The Heidelberg Cafe

My mother's family have been eating at the Heidelberg since it opened in the 60's. It is a big family tradition for us especially since my immediate family spent so much time in Germany. There are only 2 German restaurants in the US that I love and will gladly return to. This is one of them. While it doesn't look fancy (and truly it isn't) that's not what makes the experience so amazing.

First there is the food itself. It's all delicious, prepared perfectly, but served in the most simplistic way like how you would really make it in your home in Germany. Not a ton of fancy frills and elegant side dishes. Food as a way to bring people together and make them happy - not to show off. I always order the Kielbasa Dinner and I am never disappointed. You really need nothing more than what is on my plate here. I know many German food enthusiasts love a spicy German mustard but I think it has no place on your plate with these amazing Kielbasa. Just the sweet/smoky flavor of the BEST German Potato Salad I've ever had stateside, a little crispy bite of the pickle and the soft buttered bread to compliment the sausage itself. Trust me when I say it's perfection.

Second of all the Heidelberg Haus itself is more than just the cafe. There is also an amazing German bakery inside plus almost every other square inch of the building is devoted to German goods for sale. Everything from CDs to mustard. So it's really like stepping through the doors of a German market/cake/bakery all at once. If you're ever in Indianapolis believe me when I say it is a MUST.

Third and most important of all is if you just can't live without some more of that delicious sausage you just ate you can just head over to Claus' and buy as much as you want! In addition to that they also have an amazing selection of other meat products including the best jerky I've ever had. Buy a ton! You won't regret it! But remember to bring cash or hit up an atm - they do not take check or card!

Lynn's Paradise Cafe

As part of my first trip to Louisville my mother insisted we go to Lynn's Paradise Cafe and it was great! The decor of the place is unREAL and the food was excellent. Normally places with a big gimmicky look have so-so food but definitely not Lynn's.

Since we were in Kentucky I opted for Kenny's Kentucky Scramble with cheese grits and wheat toast. Now normally I don't eat a lot of bacon but some meals you just NEED a little bacon. The bacon in the scramble suited the overall flavors perfectly and especially when paired with the cheesy grits. I thought I knew good grits well having been raised in GA but on my trip to Kentucky I discovered what truly outstanding grits tasted like. Everywhere I went had amazing grits and really stunned me. I even bought a big back of locally made grits to take home!

They had a selection of specialty coffees/hot chocolates that also came in the most adorable boot-shaped glass! I totally wanted to snag this little guy and take it home with me but I left him there for the next patron to enjoy!

More Louisville food adventures to come! Sadly not as many pictures because I totally fell down on the job when it came to picture taking on this trip!