In recent years, Hamilton County has become more diverse, but varied restaurant choices have been slow to follow, until now.
Chef Keith Brooks decided to give Noblesville residents something more flavorful and opened The Ville in the heart of the Hamilton County city.
Like many chefs, Brooks learned his way around the kitchen alongside his mother.
“When I was 11 or 12, I started making my own recipes for cookies and cake,” said Brooks. “Then I’d babysit for my nephews and we’d get hungry. I’d make grilled cheese, cut up potatoes and make fries.”
His passion for cooking took him to Kendall College’s culinary program in Evanston, Illinois. He excelled in school and completed an internship at the famous New Orleans restaurant, Commander’s Palace, where he was able to hone his skills.
“Celebrity Chef Emeril Lagasse was the chef at this restaurant. This was when he was a working chef, not the TV superstar we know today. He was highly recognized, though,” said Brooks.
He also developed a love of Cajun and Creole foods. His experience working in kitchens helped him formulate a plan for his ideal restaurant. In 2014, he opened The Ville.
Step into the eatery and you are put at ease by the warmth of the wood and sophisticated atmosphere. Pick up a menu and you’ll find exciting New Orleans fare and restaurant standards.
Try Chef Brooks’ original creations such as the Phyllo Wrap, with sauteed scallops and salmon accompanied by pear tomatoes, red onion, fresh basil and mozzarella tucked inside pastry dough and baked to perfection. There’s also the Vol-Au-Vent: puff pastry topped with sherry cream sauce, lobster and shitake mushrooms.
Since Southern food is Brooks’ specialty, you must try the Jambalaya, Shrimp and Grits or the New Orleans-style Crab Boil.
The Ville also offers special dishes such as Chilean Sea Bass marinated in a sweet ginger glaze, seared and plated over whipped potatoes and sauteed daikon radish, carrot, bok choy and shitake mushrooms; or classic dishes such as pork chops, catfish and chicken Alfredo.
Stay for dessert and order the creme brulee, bread pudding or try something new with the Reine De Saba Cake, a Queen of Sheba chocolate cake made with rich chocolate and fresh berries served with freshly whipped cream and raspberry coulis.
In addition to its New Orleans-style food, The Ville is known for its Sunday brunch complete with a prime rib carving station and omelet station. The first Sunday of the month offers a healthy menu, but the second, third and fourth Sunday menus have items that will keep you full until dinnertime.
If you live in Hamilton County, want to support a Black-owned business, or just want to get out of Indy for a great night of flavorful food, head north to The Ville.
Brooks is a certified food vender, so if you want him and his team, called Special Cajun’s Catering, to cater a meal or cook a private dinner, give him a call.
The Ville
101 N. 10th St.
Noblesville, IN 46060
(317) 774-5301
Tuesday–Saturday: 5–9 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Closed Monday
