IndianapolisEater reviewed Boogie Burger a few months ago and loved it, so I thought that I would give it a try.  Spoiler alert:  I loved it too.

What I Got:  Double Boogie with American Cheese $6.75 and the Garlic Fries for $2.95.

Simple format here as you order at the counter and they will bring it to you.   The Double Boogie comes dressed with lettuce, tomato, red onion, and a pickle spear.   The quality of the ingredients were top shelf and that is saying a lot this time of year (especially produce).  I also like the way they have the condiments arranged.   I always like lettuce on the bottom, it soaks up some of the grease from the burger and keeps it off the bun.  They way a burger is arranged makes a bigger difference than you would think, trust me. The angus patties made this burger a force to be reckoned with.  The meat was not chewy at all and just a tasty grind.  It was cooked closer to well done, so next time I am going to ask for it medium/medium well (which you can do).

The fries were excellent as well.  Fresh garlic made a huge difference and I was tasting it for hours after.  Good sized portion, no ketchup or anything else required.

Would I Buy It Again?  Hell yeah! Honestly, one of the best burgers that I have had in a while.  It was really tasty and easily worth close to a $10 price tag for the meal.  The next time I go, I think that I am going to try one of their signature burgers…maybe a Disco Inferno (Serrano peppers and Pepper Jack!).

-WIBIA

It’s the United States’ first fast food restaurant, it invented the paper hat and it has been the subject of movies.  The funny thing is, this place really has a polarizing reputation.  Some people hate it, some people love it and some people are scared to go there because of the reputation.  Since it was late at night and there were not many places open, a couple of friends and I decided to make a trip to White Castle.

What I Got:  White Castle Hamburgers 61¢ each.  I won’t say how many I got out of embarrassment, but let’s just say that it was more than a couple (those aren’t all mine in the picture). 

For those of you that don’t know, you have three main options when you order a White Castle burger (prices escalate as you add more things).  You can get them as a regular hamburger with grilled onion and a pickle as the topping, you can get them as a cheeseburger where they add a slice of cheese to the original hamburger or you can get them as jalapeno cheeseburgers where they add a slice of jalapeno cheese to the original hamburger (extra toppings cost extra; it’s at least a dime, depending on your location).  I go with original hamburger 99 times out of 100 because that’s what I prefer.

What makes White Castle hamburgers unique is that the small burger patties (yes, they are small, so you will be eating more than one) have five holes stamped into them so that the burgers can cook evenly and never have to be flipped while on the flat top grill.  They also grill the burgers on top of a stack of diced onions, which mixed with the holes in the burger, allows each patty to have a unique grilled onion flavored twist to it.  Also, they grill the buns on top of the onions on top of the grill as well, so the buns have that unique flavor as well.  Now, doing all of this together gives every burger a soggy, greasy feeling which can be a bit odd, but that is their claim to fame.

Would I Buy It Again?  Remember how I said White Castle has a polarizing reputation?  Well, consider me at the one end that of the spectrum of people that LOVE this place, so yes, I would definitely buy it again and would recommend it to others.  I always go for the plain hamburgers because I’m cheap and I love the classic, but I have had the others and would definitely recommend them as well.  If you can get over the negative connotation of the restaurant, you really should give this a shot.  I’ve also had their breakfast sandwiches and fries and would give those a recommendation as well.  This place will never be confused with being fancy, but if you want a cheap and tasty snack or meal any time of the day, this is the place to go and if you are feeling really frisky, go for a Crave Case.

-IndianapolisEater

Crave Case

Deeter’s Nasch & Nip
12901 Old Meridian St.
Carmel, IN 46032
http://www.glasschimneyanddeeters.com

Austrian-born Dieter Puska is a culinary legend here in Indy.  If we had a Top Chef Masters for Indy chefs, he would be on it.  Beginning in 1976, he was Chef/Owner of the Glass Chimney and Deeters Nasch & Nip.  Dieter retired in 2008, but most of the staff continued on with a short closing.

This place is old school and I can’t imagine has changed very little since 1976.  It is classic continental cuisine…dare I say an Austrian’s version of French cooking.  The kitchen is now managed by Chef Adam.  A long time Dieter apprentice, Adam has plenty of rabbits in his hat and is armed with Dieter’s recipe book.  Dangerous in a good way.

