Cerulean Restaurant

I chose this place as a lunch destination for my mom and myself based on Brittany S.' enthusiastic review of their brussels sprouts. $15 gets you a cute square bento box style lunch with a main course (scallops, duck, gnocchi, some other mostly meaty stuff that I don't remember) and 3 sides  -- I can't remember what exactly was in them, but there was one that had something to do with sweet potatoes and pecan brittle, another that was a brussels sprout - maple syrup - bacon confection, and then the carrot ginger soup. I had the scallops for the main course.

Everything was really delicious, and beautifully presented. We got some coffee with our lunch and it came in our very own french press - a cute touch, and the coffee was excellent.

Four stars because:
1) slow service. There was barely anyone in the place. Our waiter was really nice and helpful, but could have been more prompt.
2) WAY too salty. Maybe it was just the particular day I was there -- the food was really delicious, but the more I ate, the more numb my tongue got from all the salt. It was a bummer, because otherwise the food was incredible.

Final verdict: I'll definitely go back. The restaurant is gorgeous inside and the food is interesting and delicious enough - salt and all - that I'd like to try it again.

The food was very good, but definitely going for unique "foodie" concepts over just plain deliciousness. That said, they were cool concepts, and all tasty. The atmosphere is the real high point, one of the coolest feeling places in Indy.

Cerulean was a tough restaurant to rate. I wish we had half star options, as I'd probably give a 3.5 instead of a full 4.

Fiance and I had dinner here on Valentine's Day. First off, we were lucky enough to be seated in the awesome woven "bird's nest" part of the restaurant. Super cool. The atmosphere was chic and modern and very calming (think greys and blues). Kudos so far.

The cocktails were excellent. Think Ball & Biscuit or Libertine-style concoctions. Fiance ordered a delicious smoky cocktail with jalapeno, mezcal, and smoky bitters. Mine was a tangerine, grapefruit, and gin mixture. Major yum on both counts -- very well balanced and flavorful.

The menu looks fabulous, and I love small plate restaurants that allow you to try multiple dishes instead of committing to just one entree. We ordered a few plates each from the small, medium, and large categories. The food was very pretty and artsy. Unfortunately, everything was really... good. Not great, not outstanding, not delicious... just "good."

It actually got frustrating that every plate we ate was just one inch away from being great. A pinch of salt would've made my short ribs amazing. The bison pate had very nice flavor, but it was served in huge slabs with thick, buttery brioche. The dish was way too rich, and while it was served with pickled veggies and mustard cream, the proportions were way off. The duck bacon on another dish was tasty, but it was served with a bland risotto -- could have benefitted from some fresh herbs. I have no idea who the chef is here, but the food tastes "young."

I will return to Cerulean because, as I mentioned, I loved the cocktails, and the food has real promise. I wouldn't mind grabbing drinks and trying more of the small plates (and maybe being "that" girl who carries a salt shaker in her purse!). The more "modern" menu reminds me of places like Recess or Oakleys, but Cerulean isn't on that level... yet.