Harry & Buds European Cuisine

Seriously, I'm perplexed as to what happened to my pictures from this place.  It's almost like it was a figment of my imagination and it doesn't exist in this earthly realm.  But, Yelp confirms the existence, hence the review.

My dad and I were visiting my brother in St. Louis and were planning a drive out to see my uncle in Bloomfield, Indiana.  Driving through cornfields in the Midwest is not my favorite pastime, so to alleviate the boredom,  I searched Yelp for anything of interest along the path and, thank my lucky stars, came across Harry & Buds European Cuisine.

Omg, don't even bother telling the guy you found his place on yelp... he won't care.  And that's why I love this place with every ounce of my being.  There is no sign.  There is no parking (though you can bogart a spot at the theater parking lot across the street no problem.)  If he's open, the porch light will be on (old-school.)  When we walked in, we were the only customers and that's how it was the next 4 hours we were there.  We sat down... and then a guy with white hair, hiking socks & boots, and shorts came out from the back and asked us if we prefer salmon, chicken, or scallops.  I don't even remember which one we picked (and I KNOW we picked only one) and he left us.  Then we proceeded to hear pots banging, water pouring, oven doors closing.  One hour later, the spread was laid before us (two people, mind you) that would have fed an army (in the total and literal sense.)  I do not know why he asked us what our preferences were because he brought us every item that he mentioned and then some.  Needless to say, I was in heaven... my dad was in shock.

After the meal (be prepared,) he will bring you dessert too.  Even if you don't want it... which you won't.  Just understand, he will make to-go boxes for every scrap remaining of your meal.  So you are not in the slightest expected to eat it all in one seating.  (That is where my dad and I went wrong... it was such a spread I was stuffing myself to ensure nothing would go to waste because it all tasted so delicious & I couldn't fathom that he'd let us leave with evidence of this bounty!) Our desert was pound cake covered in chocolate sauce and wild berries...  that promptly disappeared and did not make it into any to-go containers.

Unfortunately, I don't remember the name of the guy running this operation (and I really don't think it was Harry or Bud) but this guy loves what he does and he loves the customers that appreciate it, too.  He was a wealth of knowledge for the area and totally present  to offer advice/suggestions on what else to see/do in Terre Haute and the surrounding area.  So don't hold back!  Ask him questions!

I feel very lucky to have experienced this story.  I only hope that every person who reads this gets the chance as well.  If you are anywhere near Indianapolis, take the drive and just get here already!

Notes... if you are taking a group (more than 4) call ahead to give him a heads up.  Cash only.  "Probably"  $40/person, but be prepared... this guy deserves the "mother" of all tips.

EVERYTHING about this place is nothing short of amazing. The quaint atmosphere that offers up map upon map of the different countries of the world. The chairs and tables give you the ability to travel back in time as you pick your seat. You feel as if you are at a good friends house as the smells from the kitchen permeate your senses.

I showed up unannounced with my Dad and cousin at 12pm. The light was off but we lucked out, he was there.  Jeff asked what we liked and we said fish, chicken, and pork. We sat and talked and could pick up on the different spices he was using from the kitchen.  About 45 minutes later, we started seeing the food arrive. Our eyes had never been bigger!

The pork was incredible. Tender, moist, it could be cut with a spoon! Served with polenta that was out of this world! Garlic lovers paradise!

The scallops and mushrooms with lentils were so good that I had to stop myself from gorging. I then saw the crepes and tortas were on another big plate and had to pace myself. He then brought out the chicken that was served with zucchini spears that were AMAZING.

The gnocchi was the best I have ever had and I could not get enough

The warm, homemade bread was flaky on the outside and soft and DELICIOUS on the inside.I dipped it on the tomato bisque that was also served.

The orange roughy with lentils was some of the best seafood that has come across my lips. How could food this great be made in Terre Haute?

We also got many green veggies that accented the meal nicely. Everything was seasoned to perfection, a truly balanced and mouthwatering bite after bite.

For dessert was raspberry custard with dark chocolate sauce. DIVINE!! Almost sinful!

Make sure you have an empty stomach and at least 1.5 hours to spare. I would also recommend a nap and DO NOT drive a long distance after eating here. This place is TRULY an experience that should not be missed.

Remember: No menus, giant portions, $25/person. Be sure to leave an amazing tip.

I've known about Harry and Buds for years, but just have never been able to fit it in the schedule. This week both my wife and I were at home for one of those dreaded "stay cations"  She asked if there was. Anything I wanted to do and I remembered Harry and Buds.
Showed up unannounced about 12:15. Three other diners were just being served. Jeffrey asked if we wanted something with beef, pork, shrimp or salmon. I chose pork and off he went. As he left he asked if we wanted soup. A minute later he asked if we liked scallops. Assured we did, he reminded us this would not be quick.
Somewhere the other side of an hour the food started arriving. Amazing bowl of black split pea soup, think with meat, maybe beef, on the side was a polenta thing covered with veggies, yummy.
A huge platter of pork, perfectly done over pasta, and snow peas, garlic and herbs. Anther platter of those scallops, mushrooms, whole garlic and asparagus.  One more plate covered with a veggie torts and crepes. Then out came a brown rice risotto and wonderful crunchy bread.
Not just single servings, but platters of food. I was trying to think who I could invite on the spur of the moment to help us eat all the food.
Oh yeah, custard with fresh ganache
Intense favored, lots of fresh veggies. And we took enough food home for a week.
Call ahead, make sure he's there. 25 bucks per person.
Best meal I've had in a restaurant in Terre Haute. Maybe every.