After months of renovations and reimagining, Papi’s Pizza has set up shop on The Landing. It’s the latest effort from Johnny and Esli Perez, who operate Te Gustó Hospitality.
In July, the former occupant of the space, Alto Grado, announced they were closing their shop at 111 W. Columbia St. to focus on their food truck business. That’s when the Perezes, who also operate Mercado next door, swooped in with their vision for the joint.
Those ideas are alive in a hip, fresh, energized pizzeria with a decidedly 1990s vibe.
They have classic pizza offerings with some new twists. There’s Chop’d Clam, Meat Me OTL, Jalapeño Honey, and Bonjourno Blanco. Many of the pizzas are available with gluten-free and vegan options.
They have 12-inch, 18-inch, rectangle pizzas, and single slices.
The menu also features wings, bruschetta, clam dip, subs, salads, and ice cream. Soon they will also have cocktails and beer.
Hours for Papi’s are 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday.
Welch’s Ale House becomes Proof Kitchen
A familiar venue has a new name, a look, and owners.
Gone is Welch’s Ale House, which was formerly known as Calhoun Street Soups, Salads, & Spirits.
In its place is an upscale, casual pub offering a deep selection of beer, wine, and spirits and locally grown and produced products.
About a month ago, Proof Kitchen & Libations, a venture between David Tomaszewski and Will Long, opened at 1915 S. Calhoun St.
Proof hangs their hat on traditional American fare: burgers, sandwiches, salads, and unique evening offerings at a reasonable prices in an elegant environment.
According to an early review, the staff is friendly and inviting with a warm, comfortable atmosphere. Proof’s website boasts “fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and an unforgettable experience.”
They are open Tuesday-Thursday with lunch from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and dinner from 4-10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
LC Nature Park celebrates bison
Here’s one of your last chances to grab grub from a food truck. And do it with a fresh protein-rich twist.
National Bison Day will be celebrated Saturday, Nov. 4, at LC Nature Park near Roanoke from 1-5 p.m.
The day is all about bison, and in keeping with the theme, the Red Frazier Bison Ranch food trailer will serve up favorites like burgers, hot dogs, and quesadillas with bison meat. Their cheese steak egg rolls come highly recommended and earned high honors when they were unveiled at the Indiana State Fair in 2016. The deep-fried creation is stuffed with peppers, onions, carrots, and bison meat.
LC Nature Park is a 300-acre preserve southwest of 9744 Aboite Road. The compound features bison and elk grazing in the Little River Valley. The event itself includes a Bison Beard Contest, plus games, crafts, story hour, cookie decorating, and hot chocolate.
Ground broken for More Brewing from Chicago
City officials joined with representatives of More Brewing Company to break ground at the southeast corner of West Fourth and North Calhoun streets.
The establishment is one of the first in the second phase of the downtown riverfront development initiative. The building is expected to be 14,000 square foot at 114 E. Fourth St. and open late 2024 or early 2025.
More Brewing, which specializes in craft, stout, fruit, and IPA beers, currently has three similar facilities around Chicago.
Off the Eaten Path is the Whatzup weekly column that covers Northeast Indiana’s restaurant and food news. Send your news items to info@whatzup.com.
