Being a journalist has its perks. Sure, at times it seems life is one never-ending stress filled deadline after another, and I can’t function most days without caffeine, but it’s a blast. For example, last week I enjoyed a local food excursion courtesy of the good folks at Devour Downtown.
If you know anything about me, you know that two of my favorite f-words are food and free, so I was game. Newsroom colleagues Victoria and Leslie headed downtown with me. First stop was Palomino Restaurant & Bar at 49 E. Maryland St., for an appetizer course where we enjoyed portobello mushroom soup and a Caesar salad. The soup was velvety, creamy with just a hint of kick. Possibly cayenne. One diner revealed that while she is not a huge mushroom fan, this dish earned a gold star in her book nonetheless.
Next, it was time for a short trek over to 40 West Jackson Place, the address of the historic Omni Severin Hotel, for lunch at its chic house restaurant, 1913. Let me pause here to relate that both 1913 and Palomino restaurants know how to treat a girl.
In fact, I pretended, very briefly, that I was a famous celebrity being waited on hand and foot. It was fabulous, and I say all that to say that their wait staff and chefs rocked. 1913 started off with an Indiana-inspired cheese and charcuterie board. Options included an elk jerky with blueberries that was quite yummy as well as a 5-year-old aged cheddar that my dining mates raved about. I also sampled the beer jam made with Sun King’s Wee Mac Scottish-style ale. I’m no beer aficionado but predict any Wee Mac fan would enjoy this.
Up next, a soup course of roasted corn chowder with cilantro relish. I wanted to consume the entire pot. Following the chowder was a stream of amazing dishes: BBQ chicken flatbread, dry-rub baby back ribs, smoked mac and cheese, seared salmon and citrus salad, turkey pot pie with a cornbread crust, and a stirred barn raiser bread pudding dessert. I’m not a pork eater, so I passed on the ribs. I tried everything else, including the surprise cocktails. Following the food and alcohol, I regretted the fact that it was indeed deadline day and I would not get a nap anytime soon.
The smoked mac and cheese tasted like something you’d want to envelop yourself in. I don’t know if that makes any sense but it was just that good! All in all, my experience at 1913 was some of the best dining I’ve enjoyed in a while. I encourage you to give it a shot.
PALOMINO RESTAURANT & BAR
49 E. Maryland St
Indianapolis, Ind. 46204
(317) 974-0400
palomino.com
