Meeting new people is great, but meeting new people while eating tasty food is better. As much of my job involves corresponding over the phone and via email, when I got a chance to meet a colleague over lunch, I jumped at the opportunity to step out and get some fresh air.
As the region of 30th Street and Keystone Avenue, where The Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper is located, is a food desert with few healthy choices, we decided on Café Patachou, the self-proclaimed “student union for adults since 1989.”
Walking in around noon, I found the place packed. There was a lengthy line trailing from the hostess stand and practically each table was full. As my guest and I chatted briefly, we were given the opportunity to grab two seats at the counter, which we didn’t waste anytime taking advantage of.
As the roar of chatter and the line waiting to be seated grew, I looked over the menu. While I had never dined there before my guest had been a customer plenty of times and pointed out a few popular options on the menu. This brunch style eatery, located at 49th and Pennsylvania streets serves a wide variety of omelets, broken yolk sandwiches, salads, soups and other combination dishes.
Some of the specialty entrees include the Cuban Breakfast with seasoned black beans and rice, served hot with a fried egg (which is also available vegan style) and the Ora-King Sustainable Smoked Salmon featuring the finest available cold smoked king salmon served with a bagel, tomatoes, cream cheese, red onions, imported olives and capers.
Along with fresh fruit, hot grains, granola, hot beverages and smoothies, Café Patachou also offers six types of adult beverages.
The menu included the interesting statement that: “Patachou Inc. restaurants are proudly using local farms and producers within 100 miles.” Following was a list of places where ingredients are sourced. Many places don’t share where their ingredients come from and it just adds to the “mystery” of what some places are really cooking up.
I also learned the owners also owned two other restaurants, Petite Chou Bistro and Napolese Pizzeria.
Although it was past noon, I thought the time would be perfect to take a stab at their breakfast items. My Patachou Custom Omelet contained three jumbo free-range eggs and three ingredients of my choice: organic spinach, white cheddar cheese and bacon. About 10 minutes later, the plate arrived with thick buttered toast and a cup of fruit. I couldn’t wait to dig in, it all looked delicious.
The eggs were fluffy, the bacon was crispy and packed with flavor and the spinach was seasoned well and provided just enough crunch. As I write this review and reminisce on my experience, I have developed a taste for another omelet!
Some people would call me a “wellness junky” because I enjoy indulging in healthy meals, which is why, I loved the fact most offerings could be converted into vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals upon request. Not only did I discover of some appetizing menu items, I also learned the company, Patachou Inc., has recycling, water conservation and composting programs in place. Very impressive!
If you are tired of restaurants that serve “mystery” ingredients or simply searching for something fresh on your plate instead of processed, Café Patachou will suit you well.
Café Patachou
4901 N. Pennsylvania St.
Indianapolis, Ind.
(317) 925-2823
225 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, Ind.
(317) 632-0765
823 Westfield Blvd.
Indianapolis, Ind.
(317) 259-0765
