Dining Out | Journal Gazette

Shorty's long on flavor, execution, affordability

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 19 May 2013 03:00:00 EST

On its surface, Shorty's Steakhouse in Garrett was like many other small-town, downtown restaurants.

Pies off the charts at Clay's

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 12 May 2013 03:00:00 EST

You've got to love a place that lists the pies first on the menu.

Mexican fare has Rongos flair

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 05 May 2013 03:00:00 EST

It seemed like a really bad idea. Opening a fast-casual burrito place in a location along Coldwater Road best known for once housing an indoor playground? A place that is kind of away from the hustle and bustle.

Desserts shine at new cafe

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

The menu seemed to be shouting at me the words, A World of Flavor.

Dual fare delights taste buds

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

The combination seemed perfect. Bangkok Thai Restaurant and Sushi Bar offered two styles of cuisine that have become quite popular in the Summit City. But combining those two presented as much risk as reward in a time when keeping things simple and focused is the popular restaurant trend.

Brisket ’n’ ribs smokin’

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

Blue Stack Smokehouse owner David McLaughlin didn't hesitate when I asked him what style of barbecue he serves. It's making-it-in-my-garage-and-hanging-out-with-my-friends-and-drinking-beer style, he said.

Discover city's love affair with sausage rolls

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

It started with an email from a Fort Wayne native from Michigan who was looking to find a sausage roll next time he came to town that was like the one the old Alexander's on East State Boulevard served when he lived here.

Baked dough treats set Markle pizzeria apart

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 03:00:00 EST

The signs along Interstate 69 were what drew me to the place.

Oyster Bar lets you double up on favorites

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 03:00:00 EST

It is a dream for foodies and a nightmare for kitchens. I could hear it in the voice of Scott Dickmeyer, executive chef at The Oyster Bar, when I asked him about the half-and-half option the 120-plus-year-old restaurant offers.

Family night out: Pizza and game spot

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 03:00:00 EST

It is not the kind of place I would normally consider reviewing.

It's love at first bite at breakfast-lunch nook

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 03:00:00 EST

My hopes and dreams were crushed as I finished my meal at the Cozy Nook on Dupont Road near Interstate 69.

Vietnamese sandwiches, smoothies hit spot

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 03:00:00 EST

Its name created a bit of confusion at first. Was Banh Mi Barista a coffee shop? What is banh mi.

Festive Cebolla's makes dining a seamless affair

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 03:00:00 EST

The latest incarnations of the Cebolla's Mexican Restaurant group have not been Cebolla's.

Tasteful digs elevate perfect pizza, brews

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 03:00:00 EST

It may have been the best broccoli I have ever had.

Green Frog jumping with cozy feel, tasty food

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 03:00:00 EST

It fits the blueprint of a neighborhood bar to a T. Heck, even Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry said a lot of people consider it "Fort Wayne's Cheers." Of course, he may be prejudiced considering his wife, Cindy, owns the place.

Surf to turf, tavern will hook you

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 03:00:00 EST

It was a place I fell in love with, but which I could seldom visit.

Salvadoran spot shines with flavor

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 03:00:00 EST

It is always exciting when a new style of cuisine is brought into the area. And it is even more exciting when the place serving that cuisine exceeds my expectations.

Expansive menu a plus for Decatur restaurant

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 03:00:00 EST

With all of the great options in Fort Wayne, I seldom leave the city when I am in the mood for Mexican food. But I recently ventured south to Decatur to try El Camino Real IV, hoping this ever-busy eatery would make me rethink my policy. It did not.

Hot dog pie takes pizza to new high

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 03:00:00 EST

The place had me at Tony Packo's Pizza. As soon as I saw those words on the menu at Vito's Pizza and Subs, which opened in August in the Georgetown North shopping center on East State Boulevard, I knew I was going to like the place.

Asian hideaway delivers on taste, seasonings

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 03:00:00 EST

It's such a nondescript place to find unique dishes not served elsewhere.

Votes in for best of year

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 03:00:00 EST

The past year was marked by the presidential election.

Meal and show are worth trying at Klemm's Kafe

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 03:00:00 EST

She was like a ballerina. Her moves so deliberate and yet made with ease. She was clearly focused, but everything she did looked so natural.

Biaggi's beckons with inspired Italian offerings

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 03:00:00 EST

It was something I chose more out of curiosity than hunger.

Nine Mile fare worth drive, wait

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 09 Dec 2012 03:00:00 EST

If you have never been to Nine Mile Restaurant out in the middle of nowhere along U.S. 27 south of Fort Wayne, just listen to the folks standing in line to find out what you are in for.

New name but same great fare

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 03:00:00 EST

Loyal followers of the Mandarin Chinese restaurant had to be a little puzzled a couple of years ago when the name changed to Qui's and Vietnamese cuisine joined Chinese on the marquee.

Some nice surprises at chain

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 03:00:00 EST

There aren't many of them left left - these Mexican chain restaurants that sprouted up in the 1980s and introduced many of us to what is now one of the most popular styles of restaurant cuisines in America.

