With sadness, I have to let you all know that two places offering great independent food in Indy have both closed this week. As I tweeted earlier this week, Z's Oyster Bar and Steakhouse abruptly closed this week (well, it seemed abrupt to me anyway) and last night I received an email from Euphoria stating that they have also decided to stop offering nightly dinner service and focus solely on their private party/catering business, which according to the email, has been a growing business for them. As I have written here, Euphoria has always struggled somewhat with getting customers in the door, even with 2 superb chefs at the helm--first Brad Gates and now Ivy Denman. I am assuming Ivy is still going to be the chef for the private functions (if that is not the case, I will let you know), so at least you can still plan a private party and enjoy her wonderful cooking. And as I have mentioned here and reviewed several time, you can enjoy Brad's cooking through his catering service, Brad Gates Catering and Events. Z's was a great, but badly located, restaurant where I recently had one of the best steaks I can remember. I was actually thinking about having an anniversary party for my parents there this year, but I guess I will need to think of another option.<<<Update: I have heard from Chef Denman, and she is leaving Euphoria, so unfortunately you will no longer be able to enjoy her cuisine at Euphoria. Honestly, I am not sure if they are hiring another chef, but I can't imagine it being successful for long without a chef. I really hope to see Chef Denman somewhere else very soon. I would hate to see her leave Indy.>>>>
So now, as I have to do every so often (usually whenever another one of my favorites shuts its doors), I am giving you the poke in the ribs to get out there and support local restaurants. Next time you are tempted to go to a chain, for me, think about it and pick a local place instead. The only way we can expand our dining scene, encourage new independent restaurants, and maintain the ones we have is by supporting them with our business. If you are looking for ideas, check out the right hand "labels" column here on my blog, and click on "Independent Restaurants." Or leave a comment, or drop me a line. I will be happy to recommend somewhere close to you, wherever you are in the Indy area.
And hey, keep in mind that Chow Down Midtown starts this week, where you can get a multi-course dinner (or two) for $30 at some great independent restaurants in the Broad Ripple Area--what perfect timing to try someplace new! (Tomorrow's post will offer a review of one of the places featured on Chow Down Midtown, and I have reviewed many of the others--again, check the labels column to easily find them).
And feel free to leave a comment and a shout out to your local favorites. Anything we can do to support them!
Now, go eat!
Erin
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