participating restaurants will be flaunting their three-course menus and showing diners why Indianapolis has been named the “Most Underrated Food City in the U.S” by Zagat.

Sip on the Mr. Cantarito – the official Devour Indy cocktail at Mr. Tequila’s Cantina and Grill in downtown Indianapolis.

Devour Indy welcomes more than 20 new restaurants to the mix, along with those traditional Devour favorites and an additional dozen hotels offering exclusive Devour Indy room rates.

Experience Indianapolis like never before by taking advantage of Devour Indy offers from various hotels and attractions across the city.

Book a stay at one of Indy’s A List hotels, explore the Magnificent Macaw exhibit at the Indianapolis Zoo and cheer on the Indy Eleven at one of their two home games during Devour.

Visit www.devourindy.com to plan your two weeks of Devour Indy today!

“Savor the South Shore” Restaurant Week, Apr. 6-19, 2015

Savor the South Shore Restaurant Week, Apr. 6-19, 2015.

By Stacina Stagner
South Shore Convention & Visitors Authority

‘Savor the South Shore’ Restaurant Week, a two-week event offering diners specially priced lunch and dinner menus, begins Monday, April 6, and runs through Sunday, April 19, 2015. More than 25 restaurants throughout the South Shore are participating in the inaugural Restaurant Week.

“The South Shore offers diners a diverse selection of restaurants including fine and casual dining, fast food and barbecue establishments, and more,” said Speros A. Batistatos, president and CEO of the South Shore CVA. “We look forward to helping our local restaurants highlight their establishments, as well as helping visitors and residents discover all that is available along the South Shore.”

Participating restaurants include:

54 Main Bistro, Hobart

Asparagus, Merrillville

Bombers BBQ, Munster

Bub’s BBQ, DeMotte

Cabela’s Black Oak Grill, Hammond

Ciao Bella, Schererville

The Crown Town Grill, Crown Point

El Taco Real, Hammond

The Farmhouse Restaurant, Fair Oaks

Freddy’s Steakhouse, Hammond

Jack Binion’s Steakhouse, Hammond

Jordy N Jax BBQ, DeMotte

Lucrezia Ristorante, Crown Point and Chesterton

Mirage Grill, Merrillville

Miller Bakery Café, Gary

Sage Restaurant, Valparaiso

Spire Farm to Fork, La Porte

The Steakhouse @ Majestic Star Casino, Gary

Surefire, Valparaiso

Teibel’s, Schererville

T.J. Maloney’s Authentic Irish Pub, Merrillville

Timbrook Kitchens, Munster

Vaps Street Food, Valparaiso

Venice Italian Steakhouse, Dyer

White Rhino Bar & Grill, Dyer

Menus and additional information, as well as information about a texting promotion in which diners can receive exclusive offers and specials, can be found on the ‘Savor the South Shore’ website,www.southshorecva.com/savor. No coupons are necessary; diners only need to ask to see the Restaurant Week menu.

Additional specials, promotions and information can also be found by visiting the ‘Savor the South Shore’ Facebook page,www.facebook.com/SavorSouthShore.

‘Savor the South Shore’ Restaurant Week is sponsored by The Times of Northwest Indiana. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, or for more information about ‘Savor the South Shore,’ contact the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority at 219-989-7770.

Five Great Sandwiches for Indianapolis Visitors

By Bob Burchfield, Editor
AroundIndy.com, LLC

I’ve never seen an official count, but I’ve been told that there are over 1,000 restaurants in Indianapolis, Indiana. Obviously I haven’t hit ‘em all, but I’ve visited perhaps 10-15% over the past five years. Here are five of the best sandwiches I’ve photographed. If you are coming into Indianapolis in the next day or two for the basketball championship weekend, I’m certain that any of these sandwiches will satisfy your palate.

#5 – Boogie Burger, 1904 Broad Ripple Avenue

Wild Wild West Burger at Boogie Burger.

