By Megan Bulla, account associate

It’s that time of year again when the smells of spicy shrimp cocktail, table-side made guacamole and dry-aged Kona crusted sirloin fill the air downtown. Today starts two weeks of culinary bliss known affectionately to Indianapolis residents and visitors as Devour Downtown. The event starts today and runs through Aug. 23.

More than 30 restaurants are offering three-course meals for just $30 per person. This is a great way to experience some of the best eats Indianapolis has to offer – on a budget!

The program started in 2005 as an annual, week-long event called Indy Restaurant Week created by the Indianapolis Downtown Restaurant & Hospitality Association. The event was such a success, it expanded from one week to two and once a year to twice a year, prompting the name change to Devour Downtown.

In honor of this year’s event, Borshoff employees voted for their top 5 Devour Downtown restaurants. Perhaps it’s no coincidence that four of the five are within easy walking distance from the Borshoff offices.

Borshoff’s top 5 list follows – along with my personal comments. Drum roll please…

1. Palomino
   This is my go-to restaurant when I’m hosting guests from out of town. The ambience is upbeat and stylish and the lobster ravioli is to die for! On the Devour Downtown menu- you have to try the asiago-crusted sea scallops – pairs perfectly with a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio.  Also, Palomino has a great patio – perfect for people watching!
2. Santorini Greek Kitchen
   Opa! This Devour Downtown special is served family-style, so bring a group of friends to sample everything from baba ganoush to homemade spanokopita. Don’t forget to try the baklava. I made this for the first time recently and it’s much harder than it looks, but so worth the effort!
3. St. Elmo Steak House
   St. Elmo’s is an Indianapolis tradition. Their world-famous spicy cocktail sauce will blow your mind! Just think of it this way – when else can you grab a shrimp cocktail, filet mignon and dessert at Indianapolis’ most famous restaurant for only $30? The shrimp cocktail itself is usually $15!
4. Capital Grille
   For me, Capital Grille is typically saved for special occasions; birthdays, anniversaries, etc. Now for only $30, you can celebrate “just because.” Located in the Conrad hotel, Capital Grille is the place to see and be seen. Who knows who you might run into…
5. Adobo Grill
   This restaurant just opened last summer. If you haven’t had the chance to stop in yet, now’s the perfect time. The guacamole is made table-side with fresh cilantro and avocado, and their menu is filled with delicious, authentic Mexican cuisine. Even if it’s not part of the $30 deal, who can pass up one of their famous margaritas? Or two…or three…

Tags: indianapolis

This entry was posted by Borshoff on Monday, August 10th, 2009 at 9:48 am. You can follow any responses to this entry through the Comment Feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.