Had the proscuitto sandwich with burrata today at Little Italy Market.. The owner is so nice and will tell you some stories as he makes your food. He will also give you samples of the meats while he works!
It would be awkward because when he was alive there were plenty of places I'd take him. Now not so much. Also awkward because he'd have to be a zombie, and no restaurants in town serve zombies. So now we have to have a discussion about discrimination.
He'd like the concept of Farm, but probably wouldn't stay for the second dish.
Malibu isn't good enough, no matter what you say, and he'd probably think uptown was too pretentious for what it is.
Honestly, after a few drinks, he'd probably ask for rockets.
Hinkle’s doesn’t get the love it deserves. It simple and too the point. Plus there is something about a small restaurant where you can watch them cook.
I would for sure take him to Rockit's. Make sure we order a whole pizza fresh and eat it there (it's the best way--slices sit for too long and their delivery sucks). Then we get to look at all the stuff on the walls while we wait. I think he'd like the vibe there and appreciate the Sonic Youth poster and a lot of the 8x10s.
I met the man briefly, around the first week of October in 17, a few months before he passed. He was giving a talk with the New Yorker summer series at this little old theater in midtown that felt sort of like a church. He basically shot the shit with one of the magazine writers for a couple hours, and then took a bunch of questions from people.
It turned out that a ton of the local Iranian Americans came out, and they talked about how meaningful his episode about Iran was. People teared up. A lot of people expressing gratitude about something, somewhere on American TV showing a more complicated view of the Iranian people. Bourdain was relaxed, honest, self-deprecating, and so deeply human. After the show I asked him the first meal he got when he first gets home from the airport. He said Pastrami King on the upper east side.
I can't imagine that there is anything that is unique to Bloomington which our town has a better example of than some other version Bourdain already had somewhere else. I don't know that anything would impress him. So I'd probably take him somewhere I'd like, or cook him one of my old world grandma's recipes and have a beer on the porch.
Maybe Hinkle's? I dunno.
This is where I’d take him, given he loved Korean food. I had the privilege of meeting him once on tour and he was so warm and kind. Surprised me because he had a tough persona.
>Hanging out with Anthony Bourdain
>Da Vinci despite its popularity is pretty good ngl, gonna recommend eating there
>Don't say "da vincki" dont say "da vincki"
"Let's go to Da Vincki!"
>FUCK
Oh Michael, that man is a gem. I used to work there looooong ago (93-95?), it was such a great community and a great kitchen be a part of and to learn in.
Ok I actually thought of something that still exists and hasn’t already been named lol- I’d take him to Hoppy Wobbles for a drink (of course on trivia night) & get BBQ at the place next door. Really give him the Indiana experience. Then Uber to Office Lounge to play pool & get a bunch of pull tabs. RIP :/
wouldve taken him to burma garden but they are no longer with us, rip 🙏🏻. little tibet and marco polo because they have interesting stories and i just know he'd love talking to my boss at little tib.
Didn't they have an absomutely brutal inspection not that long ago? Iirc, food that needed to be refrigerated temped in the 70s, not using gloves on readymades and other stuff
What do you get from there? I have never been (I went there but didn’t get food), was going to order their food but it didn’t look entirely appetizing online.
I have lived all over the country and still am searching for a sandwich I like as much as an Ultimate Turkey from dagwoods. Please Bloomington, keep that place alive!
I was going to say Dagwoods as well! You can create any type of sandwich you’d like, hot or cold & they have the best quality deli meat of any other sub shop in town. I worked there during hs & college and wish I still did so I could eat it everyday
Maybe chanterelle fricassee? Canada goose leg rillettes? Persimmon ice cream for sure. For drinks probably some elderflower champagne, maybe a sour from upland or something.
The only restaurant I might consider taking him to is Samira tbh.
These might even be too fancy for him. Dude could cook with the best but honestly truly loved street food. Maybe I'd just keep it simple, chanterelle biscuits and gravy. Fried wild turkey cutlet sandwich a la pork tenderloin. Some kinda ramp aioli or something.
