Archive for August, 2008
August 26th, 2008 - Bartholomew County renaming roads
County Commissioners have approved the renaming of 4 streets in Bartholomew County, the purpose of the changes are to help emergency crews, like police and fire fighters find locations. The new street names will go as follows:
A portion of road 225s, east of Indiana 11, has become Huffman Rd.
Road 100s has become Garden St.
The 500 foot unnamed road built recently to connect Marr Rd. with Clairmont Dr. has become Bridge Point Dr.
Road 300n, between Marr and Talley roads, has been renamed Sawin Dr.
These changes have taken place already, so please make a note of it.
August 18th, 2008 - Restaurant Review - Janko’s Little Zagreb of Bloomington, IN
Our first restaurant review is for Janko’s Little Zagreb
My wife and I have been going to this establishment for several years now. Not like every week, but certainly on average once a month probably. I decided to give this a review after reading a less than flattering review on this restaurant in the local paper. I wanted to tell of my experience and perhaps add some recommendations to those who wish to give it a try for themselves.
First off, let me say that while I have disagreement on some points with the local paper review, I do agree on a few points too. Primarily those involving the atmosphere and decor. The food served here and prices commanded do not fit the atmosphere at all. The atmosphere and decor is more that of a sports bar. The tables and booths are very old and outdated and there is Indiana University sports paraphernalia scattered everywhere. There’s nothing wrong with this in and of itself, after all Bloomington is the home of IU. The problem is that from the items on the menu and the prices thereof, one would expect something a little more formal.
While the direction of formality or rather lack thereof for this restaurant is certainly subject to opinion, the fact that it appears to be a sports bar certainly may give unsuspecting customers sticker shock and leave them less satisfied when they see the menu. It’s somewhat like walking into what you think is McDonald’s and expecting to get a value meal for $3.99, but instead you find dinners that average $25.00 and up.
From the atmosphere forward is where I begin to disagree with the prior review of this establishment. If I were to give Janko’s a review rating for atmosphere on a scale of 1 to 10 it would probably be a 1. That said, atmosphere is the least important aspect of a review in my opinion.
Service from Janko’s Little Zagreb is above average I would say. And though I’ve had a bad waitress here or there, by and large the service is great and get’s a solid 9. I’ve rarely gotten better service anywhere else in fact. Aside from a waitress that takes care of you, there is also a second “waitress helper” that’s sole job is to clear plates, salad bowls and empty drinks only moments after you’re finished. This person also keeps your water full as well.
On to the food! If atmosphere ranks 3rd important, service is 2nd, without a doubt the food is 1st and Janko’s doesn’t disappoint there. Janko’s is known for two things, steaks and their spicy meatballs. Their shirts even say something about being famous for their steaks. Both are indeed excellent. The meatballs are an appetizer by the way, more on those later.
All meals include dinner rolls, a salad and baked potato. My only personal experience is with the “Super Filet” It’s simply a thick sliced large filet mignon. They have a regular filet that is thick sliced but a slightly smaller portion. Of course ribeye, tbones and other similar cuts are available too and all share the common theme of being thickly cut. Chicken breast is available too and though I’ve not had it, I’m told while it is a super sized chicken breast, and that its nothing spectacular. Who cares! I told this place was know for their steaks didn’t I?
Janko’s is one of the few places I’ve seen that can cook a steak consistently. As anyone knows, medium with a pink to reddish inside is the only way to get a steak right? I usually have to tell a lesser restaurant rare to get something that’s not cooked thru to the point resembling shoe leather. Don’t do that with Janko’s though. They err on on the side of not overcooking beyond your requested temperature.
Aside from being a nice USDA thick sliced cut of meat cooked to perfection, Janko’s unique flavor is attributed to a special seasoning they use. I don’t know exactly what they use, but I can tell you I have found and use a Greek Seasoning called Cavender’s Greek Seasoning that seems to be spot on what they use.
A couple other notable items that Janko’s offers on the menu is Garlic Rolls and Spicy Bucharest Meatballs. Not much to say about the Garlic rolls, except to say that they are excellent and anyone should be able to handle them. They are a bit overpriced, but excellent nonetheless.
The meatballs come with an advisory. They are a bit spicy! That said, they are outstanding. Sometimes they seem less spicy than others, you’ve been warned though 
Personally I love spicy foods so it’s no surprise I would like these. My wife on the other hand does not, yet she still loves these too. She eats them hand in hand with the buttered dinner rolls to tame the heat and would not think of leaving Janko’s without having had them. In fact, we often take an order home too for later. Like the garlic rolls, I have to say that I think the Bucharest Meatballs are a bit overpriced, yet irresistible though.
In the wrap up of this review I should probably comment on the value for the money at Janko’s. Let’s face it everything at this establishment is pretty pricey. Having said that though, I’ve only gotten a steak on par with Janko’s from a few different places in my life, none were local unfortunately. So for value of the dinners I rate them a 9 out of 10. The prices for the dinners are actually close to average anyway for an mid to up scale restaurant and when you factor in the quality, it’s more than worth it.
The appetizers is where the value score drops considerably. While I love the Bucharest Meatballs and pony up the $22.95 they command for an order every trip, that is way out of bounds for what most appetizers cost and I’d guess more than many are willing to pay. I’d have never gave them a second glance myself had they not came so highly recommended by my spouses boss. I don’t even like traditional meatballs, so there’s no way I’d have spent $23 to sample them. I give the Meatballs a value score of 5 out of 10 and a couple of those points are attributed to them being so unique and great tasting.
So to sum up this review:
Cheesy Sports Bar atmosphere, yet great food and great service.
My Recommendations if you go:
First of all, order a steak of some kind. While they offer chicken and some seafood, save that for the Red Lobster. Steak is what they know and do well. If you can tolerate spicy foods, I highly recommend the Bucharest Meatballs. If you’re afraid of the spice, a second alternative would be the Garlic Rolls. Desserts are available and are good, but nothing special in particular.
A reservation would be strongly advised if you plan to arrive during a busy time such as Friday or Saturday night between 6 and 9pm. I’ve gotten there before and been told of wait times as long as three hours! I think you’ll find Janko’s a worthwhile visit. It’s my absolute favorite place to dine in.
Andy
August 7th, 2008 - Are you ready to ride?
Abate of Indiana is hosting another motorcycle ride on August 16th. Sign in Starts at 11a.m. at the start locations, and costs $20 per person, and is NOT limited to Abate Members.
Start Locations: Moose Lodge, 330 8th St., Columbus; Jammin’ Jimmy’s, 642 N. Michigan Ave., Greensburg; Klumps Tavern, 9809 N. Dearborn, Guilford; Brewski’s, 216 Commerce Dr., Seymor; Moose Lodge, 12765 N. SR 3, North Vernon; AmVets, 92 W. US 50, Versailles.
All bikes will end up at CeraLand Park in Columbus, and the proceeds will be donated to the Indiana Children’s Wish Fund.
If you need further info contact Dennis at (812) 593-1643
Ride Safe !!
