Food Coma... Engage

FCA Day #3:  Mann's Grill       1214 South Tibbs Avenue  Indianapolis, IN 46241

   

 

 "Gonna get my gravy on!"

Hopes were high when we all loaded into the Ian-mobile and began the 25 minute drive to Mann's Grill on the center-west side of the city.  Wednesday has fast become our favorite day of the work week!  

Mann's Grill is deceivingly average looking from the outside, with the consistent brick exterior and litter free sidewalk.  But the inside...  the inside is a mix of truck stop, sweat shop, and mom's kitchen circa 1959.  The menus looked used and abused and read like a redacted military document - they apparently have a system of blacking out, with dry-erase marker, any items that they run out of on a daily basis.

I (Bryan) decided on the meatloaf and mashed potatoes with a side of sweet coleslaw.  This was no mere slice of meatloaf, not even a thick slab.  From what I could tell it was a third of the entire pan loaf, sitting up on end. The gravy was a nice deep brown, possibly from a can since it was free of bits, and smothered both the meat and potatoes.  The meatloaf was juicy, tasty and kept me eating until I actually (and shamefully) finished all of it.

Brad went with the Beef Manhattan and a side of broccoli with cheese.  Equally smothered in gravy, the roast beef (which was from a true roast, not some sliced deli meat) was piled high between 2 slices of bread. 

Bob and Ian ordered the Chicken Fried Steak.  The cut of meat was large and tender, but both commented that it was "a little bland" - hence the massive pile of pepper on Ian's plate.

Vishal is the newest hungryITguy.  He's been with us for two FCA expeditions now, and should be a regular from now on.  He was unsure about the Chicken Fried Steak, having never had one before, so ordered the Turkey Manhattan and thoroughly enjoyed it.  Judging by Bob and Ian's comments, it was evidently the right choice.

Mann's Grill does home style comfort food, and does it well, without fanfare or embellishment.  The staff were friendly and helpful, and the food arrived almost instantly - so fast that I hadn't yet mentally prepared for the volume I was about to consume.  The restaurant was lively when we arrived at noon, and equally busy when we left, so it's obvious that this place will be around for a long time to come.

The Scale:
  Bryan:  Meal: 8, Experience: 8.5
  Brad: Meal: 8, Experience: 8
  Bob: Meal: 6, Experience: 8
  Ian:  Meal: 6, Experience: 8
   Vishal: Meal: 8, Experience: 8