Grille 39
11925 N. Meridian Street
Carmel, Indiana

Restaurants at hotels usually are good or really bad, most are bad.  We had a short window to go to dinner so I decided to go to Grille 39 based on a lunch recommendation from a co-worker, proximity to our house and I had a coupon for $20 off.

The meal started with an amuse-buoche of a sliced pork tenderloin on a spoon.  It was an odd presentation and the piece was a little big for one bite.  The pork seemed a little dry and I wasn’t all that impressed.  We should’ve left at that point.

I then ordered the Thai Seared Ahi Tuna.  3 tiny pieces placed on a papaya salad and a sweet chili lime sauce.  The sauce was extremely sweet and it took away the little flavor that the tuna had.  This was not sashimi grade tuna as well, low grade.  $11 was a total rip off.

Since I had a $20 off coupon, I ordered the $30 14 oz. Ribeye.  So far the meal was pretty bad and I am not sure why I thought that ordering the most expensive thing on the menu was a good idea.  Then again, I rarely get up from playing blackjack on a bad table until I run out of cash.

The ribeye was cooked to my spec (rare+ is how I roll), however this once again lacked quality.  If I had to guess the grade, it was low level Choice or even select.  Regardless, definitely not a $30 steak.  You can choose a side with the steak and I went with the parmesan-onion hash brown.  They were okay at best.  The problem is, they sat my steak on top of the crispy potatoes and the juice from my steak made the hash browns soggy.  Sautéed veggies were included, buy they were covered in oil and I decided to pass.

My wife ordered the Rigatoni with Fennel $20 and that was dog shit as well.

Would I Buy It Again?  No. This is the reason I started the blog, to tell everyone about places that suck. The menu sounded great, the hotel is pretty nice and the restaurant is as well.  The person next to us tried to order a bottle of Cab and they were out.   Out of Cab?!?!?  I will admit, our server was attentive and she did a great job.  I would recommend that she looks for a new gig.

-WIBIA

St. Elmo Steak House
127 South Illinois St.
Indianapolis, IN 46225
www.stelmos.com

An Indianapolis landmark since 1902.  Pulling in over 10 million in sales last year, you know they have to be doing something right.  Not much has changed at St. Elmo over the years and that is a good thing.

I was with EatHSE and we were on a mission for a big time old school steak dinner.  We started with the shrimp cocktail.  I have to admit, once you check it off your list, there is no reason to have it again.  The horseradish is crazy spicy hot, but I wasn’t overly impressed by the quality of the shrimp.  $14.95 for 5 shrimp.   A bread basket with 5 different breads was placed on the table.  They were hit and miss.

All entrees include choice of tomato juice of navy bean soup.  Our server recommended us to drop a spoonful of the cocktail sauce into the soup and it was a nice touch.  I love bean soup, it reminds me off the ham and bean soup my grandma used to make and that was some good stuff.

My brother ordered the 24 oz Porterhouse $39.95 and I ordered a special dry aged bone in Ribeye, 24 oz was $45.00.  I ordered it rare+ and I was surprised that the server had to clarify what that meant.  Steaks arrived and were cooked perfectly to spec.  Mine was rare enough by the bone that I could barely cut it; I would’ve picked it up and ate it like a caveman if I was at home.  On the outside and the thin spots, it crept between medium rare and medium.  It happens when you order such a big steak though…

Overall, it was a great meal and service was spot on.  With a few beers and wine, the bill was around $150.  This was my first visit in 2 years, and the last time I left thinking, what is all the hype about?  It is difficult to explain, but I found a new appreciation for St. Elmo this time.

Would I Buy It Again?  Yes.  IMO, Eddie Merlot’s is still #1, but you can’t go wrong with St. Elmo.  It is a very fine steakhouse and my top choice when I am downtown.

-WIBIA

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

Got this press release across the wire and I had to post it.  St. Elmo’s is an institution in Indianapolis.  They have been around since 1902 and if you can make it over 100 years in the biz, you know it has to be good!   But for $14.95, it should be good!   Love it or hate it, the shrimp cocktail is a must have when in Indy.  Is is so flippin’ spicy, I am not sure how to describe it!  However, it didn’t make me cry like the Wall of Flame Challenge.

If you are craving this, I like to hit their sister restaurant Harry & Izzy’s. They have a great appetizer menu and a cool place to have a few cocktails and chill. My recommendation is the Roasted Duck, Onion and Smoked Gouda Pizza!

Not this Elmo!

Btw, I have a gift certificate to St. Elmo’s and plan on using it soon.  Stay tuned for the review!

-Dig It, WIBIA

_____________Press Release______________

INDY: HOTTER THAN INDIA OR HONDURAS ?

St. Elmo Shrimp is a Giant Hit, Wins Global Award

INDIANAPOLIS — Local restaurant landmark, St. Elmo Steak House is adding to its international recognition by winning the world’s spiciest food award from well-known food critic and blogger, Alison Stein Wellner, (www.worldhum.com) who partnered with television’s popular Travel Channel on the quest.

“I dropped my cutlery as a sensation that I can only describe as what electrocution must feel like, shot down my throat and then up my nose, forking its way into my brain My hands started to rise and—yes!—I had the urge to clap my hands on my skull to keep the top from blowing off.” she added.

On a quest to find the world’s spiciest food, Stein Wellner traveled to all regions of the world to find the top five spiciest foods and here is the list, in decreasing order of spiciness:

1. St. Elmo Steak House’s Shrimp Cocktail, Indianapolis
2. Red Chilies in Copán Ruinas , Honduras
3. Spiced Sardines in Kumarakom , India
4. Chicken Curry in Mumbai , India
5. Currywurst in Frankfurt , Germany

“I have to admit, I was puzzled by Indianapolis ’ come-from-nowhere triumph in the blow-the-top-of -my-head-off quest,” Stein Wellner states. “I mean, really, Indianapolis and not India , not China , Honduras , Louisiana or Tennessee ? “

Since 1902, St. Elmo Steak House has offered guests perfectly aged steaks, tender pork chops, superb guest service and — its notorious shrimp cocktail. Like many, first-time, unsuspecting guests who order St. Elmo’s signature shrimp cocktail, the “head rush” of horseradish is an unforgettable experience.

“Every day, 20 pounds of the pungent root is grated to make the culinary concoction,” said Craig Huse, co-proprietor, St. Elmo Steak House. “It’s a powerful addition to our sauce and the menu.”

The Travel Channel may feature the firecracker-hot shrimp cocktail as part of a show on the world’s most potent epicurean delights. Full text of the Stein Wellner article can be read at www.worldhum.com.

St. Elmo is an independent restaurant only found in Indianapolis and is only open for dinner. Guests are encouraged to make reservations prior to visiting the restaurant – but walk-ins are also welcome. To make a reservation, call 317.635.0636 or visit www.stelmos.com.