A quick look at a map may make you think that Indianapolis is a part of The North. You know, the part of the country that won the Civil War. But just a weekend in the city made me think otherwise. When we went to restaurants, we were lambasted for wearing Michigan shirts, because everyone (even the locals) seemed to be Kentucky fans. Yet, there are benefits to The South. Like BBQ. And Indianapolis had a spot called Squealers Barbeque that I just had to try.

Rumor had it that they had a delicious brisket sandwich, called the “Texas Style” Beef Brisket Sandwich on the menu, this came with pickles and onions (no word as to whether they were intended to be on the sandwich or next to it), as well as chips and a side of beans, potato salad or cole slaw. Instead of these sides and the potential sides of pickles and onions, the waitress offered me another choice of sides and I went with the Macaroni & Cheese. As for my BBQ sauce, I went for a mix of their sweet and spicy.

It turned out that nearly every choice I made that led me to that sandwich was great…starting with making the drive to Squealers. The brisket had been smoked to perfection and even without sauce it would have been delicious. The sauce was also tasty, but I definitely could have gone with the spicy version and lived to tell a slightly better tale. As it was, the sandwich was so packed and sauced that I was forced to eat it with a fork and knife, ensuring I got a bit of bun in each bite.

The mac was a good choice as well. The noodles were all distinct (as opposed to that mac you get sometimes that just turns the noodles to mush) and the cheese tasted great. Yet, nothing really stood out about the mac to make it anything more than a good side dish.

Alas, the brisket was the centerpiece of the meal and what a centerpiece it was. I know I shouldn’t have been surprised to find good food in a city as big as Indianapolis. But come on…it’s Indianapolis…

And if I ever go back I’ll at least have higher expectations for my meals.

Newt Gingrich’s life has been a political rollercoaster, with perhaps the biggest moment coming in an upcoming episode of Parks and Recreation. You see, Newt’s love for steak simply could not be overlooked by the show that already features fictional Unvegan Hero Ron Swanson.

So how did this all come about? Pretty simple actually. While Parks and Rec was filming at St. Elmo Steak House (possible reference to Rob Lowe’s classic St. Elmo’s Fire?!), Newt Gingrich stopped by to grab a steak and found the place closed. But, rather than turn him away, the show took the opportunity to write him into a scene.

So, for loving steak and for using that love of steak to parlay yourself into a cameo on a hilarious TV show, Newt Gingrich, you are a true Unvegan Hero!

(via A.V. Club and Indystar)