Nick's English Hut                                                     The Trojan Horse                                        

 Gyros, John Mellencamp at Wendy’s and the Farmer’s Market

by Karen Evans

Another obscure title—with little to actually do with the article. Yes, this is another in the unstable and erratic series of things to do in Bloomington, Indiana.  This time, we (actually me and anyone on work-release I could find) venture into the dining world of an university town. 

  Bloomington has a lot of great restaurants—from pricey - a coat and a tie requisite to cheap - shirt and shoes required (notice these signs never mention any other piece of clothing being required?)

  Downtown Bloomington has The Trojan Horse (100 E. Kirkwood), right off the square.  The majority of the menu has Greek food; with a few American dishes.  The Greek food is good—especially the gyros and the dolmasalata. Trojan Horse has been in Bloomington since 1978.  The atmosphere is heavy on pictures of Greece and surrounding islands—plus a very charming picture of Medusa on the first floor. http://www.thetrojanhorse.com/

  The Village Deli (409 E Kirkwood) is the best place for breakfast.  Great omelets, fries and pancakes (which are larger than the plates).  All food is made to order—the busier the restaurant is—the longer your order takes.  Worth the wait.  They also serve lunch and dinner.

  About two storefronts down from the Village Deli is Nick’s English Hut (423 E Kirkwood)—an I.U. icon.  Nick’s is a bar—with food service.  The food (sandwiches, etc.) is not bad—but most people go for the atmosphere and beer.  Everyone should visit Nick’s at least once.  http://www.nicksenglishhut.com/

  Dagwood’s (116 S Indiana) is the best place for sandwiches.  No atmosphere—the shop is located down a flight of narrow stairs—but worth the trip—even if only to read the menu.  Try the Dagwood sandwich with the special sauce.  After Nick’s, this is the place alumni head for when back in Bloomington.

  Panera (322 S College Mall Road) is located across from Border’s Book Shop.  Soups, sandwiches, salads are on the menu.  Big coffee selection with a very nice bakery.  The chocolate chipper cookies are recommended.

Chocolate Moose (Walnut between 2-3) and Jiffy Treat (various locations) are highly recommended for the ice cream addicts.  No personal recommendations from me or the work release crew—do not  like ice cream.

  Switching gears, we leave the restaurant vista for a venture to the Farmer’s Market.  Starting in May, the Farmer’s Market is held every Saturday at the Showers Complex in downtown Bloomington.  Early in the spring/summer season, they do not have many veggies, fruits or flowers.  The selection picks up later in the summer—and it is worth the drive.  Tomatoes (red and green), corn, berries, watermelon, peppers, plants, cut flowers—are just a sample of what is available during the summer.  In the fall, Indian corn, pumpkins and other autumn essentials are available.  Performers are out playing music or singing.  Since this is Bloomington, there are always a few activist groups with tables (Amnesty International, etc…).  This is one of the best Farmer’s Markets I have been too. 

  So, a few ideas to take you on a road trip and away from Cunningham Memorial Library on a great summer weekend!

Indiana University Union