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. Thom's Guide for the Culturally Bereft shows you exactly where to go to experience the finest in cuisine, art, music and general DrThomfoolery.

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. Thom's highest rating. (Look for some of yours truly's origami on the premises.)

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

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.

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.

Brought to you by the same folks who once produced such wonderful goodies at the Sunmart Indian Groceries, 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" from 1 to 6, 1 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

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.

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.

Founded by the late Pino, a retired lyricist for the classic crooners and inventor of a lemon liqueur cocktail famous in Manhattan, 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.

Hours:
Open Thursday and Friday for lunch from 11:00am - 1:30pm, and for dinner from 4:30pm - 8:00pm. Saturday is dinner only from 5:00pm - 8:00pm

Come join award-winning chef Jeff Ford for some of the best haute cuisine (pun intended) around. The cuisine is rather traditional, but prepared masterfully. If you are a red meat eater this is the place to go. As a fellow who is not, I find the chicken and seafood dishes scrumptious.

Open for dinner, Tuesday-Saturday

Thank you Zack Wise for opening this gem in downtown Terre Haute where true gourmet thin crust pizza, calzones and salads are crafted daily. (And how nice it is to have a slice and a beer while sitting outside, weather permitting.) My favorites include the Wow–sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, spinach, garlic and pesto, and the White Pizza–an olio of three white cheeses, black pepper, garlic and olive oil.

Open for lunch and dinner every day.