This place has its good points – typically good but distant service, great pieces of meat, and old world ambiance. If you’re looking for a friendly progressive place to hang out. This is definitely not it. It is an institution and that’s the reason to go. To say you’ve been. I agree on the shrimp cocktail. It needs work – I’d round the flavors out to be a little more than just horseradish overload. All in all – I’m all for paying for quality – and if you haven’t been – you should check it out!

Nuff Said

We headed over to TTH on Sunday night for dinner.

The owner (Chen I think) was such a happy host – very engaging. We started out with hot and spicy wontons, boiled potstickers, and spiced edamame. All were very good – the spicy wontons had a red chilli oil – so it was packed with a punch. The spiced edemame has star anise that provided a nice fragrance. Next, we had planned our noodle fix – and the hot and spicy wontons and noodles. In retrospect, the noodles are a better selection – simply because you get noodles and wontons in the spicy red chilli sauce. the General Tso’s chicken was, well, General Tso’s chicken (disclaimer – it was good, according to my wife, but I’m personally not into americanized ethnic food).

Overall – this is no Shanghai Lil (whose owners are also Taiwanese so I’m not sure if this is Indy’s first Taiwanese venture), but to be absolutely fair – TTH is totally worth it to me. While I may have a self-proclaimed evolved palette – I’m not and never have or will be a “food critic”. My goal is to present my restaurant experiences as they feel – multi-dimensional, personal and layered. Anyway, regarding TTH – this is affordable, good food in an interestingly designed environment, with an engaging owner, that definitely merits many visits.

I encourage you to try it out. And as JVC point out – the bubble tea is worth trying!

Growing up abroad – I used to watch movies with cool little clubs in America where interesting people hung out and listened to music and all kinds of cool things happened over drinks and dinner amidst an ambiance of smoky cool. The disconnect between that perception of mine and living in Indianapolis is huge. Enter the Jazz Kitchen. Its a neighborhood place. For the suburbanites or the for the exclusive neighborhood dwellers – South Broadripple is happening. And its very safe. Back to my story – Dave Ahlee is a visionary that is remapping Indianapolis. This is one of the clubs that keeps Jazz vibrant. Its not a bunch of old fogies sitting around. Its the club that cool, interesting (see my earlier reference) people hang out. Its a mixed demographic – all young at heart, all genders and races, and all co-chillin’ with some of Indy’s tastiest jazz and american fusion food. The back bar and newly launched party room is worth checking out. And its a beautiful venue too. I love the appetizers, the fettucini, the pizza and the deserts. But this place is more than food – its community, overall coolnes and great drinks. Thanks Dave!!!

Had the opportunity to hang out here a few weeks ago for the closing night of the International Film Festival. Great time. Dennis and Anthony who own the place (with other partners I think) engaged the guest – great front of house guys. The caipirinha was on point. I’m not much of a meat eater but I did have some sausage and chicken. And the sides were tasty as well. Nice job guys!

I don’t know if I’d say worst but my experience was definitely sub-par. My Cuba Libre arrived with one slice of lime and way too much ice. The anti pasti plate of cheese and salami – had 8 pieces of cubed aged salami and three pieces of cheese. Some marinated mushrooms and some tasteless olives. $9.

The gnocchi was uninspired. The server was nice. An older man (the owner or GM?) took us to our seats – a table for two in the corner inspite of there being only three other people there.

Will I return? Given the overall experience being lack lustre. Probably not.

The best community center in Broadripple. From Zen Philosophy professors to harley riding programmers to Pacific Coast Trail trekking painters to international transplants to spoken word to moms to CEO’s to park tudors to North Central. Its a great hang out.

Friendly baristas that know their stuff to interesting beverages of the month. They usually have interesting artwork as well.

The coffee is good and the tea is very good (I’m a tea drinker mostly). Not to mention that they’re next door to Indianapolis’ only independent book store – Big Hat Books!

I love the Monon!

Its a crying shame that more people in Indianapolis have not discovered Shanghai Lil. Run by Vivian and Yumae – the same power duo that bring us the Mikado (or Yumae anyway).

The dim sum is affordable and excellent. Scallion pancakes that are simply delicious, hot and sour soup that will cause you to rethink hot and sour soup anywhere else, flounder braised with red chilli oil (or garlic for the less spicy inclined), and a variety of other off-the-beaten path items.

On the main menu – pineapple shrimp thats good but far from the most interesting thing on the menu, ants on a tree (check this one out thats all Im saying), and a host of other dishes all done to a nicety.

Great cocktails, dark yet inviting vibe, and you’ve got a fantastic dining experience.

I’ll be honest – PF Wongs or Changs – if you’ve got to go – coz you have no choice. Go for sure. Order rice – white rice and you won’t be disappointed. The rest is rubbish. If you’d like a top notch (who cares about elegant) fine dining experience – this is the place.

BTW – they’re Taiwanese ;).

This is another yats in the making. Community based food! Great gourmet burgers on the go and a to-die-for black bean burger. Can I just say that its densely flavorful and spicy (Spicy doesn’t mean hot)! Now here’s where it gets progressive and interesting. You can order any burger with a veggie, black bean, tuna or chicken. So while the menu is built around traditional beef burgers – you can customize your burger with any number of options – I love it with bbq sauce, seragno peppers, and yes a slice of pineapple (oh and extra onion).

The fries and onion rings are delicious – but its the engagement. They remember me – and Mark and Darrio take care of everybody!!

last but not least – the shakes are heavenly…….

Ambrosia is an overall experience. Great food – although very traditional and mostly geared towards meat eaters. I always find something to eat and the fish is usually well thought through. Its not haute cuisine or progressive recipes – this is what it is. Mama’s italian cooking straight from Italy. Consistent deserts, good drinks, nice ambiance, and I’ve always enjoyed good or at least decent service in the restaurant. The bartenders Claire and Gary are very good at remembering drinks and making obscure drinks. Geno is a good front of house guy – there’s always the option of remedying a bad experience by asking for the manager/owner. I’m sure Geno would want you to give it another try corrina.

As far as Im concerned – Ambrosia delivers a solid overall value. Great food, good overall experience for a good price.

Been there. Will never return. I agree with via815 – indygirl24 may real be indygirl4.

All caps – tsk tsk

Naked is an accessible place. The menu has a combination of Japanese (sushi and noodles) and Korean dishes. There are some items that seem overpriced but the overall experience is worth it.

Here are my recommendations. Sit in the bar (yet to be named). Get David’s attention! He’s the master of Vibe – takes care of customers, music, lighting and good drinks. Order some edamame to start. If you’re in the mood for noodles – there is udon, jabchae (korean glass noodles) and pad thai with a korean twist. There’s bibimbap and yukae jiang for the recovering drunk or the passionista foodie. Sushi lovers know that the playboy roll and the Corona roll will delight but this is not traditional sushi – its nuvo sushi with an american localization. Don’t forget to indulge in leechi sake (served in a flute) or a mojito or other sake (my fav is the nigori unfiltered).

Get out of the food only paradigm – its stupid frankly – and enjoy an experience – but make sure you end it with some mochi!

Get out of the maki zone by the way – there is nigiri, chirashi and even sashimi on the menu!

George the founder has made this place a labor of love. The chicken kebab is absolutely mouth watering and you can’t miss the rice – in the shape of a small, light yellow pyramid!! Go george!!

Let me say this: I’ll never go there again and I wouldn’t recommend it to any of my friends. A dive has to deliver something – this place delivered a stomach ache to me.

there’s a lot o be said about fresh ingredients that can be customized into whatever choice you feel like!