City Nom Noms on the Move: An Update

When thinking up City Nom Noms, I purposely avoided calling it anything Indianapolis related. I did this because I knew I wasn’t going to be living in Indy forever. I didn’t know when a change would happen, I just knew it would. And that time is now.

For those who don’t follow me on twitter or haven’t seen this announcement elsewhere, I’m sure you were thinking that something was happening (or that I just gave up on blogging. Honestly, I haven’t given up eating!) Well, something has happened in mine and hubs life – we have made a move to Atlanta.

Yes, HOTlanta. This Wisconsin native and northern lady has packed her bags and accepted a new job with a company based out of Atlanta. You can read more here, but just know that there are many restaurants I’m going to miss in Indy. So many great (and yes, there were some not so great) times to be eaten in Indy. The scene is booming and there are many restaurants and chefs that I will miss because of their greatness.

For all the reasons I’ll be missing the food, they are the same reasons I’m excited about this new adventure. After all, it isn’t just about the excitement of the new job, new city and new home. The culinary adventures that lie ahead are so exciting as there are many I’ve been wanting to try. Richard Blais does live here after all. Can’t. Wait.

What does that mean for City Nom Noms? Well, I’m going to keep writing. Obviously, the focus may shift to Atlanta, but I’ve always written about trips and my travels around the country. I’ll continue this trend, but know that you’ll see a big shift from Indy to Atlanta area.

Thank you to all of my readers for this past year. I hope that you keep reading and continue to utilize City Nom Noms as a resource in the future.

And, in case you were wondering, The Local for my last meal when I was in Indy. Delish. And my first restaurant here in Atlanta? I’m visiting Flip tonight. Stay tuned…here I come Richard!

Chick-fil-A (Giveaway!)

Winner update, 5.25.12 – Thank you to all who participated. Random numbers have been chosen. Congratulations to:

• 2 – Miranda
• 14 – Maria
• 19 – Kim
• 6 – Dana H.
• 17 – Wen
• 3 – Amy M.

Once again, congratulations! Email me at angieahrens@gmail.com with your name and address. I’ll drop your gift card in the mail as soon as possible. Thank you to all of you for your great comments. I appreciate you reading!

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I normally wouldn’t review a chain, let along one that is fast food. But when Chick-fil-A reached out and asked me to give their restaurant a go because of their new desserts, I decided to say ‘absolutely!’ Why? Let me tell you.

1. A reason to eat a spicy chicken sandwich. Eating out at lunch is rare, especially fast food. So an excuse to have the spicy sandwich was accepted. I like that it is a tender chicken sandwich with subtle, spicy breading. The end pieces are crispy, but most of it is barely covered with the thin breading. Plus, a pickle ends it well for me.
2. I like chocolate. The whole reason was the try desserts. And I’m not one to turn down some ice cream, cookies, and brownies.
3. Desserts for you! Yup, you heard me. YOU can get these wonderful desserts yourself. But of course, I had to try them first.

After I noshed on my chicken sandwich and waffle fries, I gave the cookie sundae a try. A chocolate chunk cookie was broken up in the bottom of the cup and topped with soft serve ice cream. Vanilla I may add. Whipped cream and cherry with more chocolate cookie chunks rounded out the simple dessert. Something I would expect from CFA. They take simple food and make sure it is solid and yum (that’s a technical term – yum). And yes, this sundae was the perfect sweet ending to my lunch. The cookie was soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolate chunks. Delicious.

But, I want you to try for yourself. And though I paid for my lunch and sundae (the sundae is a mere $1.79!), CFA and I don’t want you to. They want you to enjoy it all just because you are a reader of City Nom Noms. Talk about a deal.

I have a numerous gift cards to give out to you! Each card gives you an opportunity to try a dessert every month, all summer long.

• May – chocolate chunk cookie
• June – brownie
• July – chocolate chunk cookie sundae

How do you win a gift card? All you need to do is leave a comment telling me why you love CFA! Maybe it is the fantastic service you always receive, or maybe it is because you appreciate that they close on Sunday for their employees to have a weekend. Or, maybe you like the spicy chicken sandwich as much as I do.

