Have you ever noticed the unique layout of Indianapolis? Although there are distinct neighborhoods or districts within the metropolitan area, they seem to bleed over into one another – making this city diverse and interesting. But lots of parts of town go overlooked in the sprawling city. “Tasty Treasures” is a weekly column uncovering some of the best eats (and drinks!) hidden in plain sight.
This week, I wandered outside the city limits to a town unknown to me – Zionsville, Ind. I was seeking Trader’s Point Creamery- the same dairy farm that sells delectable cheeses and sip-able yogurts at farmer’s markets and some local grocery stores.
Trader’s Point Creamery is more than just a farm. The creamery has on its property a fresh, organic, sustainable restaurant, The Loft Restaurant, situated on the top floor of a beautiful green barn. For those who are looking for a huge menu with everything from waffles to turkey meatloaf, Loft is probably not ideal. Instead, their small menu repurposes core ingredients to comprise a hearty and diverse list of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The list of entrée choices made with the freshest ingredients, including their house made cheeses, makes decisions at Loft rather difficult.
Every menu item that I have tried (which is quite a few) has been warm and satisfying in the way that only real food can be. The Veggie Fritz – a whole wheat wrap with avocado, spinach, peppers and other vegetables – seems to have literally been dragged through the garden and piled high with everything good that was found. But with burgers and chicken wraps, Loft serves the carnivorous crowd just as well.
Last, but assuredly not least, the Loft is fully equipped with a dairy bar. If there’s room (there is always room) for dessert, you can get homemade ice cream. The silky treats come in a variety of flavors and can also be served on pies, in floats, or just on their own. It will be almost impossible to resist one last taste from the farm.
The Creamery restaurant is one of the best kept secrets around outside Indianapolis, but it shouldn’t be. So get there immediately and make sure you bring friends.
Sasha Bannister
