Super Bowl XLVI 2012 Indianapolis Gets Super 46 Sandwiches

Meatball Sub-Historic Steer Inn                        Image/Izzy Evans

Hoagy, stacker, sammy... whatever the preferred nickname, pretty much everyone loves some sort of filling between two pieces of some type of bread. In honor of Super Bowl XLVI, the first time ever event in Indianapolis, Super 46 was created by the Indiana Office of Tourism to showcase local foods in the favorite Super Bowl party form.

The sandwich.

The press conference held at Shapiro's Delicatessen January 4 brought out, for the media, some of the 46 sandwiches created by local eateries.

Reuben/Shapiro's                                                                        Image/IzzyEvans

A great place to highlight great sandwiches, considering the history of the world-famous Indy food stop. Started in 1905, the downtown place has been in the right location for many memorable occasions at Conseco, now Banker's Life Fieldhouse, the Hoosier (aka RCA) Dome, Lucas Oil Stadium, Market Square Arena,, the list goes on...

Prime rib/Harry&Izzy's-St. Elmo's Image/Evans

So many places which have come and gone, and those that are still here, all within walking distance of the still-standing sammy spot. Now the Super Bowl will be within minutes of its doors... one Indianapolis landmark event meeting one Indianapolis landmark restaurant...

Now...on to the sandwiches.
All 46 restaurants were not at the press conference but, the ones that were showcased their goods with flair. Heaping platters of sandwiches were pleasing to the eye and palate. Here is a list of my favorites from the eateries in attendance and their offerings.

• Shapiro's-The classic Reuben is well known and loved.
• Schnitzelbank-Bratwurst piled high with mustard and sauerkraut.
• Harry & Izzy's/St. Elmo's-Prime rib with special sauce is hot in temperature and horseradish.
• Historic Steer Inn-Meatball sub with cheese and hearty tomato sauce.
• Goose the Market-Batali on a hard roll is filling with its stacked meats and cheese.

Batali/GoosetheMarket             Image/IzzyEvans

For a complete list of Super 46 sandwiches, click here... in.gov/visitindiana/super46/. 
For information on the events in Indianapolis for Super Bowl XLVI, visit IndianapolisSuperBowl.com.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Restaurant Review: The Bread Ladies

The Bread Ladies is a restaurant located in the heart of Greenfield, just east of Indianapolis in Hancock County. The bakery/eatery features its own bread and baked goods, along with sandwiches, soups and salads.

On my first visit, I ordered the Signature Bread Ladies Foccacia Sandwich. It comes with ham, turkey, roast beef, vegetables, such as carrots, cucumber and peppers, and their signature smear. Their smear is cream cheese with Italian seasonings (according to the server).

This sandwich was large…two meals large. I learned from the first visit to take half home to leave room for dessert. At $7.95, including chips, the value was definitely there. As was taste. Although I am not a fan of cucumbers, sliced thin and layered with other vegetables and meats, gave the sandwich a nice crunchy texture. I definitely want to return and try more items like the Reuben, chicken salad and the peanut butter chocolate chip cookie.

The prices were in line for the “from scratch” food. The staff was friendly and the menu clearly defined. There is some seating out back on a deck, and the food was delivered to our table in a timely manner. Both times I visited, the temperature was extremely chilly. I recommend wearing a heavy shirt (or two) since it seems to be common. Also note that anything you get extra has an up charge. The ones we encountered were $1 for cheese, .75 cents for smear and .75 cents for raspberry flavoring for lemonade.

Entering through the door, you are immediately greeted with jumbo cookies, brownies and muffins. Piled high and stacked in clear jars, it’s difficult to pretend you want anything off the menu besides those goodies. You order a salad or sandwich while glancing regularly toward the glass cases for reassurance there will be post-meal snickerdoodles.

Or bread pudding; which is what I ordered. Regular readers will remember my passion for excellent bread pudding. This version, at $3.25, was good. Not my favorite (Magdalena’s in Corydon, IN still holds that title) but good with a butter sauce, obviously handmade, and hot. They did not disrespect the pudding by putting in raisins, pineapple or peaches.

While checking out the website, thebreadladies.com, I was unable to peruse the menu. A message stated, “You are not authorized [sic] to view this resource. You need to login.” This could be an issue for the café since people often check out menus online before going to a new restaurant. It might influence them to go to another where they are able to see a menu beforehand. In a time when websites are often the front door to the potential customer, this one’s potential will rise if they fix that glitch.

Bottom Line: The Bread Ladies serve up quality ‘from scratch’ sandwiches and baked goods in a casual, small town friendly atmosphere.

Photo credit: Elizabeth J. Musgrave

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook.

Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.