That’s it. And don’t hesitate to share the opportunity via twitter or Facebook. There are plenty to give away – I have a total of six cards for you to enjoy. Well, six of you!

As I have been out of town for a large chunk of May, I understand there isn’t much time left for this. So this will be a quick contest, as I don’t want you missing out on that cookie! The contest will end at Friday, May 25 at 5:00 p.m. eastern standard time. I’ll randomly (via computerized system) pick six winners and send all of you a card to enjoy (and then you best get to CFA for your May dessert!)

Start commenting, and as always, thanks for reading (and be sure to thank CFA for this opportunity!)

Note: the opinions of all restaurants are those of the restaurant and not mine. This giveaway is sponsored by Chick-fil-A to promote their new desserts.

El Meson

A colleague and I have decided to try a new restaurant around our office space once a month. After working there for several years, I was shocked to see all the random places I have not been. Hoping to cure that over the next few months, we began with El Meson.

In the quite large restaurant, there is more than meets the eye of the bright exterior Mexican restaurant. Set up to simulate an outdoor garden in decor, the colors are bright and bold. To the right of the main dining area is more dining, but to the left is this dark, mysterious night club atmosphere. Open late, I have to imagine that a club atmosphere is exactly what it turns into. But on a lunch hour, we weren’t interested in those details. We came hungry for some chips and Mexican flavors.

I opted for a chimichanga as it had been quite a while since the chimi and I engaged with one another. What I received was a full plate of food, all that was good but not the best thing I ever ate. The beans and rice were simple, mild in any flavor profile. The main component, the chimi, was also average. I had expected something a bit different as most chimi’s are wrapped up tight and are full of filling. This was wrapped with open ends, stuffed only with a mild and slightly dry chicken filling. The edges were all crispy due to the frying, but it wasn’t heavy in oil taste or anything like that. Just an average meal. Covering the chimi, the classic white cheese sauce was the highlight of the meal for me. Basic quest is always good in my book – very rarely will I turn on a cheese.

It took quite a while to order our food, though our server was pleasant and engaging. That day, El Meson filled my Mexican craving though I would have liked a bit more flavor throughout. My colleagues enjoyed their meal, so maybe I just need to break up with the chimichanga once in for all.

El Meson * 8920 wesleyan road * indianapolis, 46268 * 317.872.4600

Lulu’s Coffee + Bakehouse

Coffee shops. Indy may not be Seattle where Starbucks are on almost every corner. And because of that, we have other great, local coffee shops that we are able to pop in before work. Lulu’s is one of them. Lulu’s Coffee + Bakehouse, formerly named Lulu’s Electric Cafe, has not only changed their name and locations (moved from 86th and Ditch towards Township Line), but also the overall feel of their space.

A casual, slightly artsy type of environment, Lulu’s is a relaxed third space for a group of 10-15 individuals at one time. A few small tables, a comfy couch here, and a little game playing area there behind the coffee beans for sale. I really liked the vibe of the shop. But unfortunately, it was a little before 8am and I had to get to work for the day. Sitting down and enjoying the paper wasn’t an option on that Friday morning.

My co-worker (and friend) and I ordered our drinks from the friendly man behind the counter. He was thoughtful in explaining the different brews available that day as we perused the menu of the items available. Of course, with perfect placement by Lulu’s, I had to grab a cinnamon chip scone for my breakfast nibble. The scone was very light, not dense or heavy like I normally anticipate with a scone. And though it wasn’t what I anticipated, I still enjoyed every bite. Almost like a cinnamon muffin with more fluff. The cinnamon spice was perfect in the baked good as I quickly ate it all. And the coffee, I had ordered their medium roast, was a good cup of coffee. It was hot in temperature, not too strong or light in flavor either. Not to mention, the fancy top kept the coffee in place when driving.

I look forward to stopping in Lulu’s again, especially with the image of the scone in my head. Maybe a sandwich next time?

Lulu’s Coffee + Bakehouse* 2292 W. 86th Street * Indy, 46260 *317.879.1995