{Our Favorite “Not a Chain” Restaurants} Traders Point Creamery–The Loft

Indiana isn’t really known for its fine dining.  Actually, Indianapolis has a pretty strong reputation for being the chain restaurant capital of the country.  Anyone living here knows exactly what I’m talking about.  After moving from Chicago, it was quite an adjustment for the both of us.  But, if you dig a little deeper, we think you will find some pretty amazing places to eat.

Justin and I have lived in the suburbs of Indianapolis for about nine years, now.  Our current neighborhood is kind of out in the country, but close enough to the things you need on a regular basis like groceries and gas stations.  There are plenty of kids for “The Kid” to play with, and we have a neighborhood pool for summer swimming.  Our neighborhood has block parties for the Fourth of July, Halloween, and adult parties for Christmas, New Years, and St. Patrick’s day.  It’s a good place to be.  We often say that we’ve hit the lottery.

Recently, we’ve been on a mission to find restaurants that support local farmers, serve real and tasty food, and are not chain restaurants in Indianapolis.  We’ve found a few we would like to share with you.  Some that we’re sure you’ve frequented, but we’re hoping there a few here in this series that may open up a new experience for you.

To kick off our favorite “Not a Chain” restaurant in Indiana feature series is Traders Point Creamery’s The Loft Restaurant and Dairy Bar.  Located in Zionsville, Indiana, which is about 20 minutes from downtown, 10 minutes from Carmel, and 5 minutes from downtown Zionsville. 

The owners of TPC, Jane and Fritz, “started the farm to reconnect farmers and consumers by producing the most healthful products possible, educating the community about farming and nutrition, and by promoting a community of local food and sustainable farming.”

TPC offers delicious organic and grass-fed delights such as their divine cheese plates which include their creamy Framage Blanc, Herb, and Spicy, and their gouda/cheddar with crostini, grapes, and apple slices.

They offer a great lunch menu, and a Sunday brunch, as well as delicious dinner offerings.  Honestly, we love TPC for dinner when we want to be treated with something special.  The Loft Restaurant’s décor is rustic, with simple and casual touches such as Ball jar drinking glasses and glass milk jug flower vases. And at this time of year, they have a beautiful white pine Christmas tree decorated with white and colored lights, and red ribbons, which stands by the “Dairy Bar” overlooking their cheese room.

What did we have?

We of course started with the cheese plate.  I had a glass of Tiamo Pinot Grigio organic wine.  Justin had a glass of his favorite beer;Three Floyds Gumballhead from Munster, IN.

I had a grass-fed Filet Mignon cooked perfectly to medium with roasted brussel sprouts and broccoli.  Justin had the same, but his filets were split and then smothered in a whiskey peppercorn cream sauce and a béarnaise sauce, with sides of roasted root veggies. Both meals were simple, tasted like real food, and were delicious.  Sorry…we don’t have food pictures, we were too busy stuffing our faces!

We topped off our dinner with servings of chocolate and vanilla ice cream, while live music played in the background.  It was a perfect meal.

If you get a chance, and are ever near Zionsville, I would recommend The Loft.  I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. 

Tip: Wear your boots…it’s a real working farm, and real working farms are muddy.

Be Well,

 

 

 

 

Disclosure: We paid for our entire meal and got nothing from TPC for this review.  We are fans of the restaurant, and just want to share with our readers {A Charming Nest}’s opinion.