Indianapolis is My Home

25
Jun

Subway Jared Fogle Dead?

Author: Jason Bean, Category: Chain Restaurants, People

I have absolutely no basis for this but just throwing it out there because I have heard other people saying something about it. Does anyone know anything?

20
Jun

Jon McLaughlin at the Hard Rock Cafe

Author: Jason Bean, Category: Chain Restaurants, Charities, Concerts, Downtown, Radio Now 100.9

A few days ago I wrote about Jon McLaughlin putting on a little concert at the Hard Rock Cafe in downtown Indianapolis. The concert was a re-opening of the Hard Rock Cafe Indianapolis with all new memorabilia as well as a fund raiser for Riley Children’s Hospital here in the city.

It was a great live concert. Thanks to a friend I’d only met online I found out it was a “closed” event, but we were both able to work some magic (THANKS SARAH!) and get some passes to the event to see Jon live. It really turned out well for both of us. I got to see Jon McLaughlin in concert live for the first time and my friend ended up winning a Gibson Epiphone guitar that was signed by Jon and the rest of the band.

This is Kyle and Sarah (in the purple dress) and another lady that worked for Hard Rock up in Chicago, but I didn’t catch her name.

If it hadn’t been for our great waitress, Megan, Kyle would have never won the guitar, but she was persistent and convinced Kyle to purchase some raffle tickets.

Read Kyle’s recollection of the events and see more photos at Jon McLaughlin, A Sweet Waitress and a Gibson Guitar.

A few thoughts about the night. The new memorabilia was really cool. Lots of great stuff if you love rock music and haven’t been to Hard Rock Cafe in awhile, it’s time to check it out again.

One thing I was thinking about during the performance is that it would have been nice if there was a live camera feed to the various LCD panel TV’s (which are actually in need of being updated) that are mounted on the walls in the restaurant. It’s true that Jon was right in front of us, but having a camera that could zoom in on the close-up of his hands as he masterfully played the keys would have been sweet!

I also ran into a good friend of mine, Nate, that works for the Riley Children’s Foundation. His team put on a great event and raised some great money for charity as well. If you’d be interested in finding out how you can help the foundation yourself, visit their website or let me know and I’ll put you in touch with Nate.

I also got to meet Scotty Davis of Radio NOW 100.9 Morning Drive fame. He’s recently new to Indianapolis after moving down here for the gig at 100.9. He’s from Minnesota, but now calls Indianapolis “home” as well. Seemed like a great, down to earth guy who’s really getting to enjoy the city. It’s too bad he had to head out a little early that night, but part of his job on the morning show calls him to be up at 3am. Just about the time I’m heading to bed!

Jon’s going to be performing again tonight in Indianapolis as part of the Indianapolis Colts FanFest events. I’ll be posting about it later.

11
Jun

Indianapolis Hard Rock Revamping and Ready to Rock

Author: Jason Bean, Category: Chain Restaurants, Concerts, Downtown, Local Musicians

Okay, I’ve got to make sure I attend this concert. I’m thinking I should get there early enough to at least be in the room for this concert. I’ve become a huge fan of Jon McLaughlin since I’ve been introduced to him and purchased his CD.

Anyone else planning on going?

11
Feb

Free Pancakes at IHOP Tomorrow

Author: Jason Bean, Category: Business, Chain Restaurants, Charities, Dining

If you’re near an IHOP tomorrow, stop on in and get yourself some free pancakes. It’s all to help support the Children’s Miracle Network, so unless you’re a complete mooch, a donation would be great!

18
Dec

Stir Crazy - Great Asian Grub and Atmosphere

Author: Jason Bean, Category: Castleton, Chain Restaurants, Dining, Greenwood, Things To Do in Indy

If you’ve been down to the south side lately, you’ve probably noticed that the Greenwood Park Mall has received a bit of a facelift. If there were a show called “Extreme Mall Makeover”, we’d have a winner.

I’ve eaten at the new location that’s part of the outside mall area at Greenwood Mall two times now. The best way to think about this, and I’m sure they’ll love me stating it this way, is P.F.Chang’s with a little more casual, laid-back, flare.

It’s called Stir Crazy and it’s quickly becoming one of my favorite restaurants on the south side.

The prices in general may be somewhat cheaper as well, but you can still spend some cash if you want to on a dinner.  However, the second time my wife and I got the Pu Pu Platter, which is delicious!, and dessert for about $20 after tip. They’ve also got a fresh ingredients bar that you can then mix spices and sauces with your favorite fresh meat. This part reminds me of B.D’s Mongolian Bar-B-Q.

If you decide to go with the Pu Pu Platter here are the selections we chose and really enjoyed:

• Crab Rangoons
• Coconut Shrimp
• Chicken Satay
• Chicken Imperial Rolls
• Chicken Potstickers

For dessert, we chose the Banana Wontons.

There are two locations in Indianapolis now, do yourself a favor and go have a great meal at one of them soon:

Greenwood Park Mall
1251 US Highway 31 N
Greenwood, IN 46142
317-888-6200

Castleton Square
Lifestyle Edition
6020 East 82nd Street
Indianapolis, IN 46250
317-845-5600

15
Aug

A Great Family Meal at Logan’s Roadhouse

Author: Jason Bean, Category: Business, Chain Restaurants, Dining, Greenwood

I’m not sure if this is a citywide, nationwide or just a local promotion, but you just can’t beat the deal at Logan’s Roadhouse in Greenwood has got going on right now on Monday and Tuesday nights.

You can get two adult entrees from a selected menu for $12.99 (FOR BOTH!) and kid’s meals are only $2.00. I’ve also got to highly recommend the Sante Fe tilapia filet, and when you pair that with a great salad and hot-out-of-the-oven rolls, it just makes for a great evening!

They’ve actually been doing it for awhile and hopefully there’s no end in site. We’ve been there the last few weeks and the place is just packed. I’ve got to think they have increased their business 10-fold on these evenings with this promotion.

What other restaurants in the city do you know of that have similar promotions that are family friendly? Let us know in the comments.

If you’re a restaurant owner in the Indy area and would like me to visit your restaurant and review it, just let me know!

Photo Credit: Squirrel Systems