Indiana eateries

Home town café

/ Roadtirementvintage / 10 Comments

You always hear that the local, non-chain eateries are the best. The Chaperral Cafe in Shelbyville, Indiana proves that theory is correct! Located a couple of blocks from the downtown square, this landmark is known for its all day breakfast and “the best breaded tenderloin” around.

Local history in photos

A sincere personal welcome

Bigger than your head!

You barely see the bun peeking out

Cut in half, still too big for the bun!

I had a wonderful lunch Friday. I met one of my sons there, and as a bonus he had my 2 year old grandson with him. A special treat for this PaPaw! I had wanted to visit the Chaperral for quite sometime as their breaded tenderloin has become legendary. (Breaded tenderloins are a Hoosier favorite!) Well, this sandwich absolutely exceeded my expectations. The tenderloin was just the right thickness, the breading was not overpowering and the “crunch” was perfect! I cut mine in half, ate part in the bun, the other with knife and fork. Gonna have to go back and try biscuits and gravy sometime soon!

A return to Olive Garden

/ Roadtirementvintage / 22 Comments

Sher and I have talking about when we could get back to an Olive Garden restaurant. Today was that day. Our closest Olive Garden is across from the Greenwood Park Mall, about a half an hour from our place.

Delicious salad with fresh grated cheese.

Strawberry margarita and hot fresh breadsticks.

Minestrone (vegetarian) soup vegetables and seashell pasta

Chicken & Gnocchi soup with roasted chicken, traditional Italian dumplings and spinach

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We timed our trip to arrive at the restaurant at 2:30 PM, which made us eligible for the all you can eat soup, salad and breadstick lunch deal. (offered M-F 11 to 3 for just $7.99 per person). Sher enjoyed a frozen strawberry margarita while I chose the peach iced tea. Delicious! We certainly took advantage of this deal: I had 2 1/2 bowls of soup with salad and breadsticks. We brought home some salad and breadsticks.

We felt very safe dining at this Olive Garden. Table spacing was in evidence, all staff and most patrons wore masks, and there were hand sanitizer stations in several locations within the facility.  All in all, we had a great lunch date!