Deeter’s usually has 5+ specials.  The regular menu is great, but I usually have the best luck with the specials.

I started off with a BLT Soup.  The waitress said, “it tastes like a BLT, not sure how else to describe it…” and she was right.  The soup was seasoned well and had a nice mix of ingredients.  I really like their soup.  Dieter made the best soups in town and I would still give Deeter’s that title.  Lobster Bisque is out of sight.

They have a Hungarian Goulash of the Day.  On my visit, it was a pork goulash.  It is served with spatzel and a scoop of sour cream and was so good.  I thought that I have had good goulash before, but when I tasted this, goulash was re-defined for me.  Honestly, I would give it a 10/10.  Tender pork and so many good bites. This is why I love food.

Would I Buy It Again: Yes and WIBIA Hall of Fame.  Deeter’s is a legend here in Carmel and it is as good as it has ever been.  The crowd is usually older and richer than me (we were sitting right next to the mayor that night) but you will see suits and jeans there.  It is not a lot to look at on the outside or inside.  It is all about the food and a high level of classic service.

I worry about restaurants like this in a challenging economy, so make sure to go if you can.  Dinner for 3 was $150, including a bottle of wine @ $50.  My goulash was $19, and what a steal.  I have been to Deeter’s over 20 times and it is a true gem in this city.

-WIBIA

Boogie Burger
927 East Westfield Boulevard
Indianapolis, Indiana 46220
http://www.boogieburger.com/takemeto/page/home

What I Got:  Wild Wild West Burger $6.50 (served with a pickle spear)
                              Garlic Fries $2.95

Located just off the Monon Trail in Broad Ripple, this place has been open for two years and since I’ve gotten positive recommendations from this place from both a regular blog reader and my sister, I figured I would give it a shot.

Wild Wild Best Burger

The first item that I got was what Boogie Burger states is their most popular burger, the Wild Wild West Burger.  This burger is topped with cheddar cheese, hickory smoked bacon, onion rings, lettuce, tomato, onion and barbecue sauce.  When I first looked at this thing, I thought “wow, this thing is a greasy mess.”  But, I’ve eaten a lot of burgers in my life and something that is this greasy and this soggy usually means that it is going to be good and this one definitely proves that because this thing was delicious.  The patty was very thick and meaty and was excellently cooked.  The vegetables and onion rings were a little soggy as I stated, but I really didn’t care because all the flavors of this thing worked incredibly well together as not a single flavor overpowered the burger, but instead, everything worked perfectly harmonious together just like peanut butter and chocolate.

Garlic Fries

The other item that I got was the Garlic Fries and the portion size was huge, so you’d be good splitting these with another person, which is what I did.  Taste-wise, these are standard fries mixed with garlic and parsley and they were also delicious.  The say the garlic is fresh, but it seemed to me that it was just the minced kind of garlic that you get out of a jar at the grocery store, but that didn’t matter because these fries were very tasty as well.  Again, they were soggy but I think that had more to do with me getting this as carry-out and not eating it for another twenty minutes than it did the with the way that the fries were cooked.  Had I eaten these at Boogie Burger, I’m guessing these would have been perfectly crunchy.  Just don’t eat these fries if you are on a date or meeting up with a member of the opposite sex later because your breath will be a little ripe!

Would I Buy It Again?  Definitely yes.  The recommendations I received on this place were incredibly accurate and I’m putting this in the Hall of Fame.  This is not a place that I could eat at regularly, because if I did, I would look like Jared from Subway before he started eating Subway.  With that said, this is definitely the kind of guilty pleasure that I want to enjoy once every couple of months and start trying out some of the other gourmet burgers that they have on their menu (I’ve got my eye on the New York New York or the Chili Burger) in my subsequent visits as well because I’ve got a feeling that they will all be outstanding too. 

So, if you are ever in Broad Ripple and looking for food from a local joint, give Boogie Burger a shot (FYI, they also have homemade milkshakes, malts, ice cream, etc.).  Just make sure that you exercise either before or after eating it.  Ha!

-IndianapolisEater

Eddie Merlot’s
Indianapolis, IN
http://www.eddiemerlots.com

U.S.D.A Prime Beef from Chicago Stockyards.  Enough said.  I have been to Eddie’s well over 10 times, but steakhouses have their ups and downs.  At first, I wasn’t impressed, but lately…Wow!!!   Fleming’s was my go-to steakhouse in Indy, but I think they have slipped.  Ruth’s Chris and Sullivan’s have always been 2nd rate to me.

