The Best Restaurants are Local!

It has always been my opinion that the best restaurants in town are small locally-owned establishments. From hole in the wall joints, that you would never take your mother into, to eclectic trend-forward bistros and cafés; to me, these establishments, both old and new, are the pulse of any great city and are what continue to bring amazing traditional flavors, some with incredible new spins and twists, to tables and pallets all across the city.

I write this to vent, hoping that the anger inside of me will once again subside so I can enjoy the little piece of baklava that I have brought home. It is not the restaurant that offends me, rather the patrons- patrons who are so loud that you can’t avoid hearing their inane conversations. Let me share some 'wonderful' comments from the couple at the next table.  “What’s this crinkly green stuff in my salad?” “Do you have any grated YELLOW cheese?” “Can I have 3 slices of lemon in my water?” “How much longer will our food be?” “There sure is not much food for the price.” 

What could I do with this metal skewer that came with my kabobs, I ask myself??? When did it become ok for people to be so rude and disrespectful? I don’t care who you are or what you do; I’m pretty sure you’re no better than this sweet, middle-aged woman who is only working here because she lost her job this summer and is doing her best to make ends meet. If you want your food in 5 min, shredded cheddar cheese, white iceberg lettuce or water with 3 slices of lemon, GO to the nearest fast food restaurant order yourself the cheapest salad on the menu and lemonade; then be on your way to your next rude encounter. I don’t want you eating at this fantastic restaurant that I happen to love. I love the food.  And I don’t want my food in 5 min. If my food comes that fast something is not right.  If my lettuce is as white as the table linens, skip it! 

What I do want is for the small entrepreneurs to keep their doors open during these very difficult times. No one is taking the hit worse than this group. Many small business owners have invested everything they have to stay afloat, for you, the patrons, who love their food and their company.  So the next time you are trying to decide where to eat, keep this in mind. The big chain restaurants and fast food establishments will make it thru these tough times.  They have huge conglomerates pumping money to them and they won’t fail; but Niki and Joe who prepared my meal tonight using their own family recipes can be gone tomorrow.  Do your part.  Make a list of 5 small family-owned restaurants, café’s or bistros and the next time you need a place to eat, pull out your list and head out.  You won’t be disappointed. Need some help, check out Indianapolis Monthly, they always have some great restaurant write ups.

Thanks for the opportunity to vent. I feel better. Here’s hoping that my next visit out has me sitting near you, an appreciator, sparing me the thoughtless ranting of some.  Let me know where you’re headed, I love to discover new gems so if you have a favorite little café/bistros or restaurant be sure to leave a comment and let me know about it.

Eat Well. Steve