Category Archives: Appetizers

Grinding on the Monon…

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Not too long ago, I had to run an errand that took us north of Indy. It was a mid-morning errand, so afterwards would be perfect time for lunch. I consulted the local Indy foodie group, and found a place called Grindstone on the Monon – an American cuisine joint with decent reviews from the local foodies, so I figured what the hell. Let’s give it a go.

We started off with the Crab Dip (creamy crab, cajun seasoning, monterey jack cheese, green onions, served with tortilla chips). It was solid. Would definitely recommend if that’s your thing.

Grindstone on the Monon Crab Dip

We moved on to our main entrees. I ordered the Prime Beef Manhattan (toasted brioche, yukon gold mashed potatoes, shaved prime rib, crispy onion straws, demi-glace, green beans).

Grindstone on the Monon Prime Beef Manhattan

The wife decided to try the Lemongrass Chicken (pan seared chicken breasts, lemongrass broth, cherry tomato, red onion, red bell pepper, Yukon gold mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus).

Grindstone on the Monon Lemongrass Chicken

Let me tell you. This was one of those uppity beef manhattans – over the top in flavor and richness, but still delectable. My gold standard for a beef manhattan comes from MCL. It’s as straightforward as it comes and straight delicious if we’re being honest. This was different than that but also delectable. Like I said, very rich, but nothing in the beef or gravy screamed processed flavor. It tasted fresh and delicious. The wife tried it and agreed.

The wife was impressed with her lemongrass chicken. I also tried it, and I would be tempted to also order it again when and if we ever return. Just a good creamy lemony flavor without being a knockoff piccata. Once again fresh tasting and with a bit of zest. Would recommend.

Notables: Service and atmosphere was excellent. Our server obviously has regulars. A group of seniors arrived (after church I think), and he already had their table waiting and drinks for them. Was a very good an attentive server without being annoying. All around a great experience. Kudos to the Indy local foodies group!

Natey Want Wingy… A Visit to the Ale Emporium

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In local Indy Foodie groups, a debate that often comes up is who has the best wings. One name often mentioned is the Ale Emporium. To be honest, I had tried them years before, like two decades before, and I remembered thinking highly of the place, but I just hadn’t been back. Just like everything on the internet, opinions vary on the Ale Emporium’s wings, but I was persuaded enough to give them a go.

Now Indy has two locations – Castleton (the original) and Greenwood (the addition). Greenwood being where I lived when the wife and I got together, so we decided to head south.

First, great sports bar type atmosphere and plenty of beer on tap, so no complaints there. Second, service was great, e.g., the server prepared us for long wait times due to a lot of carryout orders, but it didn’t seem like any longer for a bar/pub type place. I like when the servers under promise and over deliver.

Now onto the food. We started out with the stuffed breadsticks and cheesy bacon skins.

Ale Emporium – Appetizers

Stuffed Breadsticks – Three handmade breadsticks stuffed with pepperoni and melted mozzarella served with your choice of warm pizza sauce, nacho cheese or white queso.

Cheesy Bacon Skins – Six potato skins topped with cheddar jack cheese, chives and bacon.

The stuffed breadsticks were our favorite. Those little fuckers were the bomb. The cheesy bacon skins were very good, but not a skin. I think the cook just cut potatoes in half, took a minor scrape out of each one then topped them. Those were very thick and very filling. We brought four of them home. Devouring all the stuffed breadsticks wasn’t ever in doubt. Fucking delicious, and I’m pretty sure the nacho cheese they serve them with is Ortega Que Bueno! YUM!

Onto the wings. I got the Hermazian.

Ale Emporium – Hermazian Wings

My wife got the Herman-Style, and we split some fries.

Ale Emporium – Herman-Style Wings

Hermazian Wings – Secret blend of peppers and spices, the Ale’s secret sauce, and Asian sweet and sour sauce.

Herman-Style Wings – Secret blend of peppers and spices, mixed with the Ale’s secret sauce.

Ale Fries – Idaho potatoes lightly sprinkled with Ale’s own special blend of seasoning.

I was very impressed and my wife was just impressed. To be honest, I tried one of hers and I think the Hermazian is the superior sauce, so that helped. Hers was more of a traditional buffalo. Mine were more robust than that. More unique. Fries were good, good flavor, and a decent side. Next time I’ll go tots though.

The wings were crispy yet tender on the inside without being dry. The sauce was fantastic and unique – Asian Zing from B-Dubs kind of gets you close, maybe.

Long story short, Natey got delectable wingy! We both agreed we would be back, and generally I can thank the local foodie groups for steering us in the right direction again. Highly recommend!