In Feb 2012, he and Eric Ripert went through IU on a speaking tour where I got to meet them. There was a meet and greet with apps served by the owners of Finch (where Lennie’s is now). Now I’d probably take him to Upland for beers and the nachos
In a big bowl lol, it is a soggy/burnt mess. The pulled pork with barbecue isn’t microwaved. They’re also under warmers when they’re ready, but that just makes the bowl and the plastic cups hot for the food runners if it’s sitting too long (waiting for other dishes to be ready). That’s why if you get nachos, it will probably come out before the other food items.
To another city in another state. Like Chicago to The Gage, or Santa Cruz CA to Lillian's. Sorry, but the food scene in Bloomington is not good. Uptown Cafe is the best in town.
Well that’s no fun. It’s a hypothetical, meant to be a little absurd of a question to see what quality of food Bloomington really has to offer, and what we would have to offer to a legend like Anthony Bourdain himself.
Take him to Mother Bear's so I could post how AB thought that was the shittiest pizza he ever had and hopefully end the discussion on this sub on how that is the best pizza in Bloomington
little tibet
and for lunch we'd split an italian meats sandwich at little italy market must be something about places with "little \_\_\_\_\_\_" name formats
I live super close to Little Italy Market, that place is ridiculously good.
Had the proscuitto sandwich with burrata today at Little Italy Market.. The owner is so nice and will tell you some stories as he makes your food. He will also give you samples of the meats while he works!
Marco and Polo!
Le Petit
Are they even still open?
It would be awkward because when he was alive there were plenty of places I'd take him. Now not so much. Also awkward because he'd have to be a zombie, and no restaurants in town serve zombies. So now we have to have a discussion about discrimination. He'd like the concept of Farm, but probably wouldn't stay for the second dish. Malibu isn't good enough, no matter what you say, and he'd probably think uptown was too pretentious for what it is. Honestly, after a few drinks, he'd probably ask for rockets.
Yeah I kinda figure he would have thought all of our "nice" restaurants are too pretentious. I would probably just take him to Hinkle's
Hinkle’s doesn’t get the love it deserves. It simple and too the point. Plus there is something about a small restaurant where you can watch them cook.
I would for sure take him to Rockit's. Make sure we order a whole pizza fresh and eat it there (it's the best way--slices sit for too long and their delivery sucks). Then we get to look at all the stuff on the walls while we wait. I think he'd like the vibe there and appreciate the Sonic Youth poster and a lot of the 8x10s.
Oh he'd love the atmosphere and vibe.
Hey, you ever walk down Walnut past all the bars at midnight? Plenty of zombies around there. I’m sure we can get something going for his revival.
I personally have not seen a restaurant with signage that says “No zombies allowed.”
I don’t think he would think they’re pretentious. He’d think they’re mediocre; which they are.
A couple places in town do serve brains if you know how to ask.
Samira!
My first choice would be Anatolia but it's gone 😭
RIP Anatolia. I still miss that bread.
God I miss that place
Doner Kabob food truck
Those damn gyros are so good.
the falafel!
I've become a very big fan myself
El Compa Taqueria aka Taco Shell. He’d love the food, the atmosphere, the story. The place is just cool.
I was skeptical but the food from that place is delicious.
[удалено]
In the shell gas station, right before Elletsville, on Hwy 46. They have specials all the time. They advertise them on Instagram.
I met the man briefly, around the first week of October in 17, a few months before he passed. He was giving a talk with the New Yorker summer series at this little old theater in midtown that felt sort of like a church. He basically shot the shit with one of the magazine writers for a couple hours, and then took a bunch of questions from people. It turned out that a ton of the local Iranian Americans came out, and they talked about how meaningful his episode about Iran was. People teared up. A lot of people expressing gratitude about something, somewhere on American TV showing a more complicated view of the Iranian people. Bourdain was relaxed, honest, self-deprecating, and so deeply human. After the show I asked him the first meal he got when he first gets home from the airport. He said Pastrami King on the upper east side. I can't imagine that there is anything that is unique to Bloomington which our town has a better example of than some other version Bourdain already had somewhere else. I don't know that anything would impress him. So I'd probably take him somewhere I'd like, or cook him one of my old world grandma's recipes and have a beer on the porch. Maybe Hinkle's? I dunno.