What I Ate:

Appetizers

Alaskan King Crab Legs:  $19.95
One half pound chilled, fresh horseradish cocktail sauce, wasabi cream

Wow, these were amazing.  I can only think of two times where I have had Crab Legs this good…Glass Chimney and Mastro’s.  I really enjoyed the wasabi cream to dip them in, a nice spice and they were a perfect match.  The cocktail sauce is pretty bad.  The horseradish is woody (think like the bottom of Asparagus).  9.5/10

Ahi Tuna Wontons:  $12.95

Beautiful presentation.  Raw tuna, balsamic drizzle.  The wontons were light enough to allow the tuna be the start of the show (as it should).  I like the difference in texture, soft tuna and a crunchy wonton.  Very nice.  9.5/10

Entree

Prime Ribeye Steak 16oz $35.95

I opted not to go for the Bone in 22 oz.  I would really like to blind taste people on bone in and not.  I get the idea, but I personally have a difficult time telling the difference.  I do like the really rare parts that are by the bone though.   This steak was seasoned and perfectly cooked.  I am rare+ guy and they nailed it.  The quality was top notch and it was pretty lean for a Ribeye. Lets just say…Eddie Merlot’s has the best ribeye that I have EVER had!  10/10. (My first ever 10 on the blog)

Sides

Tempura Green Beans $7.95

Flash fried green beans served with a wasabi cream.  Good texture and the wasabi cream brought some heat, I really enjoyed these.  9/10

Parmesan Truffle Fries $7.95

Skin on fries drizzled with truffle oil and sprinkled with parmesan.  Excellent.  No need for ketchup or anything else.  Some of the best fries that I have had.  My favorite fries are Tyler Florence Blue Cheese and Mint Fries (see Tyler’s Ultimate Cookbook) and these are a close second.  9.5/10

I skipped dessert.  I was full and I had to finish the bottle of wine.

Summary

Food: 47.5/50
Service: 9/10
Originality/Execution:  For a steakhouse, 10/10

Overall: 66.5/70  = 95/100  Hall of Fame.

Truly one of the best meals that I have ever had, period.  As far as steakhouses, it is the best in Indianapolis and I would feel comfortable putting it up against any steakhouse in the U.S.

Eddie’s used to be average, but they have brought their A-Game recently.  Stay away from the stuffed shrimp though and their salads are pretty average.  When you go there, follow the exact menu above.  They will do the standards like creamed spinach, but go outside the box.  They have a great French Onion as well.

Out of Ft. Wayne, IN, they now have 4 locations (Cincinnati, Columbus, Ft. Wayne, Indianapolis).

Virtual Tours

http://www.eddiemerlots.com/virtual_indy.htm

-wibia

Taqueria Guanajuato
Inside of Carniceria Guanajuatoin grocery store.
3110 N. Shadeland Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46226

Not to spoil my review, but this is about my sixth time visiting this place.  I live about 12 miles away and there is nothing close to it that I visit.  But when I am on the Eastside, I have to stop.

I love Mexican grocery stores by themselves and then add a Taqueria?!  Get out…great idea.  It’s like having a burger place attached to a butcher.

Before I start the review, I have to tell you that I know very little Spanish and my first two times here, the lady at the Taqueria didn’t speak English.  I ordered a Diet Coke, but got an orange soda.  My third time going, I fumbled through ordering in Spanish and when I was done she said “I know English” about as clear as if she just came off the Mayflower.  I felt like an asshole.

What I Ate: 2 Chorizo Tacos $1.75 each, 1 Chicken Taco $1.75 each and a Carne Asada Burrito $4.00.

Burrito

I usually stick to eating tacos here, but I tried the burrito.  OH MAMA was this good!  It was huge and loaded with some of the best Asada that I have had.  It had sour cream, cheese and a little bit of lettuce.  I find that Mexican sour cream is very different than at the normal grocery.  Buy some, do a taste test and you will get it.  I added some of the homemade red sauce from the random bottle on the counter and it brought a nice heat and flavor.  This was so good and I am not sure how to describe it.  For $4.00, this was a meal, no need for the tacos but…

Chorizo Tacos

The chorizo tacos here also rock.  Great flavor and the chorizo has a big time kick to it.  Tacos are served with lime, onion and cilantro on a corn tortilla.  I add a little green and red sauce like in the pic and that puts it over the top.