The Wild Wild West Burger at Boogie Burger, with cheddar cheese, hickory smoked bacon, onion rings, BBQ sauce, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. AroundIndy.com staff photo, © 2010, all rights reserved.

#4 – Front Page Sports Bar and Grill, 310 Massachusetts Avenue

Veteran Burger at Front Page Sports Bar and Grill.

The Veteran Burger at Front Page Sports Bar and Grill.  Photo credit: Ben Risinger. © 2011, AroundIndy.com, LLC, all rights reserved.

#3 – Tie Dye Grill, 1311 North Shadeland Avenue

Pork Tenderloin at Tie Dye Grill.

I don’t know if there is officially a state sandwich, but if not, it ought to be the classic Hoosier pork tenderloin. This is the breaded tenderloin at Tie Dye Grill, one of Indiana’s best. AroundIndy.com staff photo, © 2012, all rights reserved.

#2 – Fat Dan’s Chicago-style Deli, 5410 North College Avenue

Bacon Cheeseburger at Fat Dan’s Chicago-style Deli.

Dick Davis, local http://burgerquest.biz blogger, recently proclaimed Fat Dan’s as the best burger in Indianapolis. He’ll get no argument from me. This is a perfect bacon cheeseburger made by Fat Dan’s during the Bull Burger Battle. AroundIndy.com staff photo, © 2013, all rights reserved.

#1 – Rock Cola Café, 5730 Brookville Road

Mile High Club sandwich at Rock Cola Cafe.

I’ve gotta give the #1 award to Rock Cola Café, because this sandwich, the Mile High Club, finished 2nd in the entire state of Indiana, in the Indiana Department of Tourism’s competition for “Best Indiana Sandwich” during Super Bowl XLVI in 2012. It’s so big that it has to be held together with a knife (visible above), and it is one terrific sandwich. AroundIndy.com staff photo, © 2012, all rights reserved.

Honorable Mentions

Shapiro’s Delicatessen, 808 South Meridian Street
A classic Jewish deli over 100 years old. You can’t go wrong with any of their sandwiches.

Gas Light Inn, 2280 South Meridian Street
Their reubens and pork tenderloins are something special.

Mann’s Grille, 1214 South Tibbs Avenue
Mouth-watering sandwiches at reasonable prices at this hole-in-the-wall restaurant.

Papa Roux, 8950 East 10th Street
A transplanted New Orleans restaurateur runs this Cajun restaurant with a variety of Po-Boys to die for.

Of course, there are many, MANY more excellent restaurants in downtown Indianapolis and across the city where you can get a great sandwich! These are just a few of my best foodie photos. I’ve got lots more restaurants, food trucks, and food photos posted on our main Web site at http://aroundindy.com/restaurants.php. Enjoy your visit to our city! #IndyWelcomesAll

DISCLOSURE NOTICE: Tie Dye Grill provided me with a free lunch during a 2012 visit to their restaurant.

Chow Down Midtown in Indianapolis, June 2-15

Moe and Johnny’s is one of the participating restaurants in Chow Down Midtown.
AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2014, all rights reserved.

Press Release
Indiana Restaurant & Lodging Association
http://indianarestaurants.org/

Grab your family and friends to experience 14 days of delicious dining deals during Chow Down Midtown, June 2-15, 2014. More than 40 restaurants in the midtown area will offer three-course, value-priced menus.

This year’s event includes such restaurants in midtown Indianapolis (generally in the Broad Ripple area) as Ambrosia, Binkley’s, Delicia, Fat Dan’s Deli, Mama Carolla’s, Moe and Johnny’s (see photo above), Thr3e Wise Men, Union Jack Pub, Yats, Zest! Exciting Food Creations, and many more.

From seafood, fancy food to pizza, you and your friends can experience it all at your favorite restaurant or a new one. View the complete list of participating restaurants and menus at ChowDownMidtown.com. For more information, call 317-673-4211.