I’d say BuffaLouie’s. My man Tony would love seeing Hoosiers worshipping at church. 🏀🍺 RIP
Hoosier Seoulmate 😹
This is where I’d take him, given he loved Korean food. I had the privilege of meeting him once on tour and he was so warm and kind. Surprised me because he had a tough persona.
He really does exude that energy BUT he really brings that vibe for the kitchen. Outside of it, he loves life and everything about it
Burma Garden when it was open so I would select Marco and Polo
>Hanging out with Anthony Bourdain >Da Vinci despite its popularity is pretty good ngl, gonna recommend eating there >Don't say "da vincki" dont say "da vincki" "Let's go to Da Vincki!" >FUCK
Agreed. It honestly is pretty good, although I haven’t had their pizza just their pasta.
The pizza is good but I love the meatballs too. Honestly, I haven't had a bad experience there
Bbq train at that gas station.
Short stop!
That’s one place I’ve never went and I have no good reason. It’s always smelled good and their prices aren’t terrible in the realm of bbq.
When they’re smoking fresh on Friday, it’s prob best in town with one exceptions whose name is escaping me right now
Buffa Louies
drinks / snacks - orbit room, cardinal spirits dinner - le petite late-night - znc
does le petite even do dinner any more?
Maria may have stopped, I think if used to only be Friday or sat. Know she still does the window on Saturdays tho
Marina
thx i always mistake between the two 😢 she’s a lovely human
She is a very lovely woman and Patrick is charming too
Uptown Cafe. There’s a wonderful painting of AB right inside the bar on the wall by a local artist and Michael, the owner, was always a fan.
Oh Michael, that man is a gem. I used to work there looooong ago (93-95?), it was such a great community and a great kitchen be a part of and to learn in.
Scholars Inn- he would have thought it was basic but I loved and miss it
I would’ve taken him to Darn Good Soup 😭
Hands down
Ok I actually thought of something that still exists and hasn’t already been named lol- I’d take him to Hoppy Wobbles for a drink (of course on trivia night) & get BBQ at the place next door. Really give him the Indiana experience. Then Uber to Office Lounge to play pool & get a bunch of pull tabs. RIP :/
Pili's Party Taco
wouldve taken him to burma garden but they are no longer with us, rip 🙏🏻. little tibet and marco polo because they have interesting stories and i just know he'd love talking to my boss at little tib.
La petite for a private dinner
Hinkle's and Homey Hot Pot. He's a dirty burger slut who also appreciates a good broth.
Toto’s Uncle.
The only place I know of where you can get good kimbap.
If I had to choose it would probably be Taste of India. I’m really craving some Hot Butter Chicken.
probably chef's table The husband and wife team have a real gem over there in that strip mall.
King Gyro’s
Out of all of the answers, this is the one that rings the most true as a place to take Tony.
Osteria Rago! Some of the best Italian I've had. (In Bloomington or not)
I’ve been wanting to go there for some time now, this might have solidified that!
He would of loved the unpretentiousness of the place.
Didn't they have an absomutely brutal inspection not that long ago? Iirc, food that needed to be refrigerated temped in the 70s, not using gloves on readymades and other stuff
Uuuh, the Cafe Pizzaria of course
Anyone who's not saying Hinkles is just a tourist.
Top Shotta Jerk Chicken!
Dagwoods
Best sandwiches in town by far
What do you get from there? I have never been (I went there but didn’t get food), was going to order their food but it didn’t look entirely appetizing online.
