As I often drive down College Avenue, I pass by several restaurants and new developments, including Taste Café & Marketplace, close to the intersection at 52nd Street. The name “Taste” just seemed so … “Plain Jane” for a restaurant, so I wondered what they really had to offer.
Taste is said to be a place for “business meals or social get-togethers” and was opened in 2004 by Marc Urwand and Deidra Henry, two seasoned executive chefs who moved back to Indianapolis after spending the previous 15 years managing the kitchens of some of New York’s and Los Angeles’ most successful restaurants.
One morning on my way into the office, I did my usually drive down College Avenue but made a short pit stop into Taste. I was the only person in the restaurant at the time, but I could tell I wasn’t the first customer of the day, as I spotted a table of used dishes and glasses. I was met by several framed reviews of the restaurant from various city publications, which quickly raised my expectations.
The menu offered plenty of choices, and I had absolutely no idea what to try. A special items menu hung to the left of the original menu and featured specialty dishes such as omelets and wraps. I was greeted by an employee who asked if I planned to dine in alone or wanted to place a carryout order. The menu offered breakfast items like the Ham & Egg wrap with cheddar cheese, red onion, organic greens, roasted tomatoes and roasted red pepper vinaigrette; Belgian waffles; hummus; fresh-squeezed juices and fruit smoothies. I ordered the Bacon Cheddar Quiche served with a side of fruit. As a waited for my meal, I was given a number and asked to take a seat at any table.
On my way to my table, I spotted a flyer advertising the restaurant’s Night of Family-Style eating. I then saw the table where it all happens — a long wood table occupied the far side of the restaurant. Surrounding it were several tables and booths that accompanied the orange walls, which reminded me of the ’70s era.
After about 10 minutes of waiting, I noticed about eight to 10 people had made themselves comfy at nearby tables. It seemed as if this was a morning routine for some and that they felt they could catch up on morning news or work on their laptops. Taste is definitely a place where customers have the option of dining alone without feeling out of place.
Once my quiche arrived, I couldn’t wait to taste it, considering I hadn’t had the dish in a number of years. The quiche was a bit … different than what I expected, but I enjoyed it. The texture threw me off a bit, but the flavor of the bacon and cheese was delicious.
If on the go, a variety of pastries and other sweet treats are available, and if you’re looking for some fun after work hours, Taste offers draft and craft beers, wines and cocktails.
The eatery serves breakfast, lunch and dinner on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6–9 p.m. The lunch menu includes items such as a variety of garden salads, pommes frites (which I heard are to die for!), deviled eggs and gourmet sandwiches.
I would like to go back and try Taste for lunch or dinner, maybe order the pommes frites. If you’re looking for a restaurant with a wide selection of offerings, don’t forget to stop by Taste.
Taste
5164 N. College Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46205
(317) 925-2233
Hours:
Mon.: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Tues. – Sun.: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
