Let’s admit it. We’re all hungry for adventure. Planning exciting culinary destinations can get the creative juices flowing, and provide a welcome distraction from the humdrum. So go ahead. Fantasize about the road trips the future can hold.
Those visions should include a gastronomic journey to distant cultures, via Warsaw in Kosciusko County. There, Saint Regis Club LLC, a restaurant group committed to launching new hospitality concepts in northern Indiana, joins many other international restaurateurs to provide the tastiest of diversions.
It’s no accident the delightful collection of metropolitan and internationally-inspired eateries and bars lands in the area of Warsaw, the gateway to the world through its medical device industry. “It’s not uncommon to meet groups of professionals living or working here from larger cities and university towns, as well as a large number of internationals,” said Dave Gustafson, the sole proprietor of Saint Regis Club.
The city of 14,000 people expands regionally to nearly 80,000 utilizing Warsaw as a commerce center. “These dynamics present opportunities in the hospitality industry that are rather atypical of cities with populations like ours,” he said. “We are fortunate to have customers who appreciate the style and quality of our bar and restaurant spaces.”
Warsaw’s Oak & Alley expanded to become a craft burger joint in summer 2016, to enthusiastic customer approval. A quick look at the online menu explains why. Enormous, juicy, do-I-eat-it-or-climb-it concoctions pay homage to the spirit of adventure that created them. Names like “The Seoul,” “The Republic,” “The Belgian,” “The Nashville” and “The Traveler” inform the diner that ingredients from the unique locale of each will be featured. Those who love the standard cheeseburger can take heart – “The Diplomat” has that covered, right down to the bacon add-on. Vegan choices align this restaurant with the most current trends in cuisine.
A quick look at the online menu explains why. Enormous, juicy, do-I-eat-it-or-climb-it concoctions pay homage to the spirit of adventure that created them. Names like “The Seoul,” “The Republic,” “The Belgian,” “The Nashville” and “The Traveler” inform the diner that ingredients from the unique locale of each will be featured. Those who love the standard cheeseburger can take heart – “The Diplomat” has that covered, right down to the bacon add-on. Vegan choices align this restaurant with the most current trends in cuisine.
Ok, but where does the journey head next?
Explorers can satisfy their taste for food-tripping to the Far East with a variety of Asian-inspired eateries. Those unfamiliar with the “izakaya,” Japan’s answer to a pub, will delight in Warsaw’s Oku Roji, an underground Tokyo-inspired establishment serving an array of traditional Japanese dishes.
The lovely Cerulean in Winona Lake is a polished, pan-Asian spot for creative meat and seafood entrees, served alongside sushi, wine and cocktails. Asian Cajun Seafood Company in Warsaw and Asian Cajun Express in Milford serve up Asian fusion and seafood specialties
Peking Restaurant in Warsaw is a snug Chinese spot offering ample portions of familiar fare in simple surroundings for dine-in or take out, while Yamamoto Steakhouse of Japan serves up Japanese food and sushi.
Carnival fare fans will appreciate Rua, an unfussy rustic-industrial eatery offering Thai and American street fare plates, alongside cocktails.
Indian cuisine figures prominently among Warsaw’s offerings, including Biryani Kitchen, which showcases authentic Indian cuisine complete with curry dishes in various degrees of heat, plus vegetarian and goat dishes. If you want it hot and fast, Bomy’s Authentic Indian Food specializes in fast food-style Indian cuisine
No food journey neglects moving south of the border. Warsaw offers the multiple layers, complexity and flavors of Mexico at El Arriero Mexican Bar and Grill, La Troje Mexican Restaurant and Bar and Taqueria El Comal, with authentic Mexican food available for dine-in, carry-out, at events and on the street from Tacos Jalisco Food Truck.