Real Food, Real Indiana

Bouser's Barn Restaurant has been a fixture in Union City since 1963. Bouser's has been at the current location on State Road 32 since 1974. Keith and Susan Bousman have filled the restaurant with memorabilia on the walls — signed photograph's of stars, vintage trains, antique mugs, signs, toys and items that certainly bring back childhood memories! Stories can be told from the memorabilia on the walls. There's even a section in the restaurant where you can purchase jellies, honey and other goodies that are made in and around Indiana.

When visiting Portland, IN you may not think of Mexican food, but maybe you should. Margarita’s Mexican Grill is located at 1604 North Meridian Street. While the outside of the building is a little plain, once you walk in to the dining room you will be stuck by the beautiful bright paintings on the walls, tables and chairs. Of course you can’t start your meal at a Mexican Restaurant without chips and salsa and it was great here! The salsa is served in an individual little carafe for the table. If you are a guacamole fan be sure to try theirs it was fabulous, very rich and creamy, just how it is supposed to taste.

Lunch was a tough decision, so many tantalizing menu options and all very reasonably priced. My group of friends and I decided on the Fajita Taco Salad, Pollo Bravo and the Burrito de Carne Asada. We all of course had to share and all were delicious. The salsa verde was especially good, just the right amount of spice.

When I visited this restaurant, unfortunately I was on the clock and had to drive another couple hours to get to my final destination so I was not able to sample their margaritas, but with the way everything else tasted I’m sure they are terrific. Someone please try them (please drink responsibly) and let us know how they are, we’d love to go back to try some!  

Who's up for Mexican for lunch! I am, let’s go to Portland!

I met some out of state friends in Kokomo for a late dinner at the Half Moon Brewery. I wanted to take them to a brewery and noticed that Half Moon was a part of the Brewer’s of Indiana Guild as well as the Indiana Foodways Alliance.

I had made reservations a head of time, and we were able to get right in to a table. The server was very timely and asked if we knew what we would like to order or if we would like to sample some beers. We all voted to sample a few beers before placing our order.  I chose the MILF-n-Honey Wheat Ale. This was a nice light beer with a light honey flavor. I also noticed a hint of fruitiness.  I was also able to sample the Cole Porter. This stout has a clever name to go along with its bold taste.

The menu had plenty of options to choose from. I ordered the Black and Blue Burger, which comes with pub chips.  The meal was very filling, and the pub chips were great!

The atmosphere was a tad loud for my taste. However, I was able to catch up with my friends and enjoy a flavorful dinner with a tasty beer. I would definitely recommend Half Moon Brewery to those interested in trying craft brews and good food.

Half Moon Brewery
4051 S. Lafountain
Kokomo, IN 46902
www.halfmoonbrewery.com

With all this warm weather lately all I can think of is getting a nice refreshing treat from the Original Frozen Custard, across from Columbian Park! Growing up, I have always been a fan of their wonderfully sweet fruit drink and amazingly smooth ice cream.  Their fruit drink is nice to have after spending the day at Tropicanoe Cove water park; however, if you like it as much as I do, you are able to drink it by the gallon! Which is fine, because they do sell it by the gallon, making it a perfect drink or punch for reunions and parties!

Nevertheless don’t be mistaken fruit drink isn’t their only specialty. Their frozen custard is what they are really known for and  if I may say so, is very tasty too. The classic twist in a waffle cone is one of my favorites! However, make sure to check out their daily specials, as they always have a few unique favors to choose from that are only offered at certain times. For instance, I am a huge lemon fan, every time I go to the Custard I always look to see if the Lemon Twist is a special. It is my all time favorite ice cream in the world, seriously!

Thinking of all the times I have visited the Custard with friends and family I have yet to try their sandwiches and such; however, I know that my brother has eaten lunch there a few times and enjoys it. Looks like I know who I’ll be taking there to eat soon!

Enter to win two $25 gift certificates to Mayberry Cafe in Danville, IN.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER

Indiana Foodways Alliance is hiring a Marketing and Media Specialist.  The position will be up to 40 hours per month.

Please submit your resume between May 1 and May 31, 2013 via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Interviews will take place via phone or in person the first part of June, with position to be hired by June 30, 2013.

Click here to view the job description.

Hope, Indiana is a small town nestled in Bartholomew County on SR9. Each year they host the Hope Ride Bicycle Race and Hope Heritage Days. Venture down to the sleepy town square and you’ll find a hidden treasure nestled  in the back of another gem called Strawberry Fields. Wonder into Strawberry Fields and you will have a shopping experience unlike any other, however, go to the back of the store where you’ll  see eclectic tables arranged artfully and a blackboard noting daily specials and you are in for a Tea Room treat at Aunt Aimee’s Country Tea Room.

The 2013 Annual Indiana Foodways Annual Meeting is August 8th and 9th in Hendricks County.

Rooms are available at Staybridge Suites for August 7th and 8th for $85 plus tax for a full kitchen suite per night. Free breakfast and dinner reception is included with your stay. Ask for the "Indiana Foodways Alliance block" when making reservations. The room cut-off date is July 19th.

Staybridge Suites
6023 Cambridge Way
Plainfield, IN 46168
317-839-2700

Additional details coming soon.