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Global Flavors, Local Eats
Local. Local. Local. It’s all the buzz in the food industry, and for good reason. It is, afterall, better for everyone when we eat foods grown and raised in our own “backyards.” But eating local doesn’t always mean eating the types of food that are indigenous to the city, state or even country where we live.
In Hamilton County, for instance, there are a number of locally-owned restaurants that locally-source their elements to make dishes originating from lands far, far away ... and here are five of our favorite spots for global cuisine—made by Hoosiers with Hoosier-raised ingredients—in Hamilton County.
CAFFÉ BUONDI Carmel
Along with its sister restaurants, Convivio Carmel and Convivio Zionsville, Caffé Buondi is a pure Italian eatery founded by Italians, serving—of course—traditional Italian food. Opening in early 2019, the restarant’s owners strive to share their passion for Italian foods and culture with their guests. And with their commitment to using local ingredients to create their ultra fresh, ultra tasty dishes like meatballs, frittatas, mascarpone, as well as plenty of pastas, pizzas and soups, this little Italian joint will have you saying BRAVO! over and over again.
TIP: Though the wait for breakfast may be long on the weekends, the coffee creations alone are well worth it. So be patient, wait your turn and enjoy!
If You Order One Thing … for breakfast, any one of the frittatas all’uovo, which come with anything and everything from smoked salmon, caramelized leeks, goat cheese, meatballs and more $12.95-14.95; for lunch, try the delicate crespelle—savory crepes stuffed with chicken, spinach and ricotta and topped with a parmesan cream sauce $13.95.
11529 Springmill Rd., Ste 250 | Carmel | CaffeeBuondi.com
PAPA FATTOUSH Carmel
Serving both Greek and Mediterranean food, Papa Fattoush has a menu guaranteed to satisfy everyone from meat lovers, to vegetarians to vegans. All the dishes are farm-to-table fresh and hand prepared by Chef Ahmad. And though people go there specifically for the gyro, the Mezza plate—chock full of hummus, baba ghanouj, grape leaves and falafel—will leave you with a happy and full tummy.
TIP: This is a pretty small restaurant, so if you plan on eating in, best to do so with a smaller group. Of course getting your food to go is always a great option—and they’re more than happy to cater your next big shindig too!
If You Order One Thing … the spicy gyro. A juicy combination of well-prepared lamb, beef, onion, peppers, spices and a touch of chilli sauce, $8.95 for the gyro; or the platter, complete with rice and a greek salad, $14.45.
15 E. Main St. Suite 100 | Carmel | PapaFattoush.com
JAMAICAN REGGAE GRILL Carmel
Located off the Monon Trail, Jamaican Reggae Grill’s husband and wife team, Eldon and Marianne, make some of the best island-themed food you can find in the Midwest. Open since April 2015, this friendly, authentic Jamaican restaurant is known for their traditional Jamaican patties—beef, chicken or vegetable—covered in a savory, flaky crust that almost melts in your mouth. Tucked into a nondescript stripmall, people flock here from miles away for the curried goat (don’t knock it ‘till you try it) and fried plantains, both a must have if you want a true taste of the Island.
TIP: The menu, like the restaurant, isn’t huge, but the portions are so go hungry or plan for leftovers, which is, of course, a very, very good thing.
If You Order One Thing … oxtail. But, this stewed masterpiece is only served on Fridays and Saturdays and when they’re out, they’re out, so go early. If you go during the week, order the jerk chicken. The flavors are so intense and intricate you’ll never order it from anywhere else, ever again. Menu prices range $8-$15.
622 S. Rangeline Rd. | Carmel | JamaicanReggaeGrill.com
ST. YARED Geist
At St. Yared, everything is cooked from scratch using spices sourced from the owner’s culture and family back home in Ethiopia. Meals begin in the traditional Ethiopian way with the ancient ritual of breaking Injera—a pancake-like bread made with teff flour. Injera is eaten with one’s fingers with small pieces broken off and used to pick up a mouthful-sized bite from the main plate—which contains only the freshest, purest, locally-sourced foods.
TIP: Guests should come prepared to eat from the same plate—signifying the bonds of loyalty and friendship—as all meals are served in this traditional way.
If You Order One Thing … the meat combination, which is three servings of exquisite dishes (doro wot, ye-siga tibs, and ye-beg alicha) combining different cuts of beef sauteéd in flavored onions, turmeric, peppers, garlic, jalapeños, tumeric and more, $47.75 for two; or the vegetarian combination, $46.75 for two.
11210 Fall Creek Rd. | Geist | StYaredCusine.com
SUPER BOWL PHO Westfield
If you want authentic Vietnamese food, then this is your place. Opening in 2013, with a small, unassuming storefront, Super Bowl Pho has quietly become a top destination for foodies from all over. Owned by a Vietnamese uncle and his nephew, this northside hotspot has a menu so large, that it might take you days just to figure out what to order—good news, you can’t wrong with whatever you choose. Heck, you can even build your own spring roll!
TIP: Decide what you want to eat before walking in the doors or you might be overwhelmed by the selections. Top dishes include crab rangoons, vermicelli noodle salad and stir frys made from a family recipe.
If You Order One Thing … pho. Obviously. The savory beef-flavored broth is prepared onsite daily with rice noodles and topped with cilantro, culantro, scallions and sweet onions. Offered with bean sprouts, lime, jalapenos and Thai basil on the side. Different types of pho include beef, brisket, meatballs, chicken, shrimp, oxtail, tofu and vegetables. Lunch comes with choice of one side, $6.55; dinner $8.65 to $16.00.
112 E. Main St. | Westfield | SuperBowlPhoWestfield.com
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