Swoon List: Topo’s 403, Vida, and More
The Swoon List compiles our latest food-and-drink favorites. They’re not ranked, just delicious.
Plump Gulf shrimp tossed with olive oil, garlic, cherry tomatoes, feta, and pepperoncini at Topo’s 403 (403 N. Walnut St., Bloomington, 812-676-8676), served with light, fluffy pita bread for maximum scoopage.
Halibut at Vida
Flaky halibut from Vida (601 E. New York St., 317-420-2323), doused in a clam sofrito sauce and presented with saffron aioli and romanesco.
The porterhouse at The Cowboy’s Grille
A sizzling, tender porterhouse from The Cowboy’s Grille at Crazyhorse Ranch (6000 W. County Rd. 250 N, West Baden Springs, 812-936-9199), grilled over an open-wood fire out back and served with a baked potato, Texas toast, and salad.
The Tequila Mandoneada at La Parada
The flamboyant Tequila Mangoneada at La Parada (1642 E. New York St., 317-917-0095), a boozy take on the sour-salty-sweet Mexican cooler that involves fruity slush and a hit of chili powder. This version is swirled with hot sauce and topped with a tamarind lollipop.
The chicken torta from The Tamale Place
The fully loaded chicken torta from The Tamale Place (see thetamaleplace.com for locations), stuffed with mild chicken verde with just enough kick, chiles, cheese, lettuce, onion, pico de gallo, and mayo.