The chicken tacos were a let down compared to the rest of the meal.  They were good, but a touch dry.  The star of the show is the Asada.

Would I Buy It Again?  Yes and HALL OF FAME. I love this place.  I always take people  here that I know would freak (like my Mom).  It is out of some people’s comfort zone, but who cares?!  Old school Mexican-Polka music is blasting at 125 decibels, the place is usually packed, the guys behind the taco counter always flirt with my wife, but when you are serving up grub like this, all the other stuff just doesn’t matter.

I know that some of you think that I am full of shit on reviews, but I know my tacos inside and out and I have had them coast to coast and these are some of the best.

-WIBIA

Hacienda Mexican Restaurant
2148 North Karwick Road
Michigan City, IN 46360
http://www.haciendafiesta.com/

You probably know this by now, but Mexican is my favorite type of food.  When it is done well, you just can’t beat it.  I usually look down upon Americanized Mexican or chains like Don Pablo’s, On the Border (they do have killer tortilla chips at the grocery store though) etc.  However this small chain based out of South Bend, IN has a secret weapon, meet the “Wet Burrito.”

What I Ate: Wet Burrito.  Smaller, Shredded Pork $ 8.50

This bad boy is stuffed with pork, refried beans, lettuce, tomatoes and topped with cheese and a secret “Hacienda” sauce.  I am well-versed in mexican cuisine, but I still have no clue how to replicate the secret Hacienda sauce.  They have me hook line and sinker.

The burrito is outstanding, what else can I say?  I should hate it though, it is about as mild as Frank Calliendo and as authentic as…well…Frank Calliendo.  The cheese offers little flavor, but it does glue everything together.

I would recommend the larger size for a $1.00 more.  The small still packs in over 500 calories and 27 grams of fat.  Complete nutrition information is listed on their site.  My recommendation, skip the shredded beef and chicken, try the ground beef or shredded pork.

Would I Buy It Again? Yes.  Hall of Fame too! The closest Hacienda to my house is an hour away in Kokomo, IN.  Once in a while I can talk my wife into making the drive.  She likes Hacienda ok, but complains (a lot) about the pureed salsa.  She said it is salsa for 85 year olds that can’t chew and it reminds her of ketchup.  Look at this pic, she has a point!

This is for you babe!

Oh yeah, I ate some Churros too.  They come with a chocolate syrup and caramel.  Pretty Good.

-WIBIA

Goose the Market
2503 N. Delaware St.
Indianapolis, IN 46205
Website

I first found out about Goose in Bon Appetit, August of 2008.  This is a specialty market and difficult to describe.  From wine, cured meat and gelato, they have all the good stuff.  They also have a cooler with fun cuts like Ox Tails, Beef Tongue etc.  I mean anyone can cook a $20 ribeye, but beef tongue takes a little more skill and I like that challenge.  I think that this is my 4th time to Goose and I was looking forward to it.

What I Ate:  Gough Sandwich.  $6.95
Ingredients:  Smoked Beef Brisket, Fontina, Brussel Slaw, Spicy Mustard

I am not sure if I can give this a fair review as I scarfed this down in seconds flat, it was that good.  Nice sized sandwich, I would say close to 6 inches.  The baguette was fresh and a touch crunchy on the outside just like it should be.  The star of the show was the beef brisket and it was a perfect pair with spicy mustard.  The sandwich was deep in flavor and I felt like I was eating something made by people who care.  I didn’t leave stuffed, but I left really happy.

Would I Buy It Again? Yes, it is going in our hall of fame. I am adding their blog to Indy Food links.  It doesn’t look like much from the pic, but it was a great sandwich.

Most Importantly: I support local restaurants!!  Ok, not every meal, but a lot of times I do.  When it comes to eating, what I really enjoy is creative combinations, complex flavors and bold forward thinkers.  I like to take a bite and think…”this is kind of different…and I like it!!!”  Whether it is a sandwich or a something from the deli case, it is good to be Goosed!

Check out their website or blog…lots of eye candy.

-WIBIA