Favorites

I quite often get asked what’s my favorite restaurant? That’s a tough question to answer, but I have a shortlist of favorites by cuisine type. Keep in mind, these are just my favorites. Everyone has their own opinion!

• Best Overall Food: Black Sparrow. If you follow me on Foursquare, you know that I most frequently check in at Black Sparrow. That’s because their food is just amazing, and you can get a glass of house wine for $5. The menu isn’t extensive, but you can’t go wrong with anything on it.
• Best Sushi: Maru Sushi. This isn’t a place I go frequently when Purdue is in session, because I don’t like crowds and there is almost always a crowd. But there’s a good reason for the crowds – the sushi is good.
• Italian: La Scala. This is really the only option for decent Italian in town. The service can be hit or miss, but the food is always delicious.
• Japanese: Kokoro. Love or hate crazy Tony, but the food is damn good. The rice dishes are out of this world, and I’m currently infatuated with the Bibimbap. The portions are huge, so go with a group and share a few dishes. It’s a great way to make it affordable and have fun.
• Chinese: Nanking. If you want authentic Chinese, go here and order off the back “traditional” menu. They have your regular Americanized Chinese food as well, and my kids go nuts for the fried rice, but the traditional menu is something special.
• Mexican: El Chicano or Taco Rico. This one is a toss up. I would lean a little more toward El Chicano if we’re basing it on food alone. (Honorable mention to Mi Cabanita if you want good take-out.)
• Indian: Sharma’s Kitchen. Nice ambience and great buffet and good service. I especially like following their Facebook page to see the daily specials.
• Thai: Thai Essence. There’s really only one option now that Exotic Thai closed down. Basil Thai is good, with a smaller menu close to campus, but these two are owned by the same family so the food is excellent both places.
• American: South Street Smokehouse. You can’t get much more American than BBQ. And there’s really only one place to go for that in town.