I’ll have to admit that when I go out to dinner for Italian, I’ve been sticking to what’s comfortable and going to mediocre restaurants that offer tasteless spaghetti and sloppy lasagna. Eating that type of food will never happen again.
While enjoying a play, “Ho Ho Homicide,” at the Milano Inn, I was able to discover what authentic Italian food tastes like.
After each act, the audience members enjoyed a meal course. I could have filled up on the garlic bread, but saved room for what was to come. We started off the evening with classic minestrone soup that was among the best I’ve ever tasted. Next we were served the house salad family style that featured an incredible Italian dressing.
Mystery Café, diners were given a choice of chicken parmigiana, lasagna or mostaccioli for their main course. I chose the chicken parmigiana and was very happy with my choice. Diners followed up their entrée with classic spumoni ice cream.
I know I’m a journalist, but words really can’t express how good my dinner was. The portion size was perfect, each course was bursting with flavors and my main course was made with the finest chicken topped with a tomato sauce that tasted like it came straight from Italy.
If you aren’t able to make it to the Mystery Café at the Milano Inn (what a shame that would be. I had an awesome time at the show!), the restaurant has a well-rounded menu.
This family owned restaurant has been serving Italian specialties in Indianapolis since 1934 and its menu is a reflection of that history.
Start your meal with an appetizer of crostini, French bread coated with olive oil, garlic, basil, oregano and your choice of topping; prosciutto (Italian ham) wrapped bread sticks; or the gnocchi, small potato dumplings tossed in tomato sauce or pesto Genovese.
They also offer traditional Italian fare such as spaghetti with tomato sauce, veal piccata, ravioli and lasagna. I’m sure all of these selections are wonderful, but while you’re at this South College Avenue eatery, order an item off their house specialties menu.
Next time I visit the Milano Inn, I want to try the rosemary chicken lasagna, shredded chicken breast with sautéed mushrooms, fresh basil, rosemary and garlic layered with an array of cheeses and tomato basil cream sauce topped with provolone cheese and baked “al forno” style; or the chicken roulade made with chicken breasts stuffed with pepperoni, parmesan cheese, spinach and broccoli tossed with fettuccine topped with tomato crème sauce.
Items on Milano Inn’s dinner menu go as high as $23 a plate so if you’re on a budget, go during their lunch hours which offer $7.25 daily lunch specials, a lunch buffet, house specialties for half the price and even American food, such as burgers and club sandwiches.
No matter what your budget is, you must go to Milano Inn. The service is excellent, the atmosphere is jovial and the food is superb. They cater too!
