Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v09n21)
Food, Fun, and a Fundraiser - By Heidi Huff
posted: Oct. 12, 2012
On Sunday, September 30th, 2012, foodie fund-raisers descended on Broad Ripple for the 2nd Annual Taste of the Monon to benefit Meals on Wheels of Central Indiana. This year's event was sponsored by the American Legion, Carreau Design, Bike Line, JR Walsh Realty, Pedal & Park, JUMO music, The Bungalow Inc., and The Delta Boyz. Thirteen area restaurants and shops provided treats for the traveling taste fest, all situated within a few blocks of the Monon Trail. The stops were within bikeable or walkable distance from each other, making it easy to get (a little) exercise while we ate. And, boy, did we eat!
Some of the snackers started with appi-teasers, then main dishes, followed by deserts. Some likely ate dessert first. But, being the Type A personality that I am, we ate in mapped-out numerical order from north to south. After our check-in at JR Walsh Realty and some bluegrass music by The Delta Boyz we were off, and the eating was on!
First up was FIRE Food and Flame where we slid down some slow-smoked pulled pork sliders topped with a secret sauce, cabbage slaw, and toasted bun. Then we doubled back to Rene's Bakery for a sweet treat; a mini blueberry muffin to munch on. Thoroughly confusing our taste buds, we stopped at La Piedad for some of their warm homemade chips and spicy salsa, like a food truck without the truck. (Unless you don't like food trucks, and then it's not like that at all.)
Next was Broad Ripple Brewpub, serving up some Indian-spiced chicken wings. Thank goodness they provided a wet wipe so I didn't have to lick my fingers - even though I wanted to! Just down the street to Just Pop In / Night Owl Baby we were treated to "Indy Style" popcorn, a delicious mix of cheddar and caramel. Next we stopped at the station, BRICS, that is, for a Sunday sundae. My pick was the Apple Crisp ice cream topped with caramel drizzle, whipped cream, and a cherry on top. Yes, it was every bit as delicious as it sounds. By the time we left BRICS I thought I might burst, but we were only halfway done taste-testing the Trail!
We ate our way over to 3 Sisters Café for a veggie scone topped with warm fruit and nut porridge that was mmm-mmm good. Then, over the rainbow bridge (literally, not metaphorically) to Greek's Pizzeria for a half slice of pepperoni pizza and a breadstick. Next stop, Westfield Boulevard for roasted and toasted treats. Monon Coffee Co. served up a hot cup of dark roast coffee and Artisano's set up a sidewalk stand to treat us to toasted almonds in an olive oil and spice blend.
South of the Avenue at 10-01 we tasted jalapeño cornbread with a cranberry chutney sauce, a sweet and savory treat, with a kick! Next we went east to Poccadio Moroccan Grill for a sampler platter of meats, sides, and sauces including shawarma, shrimp, saffron rice, carrot salad, hummus, and much, much more. Last but not least we went back west and got our just desserts at Insomnia Cookies, a snickerdoodle for me, please! Admittedly, I had to save the cookie for later since there was no room for dessert. Thankfully, the last stop was furthest from the car so we got a short walk in at the end. I'm sure that ten minute walk was enough to balance out all those calories. Right?
I was delighted to be treated to some of my favorite Ripple-raunts and to try a few places I'd never been before, all for a great cause. For more information about Meals on Wheels and about future fundraisers visit www.mealsonwheelsindy.org. You don't want to miss this next year!
Fire
Rene's Bakery
Wings at Broad Ripple Brewpub.
Just Pop In
brics
Sundaes at BRICS.
Three Sisters Cafe
Greek's Pizzeria
Pizza and breadsticks at Greek's.
Monon Coffee Co
Artisano's
10-01
Poccadio
Insomnia Cookies