Dr. Thom's Guide to Terre Haute for the Culturally Bereft

So you've relocated to Terre Haute from Seattle, Philadelphia or some other urban center and you're thinking that now that you live in a rural midwest town of less than 60,000 people, activities such as attending the opera or the ballet are a thing of the past. Au contraire mon ami! Terre Haute is rife with cultural tid bits if only you know where to look. Fear no more, for Dr. Tom's Guide for the Culturally Bereft shows you exactly where to go to experience the finest in cuisine, art, music and general DrTomfoolery.

Arguably the best sushi in the midwest. I've since had sushi in Chicago, Los Angeles, Indy, Atlanta and Vegas that hasn't compared. My favorites include the asparagus-avacado roll, the Green River roll (when available) and Chirashi - scattered sashimi over rice. There is a whole host of other yummies as well, including vegetarian entrees, noodles, and red bean ice cream for dessert. Five paisleys, Dr. Tom's highest rating. (Look for some of yours truly's origami on the premises.)

This little cafe/market/restaurant/sandwich shop has a unique selection of gourmet food, wine and beer. Sandwiches are thick and piled high and include such standards as turkey or ham as well as interesting creations including "The Vegan Way," a blend of roasted eggplant, hummus and sprouts. Entrees are equally as diverse, ranging from pot roast to baked butternut squash with walnuts, apples, and cranberries. Vegetarian and vegan entrees available daily.

Open from 10 to 6 most weekdays, Bella Rosa is mainly a lunch hangout. The first Friday of each month, however, they are open until 9:00 pm, making "First Fridays" a regular date for many resident culturists. Friday evenings in the fall, you can catch their delightful wine tastings until 7:00 pm. too.

Located across the street from the Community Theatre of Terre Haute, the little gem is open for breakfast and lunch on weekdays, and occasionally for breakfast on Saturdays. Mr. Marx - owner, chef, waiter, cashier and busboy - is often the only employee around. And so, be prepared to wait a bit longer than at other establishments. It's worth it, though, as the "European cuisine" is varied and most delicious. The menu constantly changes making it an adventure every time you visit. You can count on omlettes and rosemary potatoes most days, however. (I can count on French toast [not on the menu] but I'm special.)

Hours: Willy Nilly

George's Cafe
Address: 627 Cherry St.
Phone: 812-238-1911
Website:

This little cafe does not share my interior decorating aesthetic, but it does share my enthusiasm for good Mediterranean food. You could get scrambbled eggs and burgers and the like if you desired, but why would you want to when you can get stupendous stuffed grape leaves, heavenly hummus, top-notch tabbouleh and the best-ever baba ghanoush. I'm not kidding. This is the best baba ghanoush around, made fresh daily by George's brother Albert, who recently had his lamb stew recipe featured in Gourmet Magazine. And if you ask him nicely, he'll share a pot of his Turkish coffee with you.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday-Saturday.

Brought to you by the same folks who produce such wonderful goodies at the Sunmart Indian Groceries (See below), Taj Mahal features a large meanu of tasty items, including many vegetarian entrees. Among my favorites are lamb biryani, saag paneer (spinach and homemade cottage cheese), and saag choley (spinach and chickpeas cooked in tomato and onion sauce). "Spice levels" of 1 to 6, one supposedly being mild and 6 being Three Mile Island, are available for all entrees. However, it has been my experience that the scale is not calibrated from dish to dish. And so if you don;t like spicy, order a 1.

Open daily for lunch and dinner

Located in a charming old turn of the century residence, chef Magdy Awan specializes in freshly made Greek, French and Italian cuisine. He also offers such variants as wasabi tuna. After dinner you can take a stroll around historic Farrington Grove to take in the exquisite architecture.

Don't let the fact that this restaurant is in the Holiday Inn fool you. It's high falutin' cuisine. Dishes include such inspired entrees as ginger soy chicken and sides such as plum wine sauteed vegetables. Top notch. Four paisleys.

This restaurant features a large menu with lots of variety, including many vegetarian selections. There is the traditional Pad Thai, assortments of different curries, and my favorite, the basil noodles, all made with fresh ingredients. Don't forget mango sticky rice for dessert.

Founded by the late Pino, a retired lyricist for the classic crooners and inventor of one of the first lemon liqueur, this jewel of a restaurant serves tradional Italian favorites in addtion to their own inspired creations. My favorite is the spinach gorganzola ravioli with Pino's own Al Donatto sauce. Frequent live jazz makes it a complete cultural experience.

Located in a cozy little building on South 9th St., this casual and affordable little gem's specialty is the Maria sauce, a sweet, tomato-based pasta sauce recipe of the local figure Mary Natale Farrington (1916 - 1996). You can also get zesty and marina versions of this sauce, Bagna Cauda, and my personal favorite, the Italian Wok, an Italian/Asian fusion of pasta and stir fry.

Open for dinner Tuesday-Friday 11:00 am - 8:00 pm, Saturday 4:30 - 8:30 pm

Finally! A place to eat breakfast at a local joint on Sunday morning. Bit of Britain Tea Room offers a wide variety of brunch goodies: Fruit and sweets, soup and salad, wild rice, garlic potatoes, rosemary beef, and some of the "usuals" like sausage, bacon, ham and eggs, though there are big differences in this brunch. For starters, everything is made from scratch with fresh herbs. The eggs are made into a sort of wrap with lots of fresh cheese (none of the industrial scramble here!). The breakfast pie is more hearty than a quiche with lots of filling and a homemade crust top and bottom. The bacon is think sliced and the sausage is super tender. And of course, there is tea, along with juices, fresh lemonade and more .

Fresh, convenient and great service. Only $8.50 for the brunch, plus any tea or drink. Great bargain. Menu may vary so be sure to try it more than once.

Open M-F 11:00-2:00 Sunday Brunch 10:00-2:00.