A little over a month ago the Broad Ripple food scene expanded with the addition of The Village Kitchen. Nestled between the Broad Ripple Steakhouse and the Jazz Cooker, it's easy to miss this one-room carry-out eatery. But inside, their neon lights is a plethora of meal-like snacks that will fill and satisfy the guiltiest cravings. The Kitchen's location, which was previously part of the Jazz Cooker's kitchen and before that an old deli, is enviable. At the most traveled stretch of the Monon, The Kitchen offers a break for families to grab an ice cream treat or a cool drink. Just a block down from the bars, they offer late night snacks for the more nocturnal goers.

In just a month, Chris Evans, manager and owner, who along with Tony Nefousy, developed the idea of the kitchen, says they have had a fantastic response. The Village Kitchen's menu includes everything from the basic burger and saucy wings to bites called "Tipsy Cod," "Walkin' Taco," and "Fried Munchies." Their most popular item? The "Poutine," a tasty dish of fries and gravy from Quebec. Evans also boasts that The Village Kitchen is the only place in Broad Ripple, now that Ben & Jerry's is gone, to get ice cream. When something greasy isn't appealing, a hand-dipped cone of espresso chip, or mint chocolate chip may hit the spot. In the next month Evans plans to expand the menu with a "State Fair flair," adding corn on the cob, elephant ears, and various deep fried goodies.

Open noon to 9 from Sunday to Wednesday, noon-2am on Thursday, and noon to 4 am on Friday and Saturday, the Kitchen will be there to quell an anxious appetite. Like the rest of Broad Ripple, parking is sparse, but once you have your food, customers are invited to relax on the Jazz Kitchen Patio. Whether you've salty cravings or need an escape from the heat, The Village Kitchen has what you need.