Looking for a nice, contemporary dinner downtown Indy

[Chip415]

Hi everyone,

A friend is graduating from IU-Bloomington this weekend and we're going to meet for a nice dinner in downtown Indianapolis. But, I need your help: I'm looking for a stylish place with contemporary American cuisine, price isn't a real issue. I just want the food and service to be top notch. Any ideas? Right now, I have reservations at Elements, but is there a better option in town? Indy Monthly's 'Best Restaurants 2008" issue just came out (http://www.indianapolismonthly.com/ar...) and I want to make sure I'm not overlooking anything.

Thanks!

[sammyjr]

So Chip, how was your meal at Elements?

[Kate_N]

Might as well stick with Elements since it was sold and the chef is leaving soon. Hopefully neither of you are vegetarians, though.

[Cookiefiend]

!!!!

AAAUUUGGGHHHHH!

I just checked a couple of local blogs... sold and the chef is leaving soon.
I see the sous chef is staying and someone from Tallent is coming up - maybe there's still a bit of hope.

[nsxtasy]

That's too bad. How soon is the chef leaving?

There's always R Bistro. I assume it's chef-owned, and the R is for Regina, right?

[myplateoryours]

The chef at R bistro is Regina Mehallick. She is great. The place is less formal than Elements but I always enjoy it a lot.

I think Greg has already left Elements but is staying on as a "consultant"," whatever that means.

[Scooter22]

I have not been to Elements, but I have been to St. Elmos. It is another steak place, but I love it. If you go you have to have the shrimp cocktail. The sauce is made with fresh horseradish and is very hot and sooo good. I sit there and just eat the sauce.

[nsxtasy]

Wow, that sure is a strange list! Four of their top 25 are national steakhouse chains (Morton's, Capital Grille, Ruth's Chris, Fleming's).

I haven't been to Elements yet - I've been wanting to try it and will probably do so later this year - so I really can't say anything about it. I ate recently at R Bistro and liked it a lot. I think it's also worthy of your consideration. It's at the end of Mass Ave.

[myplateoryours]

I agree with CF. Elements is top notch. Some of those other places on the list? Well, isn't it nice there are places out there for everyone!

[Chip415]

Great -- we'll stick with Elements. Any menu recommendations?

[Cookiefiend]

The menu changes frequently, so it's hard to make a recommendation.

Everything I've had has been very good. If there's a special - that's what I'd probably go for.

If there's a tasting menu that night - I'd be all over that.

Have fun and let us know how it goes!

[Cookiefiend]

Elements is your best bet - I don't think you will go wrong by keeping that reservation.