Restaurants

Louie's before and after the show

We knew the second the sign went up at Louie’s Grill & Pub that we would add this newest Greenwood restaurant to our dinner circuit. It didn’t matter if we liked the food, really — when you open an eatery that isn’t McDonald’s down the street from the high school, adults will drop in on their way to sporting events and musical performances.

Well, at least that’s what first pulled us in. We had one hour before the curtain went up on the Christmas show, and I simply wasn’t in the mood to hit the Golden Arches and then burp along to Here Comes Santa Claus. So I sat down and ordered a club sandwich and fries in one of Louie’s booths instead. It was definitely a quality improvement move on my end.

But now, thanks to the chips and black bean salsa, we make Louie’s a destination even when we have no obligation at Center Grove High School.

I doubt the owners intended for this side to be some kind of signature draw. Heck, they’ll probably be surprised to read about my fascination, since their spotlight is on the steaks, sandwiches and salads they work hard to serve just right. But being a Mexican food aficionado and a black bean fanatic, leave it to me to not only spot this chip and dip appetizer, but to order it as one of my sides to the sirloin special of the day.

Black bean salsa

I’m not talking about ordering them in addition to — I mean I skipped the French fries, cole slaw, salad, soup, etc. option. To red-blooded Americans raised on meat and potatoes like my husband, the plate the waitress brought to our table looked a bit skimpy. After all, thin, light chips simply don’t stack up visually like fries or a big baker dripping with butter next to that former cow.

It’s merely an optical illusion, folks:  I can testify that this more unusual combination does make one hearty meal. Sure, you’ll enjoy the service and it never hurts when you can watch sporting events from the comfort of your booth … just like at home only without the dishes to wash. But it’s the taste combination that will intrigue you enough to bring you back again and again.

Louie’s Grill & Pub