The Lafayette Square area of Indianapolis has had a negative reputation through out the years as being the "bad and dangerous" part of town. Major corporate retail stores have decided to pack up their bags due to the economy. This has left many local businesses stranded for growth, some even shutting their doors.
My favorite restaurants in Indianapolis are located in this area. Lucky for Indianapolis and especially myself, they have managed to still exist. Also, I will elaborate in future posts on the World of Difference Parade and Taste the Difference International Festival organized by the Lafayette Square Area Coalition. This will be taking place this Saturday at 10am-2pm at the Lafayette Square Mall near 38th and Lafayette . Some of my favorite restaurants will be participating.
Why do I have such a strong connection to the Lafayette Square Area? I fell in love with this area when I first arrived to Indianapolis about seven years ago. When I first moved to Indianapolis I was just starting university, going through boy problems, leaving home for the first time, and didn't have any friends. Yes..I know.....my problems could have been worse. At seventeen years of age, this was a lot to take on for me. To say the least I was a bit depressed.
At the time I lived in the International House on IUPUI's campus. Everyone in the apartment building was from all over the world and were trying to find our way. My roommate at the time is from the Indianapolis area and took us food shopping. She took us to the Lafayette Square Area. When I first set foot in this area this reminded me of all the places I have been in the past and how I grew up. Not so much in atmosphere, but with the people. Finding this "diamond in the rough" really made me feel at home and come to love Indianapolis.
What is your story on coming to Indianapolis?
Here is what the New York Times had to say:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/23/dining/23united.html?pagewanted=all
Here is what the New York Times had to say:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/23/dining/23united.html?pagewanted=all
Great post! Indianapolis is chock-full of cultural adventures for those seeking to learn and try someting new. Along with a variety of ethinic restaurants, Downtown Indianapolis hosts several great festivals. Make Downtown your passport to the world: www.indydt.com/internationalfestivals.cfm
ReplyDeleteI like your personal connection to your review of the restaurants in the Lafayette Square Mall area. I grew up and worked in that area as a youth. With the area changing, I had not realized that the Lafayette Square Mall area had a melting pot of different ethnic foods. I am reminded of my time in the navy, when I was exposed to different cultures and ethnic foods in the Mediterranean area and in Central and South America. Your explorations into food and cuisine are really inspiring and insightful.
ReplyDeleteThank you Michael!
ReplyDeleteI didn't grow up here so it is interesting to hear the perception of someone who has.