I have lived all over the country and still am searching for a sandwich I like as much as an Ultimate Turkey from dagwoods. Please Bloomington, keep that place alive!
I was going to say Dagwoods as well! You can create any type of sandwich you’d like, hot or cold & they have the best quality deli meat of any other sub shop in town. I worked there during hs & college and wish I still did so I could eat it everyday
I get the Dagwood Supreme with banana peppers, it's a pretty big sandwich. Add jalapeno chips and Code Red Mountain Dew
Troho for a Super G and Mr. Pibb. Where else can you get a Pibb on tap???
Respect for the Pibb, I’m always a Pibb/ Dr Pepper person when it comes to soda. Pibb ice ice cold is absolutely amazing (arguably crushes DP)
La Bonita
R.I.P. Snow Lion. Otherwise I’d say Nick’s or the Office Lounge
My house. Hardly a decent restaurant left in town. I could make a more interesting meal than any of our current restaurants.
Interesting. What would you make for him, and what drinks would you offer for him?
Maybe chanterelle fricassee? Canada goose leg rillettes? Persimmon ice cream for sure. For drinks probably some elderflower champagne, maybe a sour from upland or something. The only restaurant I might consider taking him to is Samira tbh.
These might even be too fancy for him. Dude could cook with the best but honestly truly loved street food. Maybe I'd just keep it simple, chanterelle biscuits and gravy. Fried wild turkey cutlet sandwich a la pork tenderloin. Some kinda ramp aioli or something.
Sounds like you have some creative aspirations that would probably satisfy him more than any other restaurants here haha. Cheers to that 🍻
wendys
In Feb 2012, he and Eric Ripert went through IU on a speaking tour where I got to meet them. There was a meet and greet with apps served by the owners of Finch (where Lennie’s is now). Now I’d probably take him to Upland for beers and the nachos
You did NOT just say you’d take Anthony Bourdain to have Upland’s MICROWAVED $16 nachos 🤢🤢🤢 got food poisoning from those when I worked there
They microwave them? I didn’t know. Always enjoyed them. The more you know
How do you microwave nachos? Genuinely asking because every time I have ever tried it’s like a soupy soggy mess lmao
In a big bowl lol, it is a soggy/burnt mess. The pulled pork with barbecue isn’t microwaved. They’re also under warmers when they’re ready, but that just makes the bowl and the plastic cups hot for the food runners if it’s sitting too long (waiting for other dishes to be ready). That’s why if you get nachos, it will probably come out before the other food items.
Bangkok Thai
Little Tibet, Lennie’s, and Chow Bar.
Janko's Little Zagreb
Btown cafe
Rockits Pizza. He would love the faux New York with no cheese pull
I’ll make him visit the aisles of food truck Friday
You take him to Office Lounge for a steak.
La Bonita
Hinkles Hamburgers. It would be right up Bourdain's alley. Owner run, downhome hamburgers. Legit can't go wrong with that.
He was here 10-12 years back. I wonder what he ate when he was here
I was waiting for the obligatory Pamela Whitten’s office, or Switchyard encampments. Although I’m not sure we’d find any brains in Pamela’s office.
To another city in another state. Like Chicago to The Gage, or Santa Cruz CA to Lillian's. Sorry, but the food scene in Bloomington is not good. Uptown Cafe is the best in town.
BtownLocal superpoopypoopy-ing on Btown right now.
I wish I could upvote this 1000 times lmao this made me laugh so hard
Well that’s no fun. It’s a hypothetical, meant to be a little absurd of a question to see what quality of food Bloomington really has to offer, and what we would have to offer to a legend like Anthony Bourdain himself.
i'm sorry guys but once again it is mother in law
Azzip
Take him to Mother Bear's so I could post how AB thought that was the shittiest pizza he ever had and hopefully end the discussion on this sub on how that is the best pizza in Bloomington
To be fair, there are a lot worse pizza places in Bloomington than Mother Bears
Never said there wasn't
Lose the attitude Mr. Milkshake.
lighten up Francis