August 30, 2004
INDIANAPOLIS'S NEW 'URBAN ELEMENT'
One of the things I really liked about being in Boulder, Colo. (1993-2002) was because of where I lived, I was almost always within spiting distance of a good restaurant, coffee shop, bookstore, or shop. I loved the fact that I could walk or ride my bike thru the Pearl Street Mall on my way to and from work, and that if I didn't feel like cooking dinner or if friends wanted to get together for a meal, there was always something within walking distance of my house. Here in Indianapolis, while I technically live downtown, walking distance--for a decent meal or the sense of community that comes along with it--has always been a disappointing 15 to 20 minutes away. (Granted, a 15-20 minute walk isn't necessarily a bad thing, but when you're interested in leaving the car behind and poping out for a quick bite or a snack, the walking can kinda get old after a while.) Anyway, I'm happy to report that a new independantly owned neighborhood restaurant opened it's doors last week, and lucky for me, it's directly across the street from my house!
Urban Element is the first epicurean offering of a delightfully eager and stylish couple named Shea Rousselle and Maurice Smith. While their new eatery is billed as a place for coffee, snacks, lunch, and dinner accompanied by side orders of wireless Internet access and exhibitions by local artists, what Maurice and Shea have put together with their new establishment is much more than a stylish urban restaurant. Aside from offering up some seriously good eats--the menu includes Lightly Seasoned Grouper, Hawaiian Pork Chops, Grilled Chicken Shish Kabobs, Garden Pasta, Hummus Wraps, Homemade Apple Cobbler, and the best Sweet Tea this side of Texas--Urban Element is the first real sign that my part of downtown may be coming back to life. Already, after just a few days of being open, Urban Element's impact on the surrounding residential community can be felt. The people whom I've swore for two-and-a-half years must also be living in the neighborhood can now be seen peering thru Urban Element's large Pennsylvania Street windows, and those who have ventured in can be overheard saying the same thing... This is exactly what our neighborhood needed; we'll be back!
If you're in the neighborhood, check out Urban Element. It's located just across the street from the Indianapolis Central Library, at 901 North Pennsylvania Street. The telephone number is (317) 331.4482. Hours of Operation are 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., Tuesday thru Saturday (Urban Element is closed on Sunday and Monday).
Posted by Mikal at August 30, 2004 6:44 AM
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That must be down by the Blue Triangle. I do Literacy Plus there on Monday nights... but that's the night they are closed. I will look for it on my way there tonight though. Sounds like a great place, but then, your old neighborhood in Boulder looked fabulous.
I just recently accepted a position downtown. For the first few weeks I searched for the perfect lunch spot. I love Urban Element. The staff are friendly and personal. The service is good. It's a relaxing place to escape to for that well deserved lunch break. The burgers are the best, either on a bun or with a side of tomato slices.
Just got a burger (takeout) tonight from Urban Element in downtown Indy. Burger was RARE and I was unable to eat it I live too far from downtown to take it back so into the trash it lives. I have had no problems with the food or service and have had great breakfast and lunch items there. I hope they aren't getting into the "we are too trendy to care about service" state of mind that 86's most new restaurants. I hope this is a fluke. (crossing fingers I am wrong).
