Scholars Inn: South Beach dining at a Hoosier price
Situated in the heart of the downtown Indy theatre district, Scholars Inn has taken advantage of its location, a dramatic interior and an award-winning executive chef, to create a “South Beach experience with a Hoosier price."
The restaurant’s new curvy “S” logo, said to emulate the form of a voluptuous female figure, is representative of the goals of the renovation that occurred in early 2008. Scholars Inn now sports a warm, sexy, intimate main floor dining area with glowing, rectangular seating and long flowing curtains that provide greater privacy; a colorful bar and lounge; and, up a winding staircase, a New York-style large, multi-colored communal dinner table that’s the talk of the Indy restaurant biz.
Executive Chef Jake Brenchley, a Cordon Bleu grad, prepares “American food with a heavy emphasis on protein with a French twist,” says general manager Kermit Ellis.
To make a memorable SI meal, start dinner off with a signature SI cocktail such as a Fizgig, a White Cosmo or Hpnotist. Then feast on a starter of Cured Calamari or a Stuffed Mushroom Pastry. Or try one of SI’s notable Rustic or Zesty BLT flatbreads.
Finally, a signature SI steak is recommended – a New York strip or Skirt, or the ultimate, the 14-day wet aged Filet Mignon served with five-cheese macaroni and a Pomegranate Red Wine Demi Glace. For Lamb lovers, a charbroiled lamb burger with bistro fries is a highlight.
Top off dinner with a homemade SI dessert, such as Red Velvet or Tiger Cake (layers of white & chocolate sponge cake) or the “Chocolate Oblivion,” described as a “decadent flourless cake.”
Thursday nights are always a happening place at SI, with half-price signature cocktails.
Make sure to become a member of the Scholars Club, available on the restaurant web site, so you can get a $25 dining gift card, not to mention other discounts. SI also offers free private parking in the back, although metered parking up front is free after 6.
- by Jim Brown , Indianapolis Reporter for HelloMetro
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Jim Brown Jim Brown is a longtime freelance aviation, travel and destination writer and communications professional. A former reporter for Aviation Daily, Air Safety Week and World Airline News, Jim served for more than 15 years as a senior public relations executive for American Airlines, TWA and AirTran Airways.
