I have missed the continuous vibe of a 24-hour restaurant in Broad Ripple since Paco's Cantina closed several years ago (737 Broad Ripple Avenue). This is evinced by my many references to Modern Times Urban Truck Stop (54th and College, now Yats) and Paco's Cantina in my column over the past five years.

In 2006 I wrote a column titled Memories of Paco's. It told of an all-night writing session with Kyle Andrews in 2000. Mr. Andrews was ablaze with poetry that night. When we walked out of Paco's, the sun was coming up. I had a 4-inch stack of Kyle's poems (all of them good) that he had written on napkins. I featured 2 of those beauties in my May 2006 article Memories of Paco's. I am certain that Kyle would not have created those masterpieces if Paco's had not been open all night.

In 2008 I wrote an article WANTED: 24 Hour Haunts. Alan made it look like a 'wanted' poster from the wild west. This was a nice touch which accentuated my desperation. I was more than ready for another spot with a flow throughout the night.

It is now 2010 and The Red Eye has opened a half-mile from my apartment. Abstract James and I walked there on its opening night. We had the chicken tenders and cut-from-potatoes-on-site fries (more recently I had their great onion rings). The ambience was cool by me.

The Red Eye operated in downtown Indianapolis for several years. And I liked it. But to have it so close to home is oh so nice. I am looking forward to years of love and flow.

So...

Thanks To The Red Eye.