Time to indulge: Salvatori's 2nd location a hit

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 03:00:00 EST

The only thing Salvatori's Authentic Italian Eatery needed was more space. The cozy little Italian place in a truck stop outside New Haven serves some of the best pasta dishes in the area, the service is excellent and it is one of my favorites.

Steak still best bet at BakerStreet

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 11 Nov 2012 03:00:00 EST

As soon as it opened in 2008, it was easy to spot the potential of BakerStreet, the gorgeous upscale steakhouse on Clinton Street. But it took awhile for it to reach that potential and become one of my favorites.

Successor improves on original

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 03:00:00 EST

Anan Abour and his wife, Rula Anas, wanted to put their stamp on the business when they took over the former Maza Grille in February.

German perfection in Garrett

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 03:00:00 EST

It's a mix of cuisines that doesn't seem to make a lot of sense until you meet the owner of Mino II in Garrett.

Chefs add pet peeves to miscues'

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 03:00:00 EST

Never have I aired so many complaints and received so much positive feedback.

Burgers 'n' shakes rule at Schoop's

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 03:00:00 EST

There really didn't seem to be a reason not to get a burger.

Top 10 customer miscues

Ryan DuVall • — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 03:00:00 EST

Given I spend most of my time criticizing restaurants and sharing my various pet peeves about establishments, I thought it was time to turn the tables - pun intended.

Endings are sweet at Marriott eatery

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 03:00:00 EST

Things have changed at this restaurant, which was once a hot ticket. Why else would Red River Steakhouse in the Fort Wayne Marriott on Washington Center Road be so severely understaffed on the Friday and Saturday nights I dined there.

Delicious additions span sweet to spicy

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 03:00:00 EST

It seems to happen rarely, but when one of your favorite places gets even better, it is simply awesome.

Don't let name of upscale bar fool you

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 03:00:00 EST

It was one of the most erroneously named restaurants I have visited, this Skully's Boneyard.

Sandwich combos hit spot at deli

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 09 Sep 2012 03:00:00 EST

I have sort of an unwritten checklist when it comes to downtown lunch spots. So when I visited the Downtown Deli and Marketplace inside Cottage Flowers at Barr and East Wayne streets, I started stacking it up against all of the other places around downtown as soon as I walked in. Affordable - check.

Presentation, cuisine shine at Thai spot

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 02 Sep 2012 03:00:00 EST

It was one of those little places I just knew I would like as soon as I walked in.

Sides give great dogs a big boost

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 03:00:00 EST

Finding a hot dog in Fort Wayne isn't exactly a chore. From the downtown staple Coney Island to the newly popular Brava's cart, Summit City folk love their dogs, and there are places to find them scattered throughout the city.

Barbecue team opens a winner

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 03:00:00 EST

It was the elephant in the room, or in this case maybe it would be better to call it the giant hog in the room, during my first visits to Shigs in Pit, Fort Wayne's newest barbecue joint.

Burgers 'n' fries score at tavern

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 03:00:00 EST

It certainly looked like one of those old, small-town taverns with its dim lighting, horseshoe-shaped bar packed with regulars and the tacky, out-of-style tables and studded chairs.

Dessert melts away too-formal worries

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 03:00:00 EST

When Eddie Merlot's announced it had revamped its lounge menu, it inspired me to check out that lounge.

Mr. Dave's tenderloin sheer bliss

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 03:00:00 EST

I have completed the pork tenderloin trifecta.

Much has changed since last visit to Toscani

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 03:00:00 EST

It looked as if the place hadn't changed much since I fell in love with it shortly after it opened six years ago.

Rarities rule at 3RF Junk Food Alley

Ryan DuVall — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 03:00:00 EST

It was the first thing my kids saw and the last thing I wanted to buy them at Junk Food Alley at the Fort Wayne Newspapers Three Rivers Festival.

Sweet, fruity sushi rolls add flair to menu

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 03:00:00 EST

For some reason, Sushi West has remained a little under the radar.

Battle of allergies

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 08 Jul 2012 03:00:00 EST

There was the story of the woman who stumbled and nearly blacked out, crashing her cart into shelves at a store a couple of hours after celebrating her birthday with family over a wonderful spread of food from a restaurant's supposedly gluten-free menu.

Creamy pies fine at shiny new diner

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 01 Jul 2012 03:00:00 EST

I couldn't help but smile when I sat down in Chrome Plated Diner and peered through the big window to the kitchen.

Pizza earns a loud roar at Tyeger's

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 03:00:00 EST

At least once a week someone asks me who has the best pizza. It is an answer I have struggled with because there are so many good pizza places - Oley's, 800 Degrees, Riverbend - and so many different styles of pizza. But I have the answer now.

Italian fare adds zip to Acme menu

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 03:00:00 EST

Social media is to blame.

Perfection on a plate warms soul

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 03:00:00 EST

It's a downtown staple, a retro classic and a piece of history.

Mexican spot alive with color

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 03:00:00 EST

It was a big move.

Great grilled cheese worth trip to Auburn

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 27 May 2012 03:00:00 EST

When one of my doctors told me I needed to try a great new grilled cheese at the Mad Anthony Auburn Tap House, there was little doubt I was going to.