I ask and get asked a lot of questions about food.
When I ask or answer, I try not to talk with my mouth full.
Sometimes the questions and answers find their way to print. It can be as simple as, "What's that new place in Linway Plaza that's serving fish?" The answer is the first Quick Bite below.
But when a reader calls and asks where they should take their vegan son or daughter for Thanksgiving and I'm mostly stumped, I don't always report the conversation.
But this is both an invitation and kick-off, because as you know it's that time of year when they do that to pigskin in a sport called football. I love football, but I love the kind of pork you can eat more than the dead pork you can kick.
This week, I feature two reader questions and one of my own. I don't have perfect answers. I have starts of answers. If you have better answers to any of the questions let me know via e-mail (mking@etruth.com), Twitter (@hungrymarshall) or phone (574-296-5805). Same goes if you have a question you want answered.
Judy M. asks, "What restaurants serve salads that don't just have iceberg lettuce?"
There's a lettuce spectrum, which is generally healthier than the snack food spectrum. On one end of the former is iceberg, that crunchy plant of mostly water that is the most-used member of the lettuce family. Toward the middle would be spinach. On the other end would be kale and microgreens.
Higher end restaurants tend to at least use spinach and often use mixes of small, tender leaves of greens like arugula. Locally, Kate Lind grows amazing stuff and supplies restaurants from here to Chicago. I know Kelly Jae's serves her greens and others may as well. Constant Spring and Antonio's also use good greens. The Martin's salad bars give nice options.
In Elkhart County, a number of eaters prefer iceberg and are a little scared of other greens in their salad. Nothing to fear, just a bit different texture and actually more nutrition. But those looking for greens can look for two telltale signs of hope on a menu: Spinach salads and Caesar salads, both of which move beyond iceberg.
Bob S. called to ask "Where do I go now that Casey's is closed. Is there any other place like it?"
The short answer is no. The Montagano and Cormican families created an institution and the steaks that came off that grill in the kitchen were simply stellar. Even the best restaurants come and go, but it's sad when one like Casey's closes and leave fans wanting their favorites.
But there's a longer answer if you're hungry for what Casey's served. I don't know where you can find Italian dressing like the one that was there. It had the consistency of motor oil, but wonderful flavor from the vinegar and herbs. Now that I think of it, I'll probably have to look harder for a similar dressing in another establishment.
If you're looking, good bar cheese can be had at Ma's (Riverview Tavern) in Mottville. Good steaks, and even some of the unpolished ambiance, can be had at Heinnie's, another Elkhart institution. You may try the fish at Chubby Trout to see how it compares to Casey's.
If you're looking for that dinner club feel, you may try Dandino's in Goshen, an old beloved spot for many.
Last question -- from myself actually.
"Where does one go to eat at 10 p.m. at night on a Thursday. Or any other weeknight?"
Earlier this summer, a crew of colleagues was looking for a place to eat dinner at a late hour on a weeknight, no less.
Steak 'n Shake is a bit too much like fast food after a long day. They were looking for a sit-down meal, preferably with drinks.
Most bar kitchens close at 9 p.m. on weeknights and many close at 10 p.m. on weekends.
Callahan's on the north side of Elkhart is open 24 hours, seven days a week and that may be the best bet for a late meal. But it's a haul if you live in Goshen.
Chili's is open until 11 p.m. and that's perhaps the best you can find in the middle of Elkhart County on a summer night if you're hungry. To the credit of the restaurant, they stayed to fix food for a hungry group that walked in as they were ready to close. Impressive customer service that night.
QUICK BITES
* Pete's Fabulous Fish is open at 510 Lincoln Ave. in Linway Plaza. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 11 to 10 Friday and Saturday and 11 to 8 Sunday. The restaurant has a pretty broad menu and small salad bar, but the thing most people seem to be going for is fish in the Stroh-style, similar to what Gropp's served in Elkhart years ago.
* Carl Flickinger Jr., owner of Hunter's Hideway in Nappanee, opened a pizzeria called Slices at 112 S. Main St. The restaurant, open 3 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, has pizza, salads, sandwiches, appetizers and desserts.
* Fans of Heavenly Brew Café, which closed earlier this year, will be happy to see it reopen on occasion. Owner Sharon Wargo and business partner Barb Hamsher worked out an arrangement to offer breakfast two days a week and lunches five days a week. The Brew, 300 E. Jackson, will be open Thursdays and Fridays Sept. 10 through Oct. 2 for both meals and breakfast after that. Starting Oct. 5, lunches will be offered from 11 to 2 weekdays.
* Chef JeanMarie Brownson, the director of Frontera Foods, will teach a two-session class at the Heritage Square Martin's Super Markets store on Sept. 17. Tickets are $40. She'll make foods inspired by her work with Rick and Deann Bayless, who operate Frontera Grill in Chicago. Rick is often on television as well. Tickets are available at the customer service desk of the store for the 4 p.m. and 6:30 classes.
* Martin's is also involved in a Taste of Heritage Square from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Sept. 3. Retailers in the complex will participate with food and wine and beer tasting will be available. Tickets are $20 per person or $30 per couple and available at the customer service desk at Martin's or at the door the day of the event, which benefits Pet Refuge.
ASK MARSHALL
Got a question for the food guy?
Fire it off to Marshall King and he'll try to answer.
E-mail: mking@etruth.com
Phone: (574) 296-5805
Twitter: @hungrymarshall