Flatwater Restaurant manager and owner Michael Yount described his Broad Ripple location at 832 East Westfield Boulevard.

"Between the rapids of life, the twists and turns of the daily grind and the turbulent white waters, there lies the Flatwater - a place to kick back and relax, meet up with friends and family, share some laughs and enjoy good eats and drinks. Sit out on our waterfront deck and watch the ducks fly in and skid across the canal while you take a deep breath and exhale the day away," he said.

Opening a restaurant has been on Yount's menu for some time: "This is the first venture I've had into ownership. I've been in the restaurant business most of my adult life. My first (restaurant) job was in a retirement home while in college. I went to college at the University of Cincinnati and then returned to Indianapolis in the mid-1990s where I started as a server and a bartender. I've been managing and bartending over the past 10 years," he mentioned.

The area has proven to be an essential ingredient in his recipe for success. "I grew up on the northside and Broad Ripple has always been one of my neighborhoods that I've been in touch with. I looked around town for about five years for a location and a broker helped me find this spot which kind of grew on me. A lot of my family and friends live around here. I knew I wanted to open a restaurant and when the spot came up, I jumped at the opportunity. It reminds me of where Broad Ripple was 10 to 15 years ago," Yount reflected.

"Our menu is American casual. We smoke a lot of our meats in-house, like pulled pork, and salmon for sandwiches. We have a variety of salads, appetizers and sandwiches, a little something for everybody. The pulled pork has become one of our own specialties. We have a fish special on Fridays and smoked prime rib on Saturdays that has been a good success for us. The walleye is kind of unique, being dusted with seasoned flour and pan-fried served with remoulade," he noted.

Flatwater highlights a local theme both on and off their menu as Yount explained, "We proudly serve local craft beers and drafts weekly from local companies and breweries. We also work with local food suppliers whenever possible, like Claus Meat Market," whose Best of the Wurst features an assortment of local meats prepared by Claus Muth having a variety of cheeses with nuts, fruit and crostini.

Co-manager Kenny Kirkoff's culinary artistry during my visit was highlighted by a colorful dish of pulled pork nachos and Mahi Mahi Tacos, which have been their number-one seller during the summertime. Their appearance alone could inspire a modern still-life Impressionist-era painting. They were a delicious mid-winter dinner that anyone can enjoy year-round.

A Kids Menu is also available at Flatwater for those 12 and under that includes mac 'n cheese, Nathan's all-beef hot dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches, chicken tenders and cheese quesadillas. These items are served with house-made fries.

While Flatwater's inside dining area is utilized during the winter months, warmer weather makes outdoor seating possible. "We opened up the patio to provide a view where the back part of the restaurant features a scenic view of part of the Broad Ripple Canal. Live music is played four to five nights weekly during the summer with bands from all over Central Indiana. We also rotate a lot of artwork seasonally, about two to three times annually from local artists and greater Indiana. It's a big part of who we are," he noted.

Historical Broad Ripple photos appearing in Flatwater include Ed Schock's hobby shop, The William H. Block Company and the rocket playground in Broad Ripple Park. Stu Johnson of Ashland Gallery and Stu's Studio has a Monon 587 locomotive photo currently seen in the dining area recalling cherished memories of a bygone era.

Flatwater Restaurant's hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday. Their menu items and more information can be found at www.flatwaterbroadripple.com and by calling 257-5466.

Flatwater's name carries a special meaning for Yount. "The inspiration for the name being right on the canal played into that a little. In my mind, when I think of Flatwater, it reminds me of a rafting trip I took 10 years ago. We did a trip through the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River with 30 individuals on an eight-day journey. The flatwater refers to an area about a mile or two of calmer water when we took a drag bag, shared beverages and snacks and took a break from the rapids of life," he reminisced. "This could be the metaphor for that. In between the rapids of life lies the Flatwater Restaurant," he recalled.

As springtime's clarion call summons, you can celebrate Flatwater Restaurant's second anniversary with family and friends, old and new, at their destination on the Broad Ripple Canal.