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• Center Stage Cafe

The tuna salad sandwich from Center Stage Cafe. (Rob Goebel /Indianapolis Star)

Center Stage accommodates diners and entertainers. (Rob Goebel / The Indianapolis Star)

The turkey wrap includes rasberry cream cheese. (Rob Goebel / The Indianapolis Star)

Easily passed over, where Central and Fort Wayne avenues split into Downtown, sits Center Stage Cafe.

Ben and I visited on a snowy afternoon and were warmed with a tasty meal and good old hospitality in an artsy setting.

The mood

Industrial, vibrant. The old building housing the cafe, a Pilates studio and other businesses has been transformed with exposed ductwork, industrial fixtures and an arched wall of brick.

Jewel tones coat the walls, and the artwork is eclectic and colorful.

Ordinary seating and a few booths and armchairs dot the open space, surrounding a small stage where live music and poetry readings are regular attractions. Large windows let in ample light, as well as a view of the street.

The welcoming and attentive nature of our hosts was pleasant, considering they were fairly busy and had only two staff members.

The food

The stage being the center of attention, the food takes a slight back seat. It is, however, freshly prepared. Many of the items are made daily, such as the tomato and chicken noodle soups du jour on the day we stopped in.

Options such as traditional chef and mixed-green salads, and the Reuben and club sandwiches set the feeling.

Potato salad, bagels, chips and the like are available as sides. Homemade ice cream is also on the menu.

A turkey wrap hit the spot for Ben ($6.75). The tomato basil wrap held turkey, lettuce, tomato, onion and raspberry cream cheese.

I went for a good-sized tuna salad with crisp romaine lettuce, fresh tuna, thinly sliced onions and artfully placed tomatoes ($6.50).

The drinks

A diet cola for me (75 cents); a piping hot vanilla tea for Ben ($1.50).

The damage: $16.74

The lunch was good, but what happens on the stage at this cafe is more attractive. Tuesdays are open mic night for whatever kind of artist you may be -- singer, rapper, comedian. Friday Night Jamz also features local and national artists.

Stop in for a meal, but stay for some culture.