Feast in Fortville

The culinary talent in the tiny town of Fortville has put this delightful little place on the map. Spanning the distance of one short mile, Main Street in Fortville is the place to be to find good eats. Take a sensory trip with me down this short, fabulous boulevard that we will call the Culinary Mile. Let your senses go wild and then be sure to visit each restaurant to experience it for yourself – and tell them Geist Magazine sent you.

Du Lit

Du Lit is brought to you by the personal health journey of Preston Zwolle, founder and owner, and these delightful creations have us owing him a huge debt of gratitude. A few years ago he decided that health was a priority, so he started cooking for his family. He made everything from scratch with only fresh ingredients, focusing on eliminating gluten and lactose. A few lost pounds and dozens of recipes later, he opened his own restaurant at the top of the culinary mile in Fortville. Each dish is tantalizing and tantalizingly good for you.

Du Lit is a family-friendly scratch kitchen. Each recipe is hand-made by Preston with a healthy lifestyle in mind. The dishes are simple, lean, and slow-cooked/prepared daily for your pleasure. The restaurant is without a freezer, fryer or microwave; all ingredients are fresh from farm to table, or the local market, if called for. Grab a Splitting Head salad with house-made dressing, a Cowboy Smash burger with Du Lit pulled pork, jalapeño crips and a pickle. Indulge in the famous Philly the Kid, a Philly cheese steak with peppers and cheese. The menu is diverse and will have your senses exploding with delight – or, as the kids would say, this food is lit!

Taste: At Du Lit, the taste experience is a burst of vibrant and well-crafted flavors. With a menu that emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients, you will enjoy dishes like juicy, perfectly seasoned burgers, flavorful salads with crisp greens and zesty dressings, or rich, satisfying bowls of pasta or rice. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of taste, whether it’s the tang of a house-made sauce or the subtle sweetness of seasonal produce.

Smell: The aroma at Du Lit is inviting and comforting. You will catch the savory aroma of slow-cooked meats, or the enticing fragrance of herbs and spices used in their dishes. The smell of decadent dessert being prepared adds to the sensory appeal.

Sight: Visually, Du Lit’s dishes are vibrant and appealing. Expect to see beautifully presented plates with a focus on fresh, colorful ingredients. The salads feature an array of greens and bright vegetables, while the burgers and other entrées are artfully arranged to highlight their quality and freshness. The overall presentation is designed to be as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. The special lighting is a significant part of the name, along with Zwolle’s German heritage. The name of the restaurant in German means “You lit.”

Touch: You will enjoy the crispiness of a perfectly prepared baguette or the smooth creaminess of a rich, well-prepared sauce. The satisfying bite of a slow-cooked meat adds a pleasing dimension to your meal.

Sound: The sounds at Du Lit contribute to a lively and engaging atmosphere. You might hear the sizzle of food being prepared in the kitchen, the clatter of plates and cutlery, or the cheerful chatter of fellow diners. The background music is hip and young, catering to families, and complements the lively and welcoming ambiance of the restaurant.

Cortana’s Italian Cuisine & Wine Bar

Fine, authentic Italian cuisine with a mix of world-class service is what you will experience midway down the culinary mile in Fortville. Simone Lucarini and his wife, Elizabeth, will welcome you to the family and make sure your experience is exceptional! They will probably even remember your name. Their mission of, “Eat, Drink, Laugh, Repeat” will keep you coming back for birthdays, anniversaries or any given evening for the delightful specials that change daily. Each dish is created by Lucarini and his chef, Sarah, a native of Fortville.

Lucarini’s inspiration comes from Cortana, a small village tucked into the hills of Tuscany. His wish for each customer is that they experience the charm and welcoming spirit that Cortana always left him with. He has certainly accomplished this mission with his delightful entrées, but he didn’t stop there. He recently partnered with the city of Carmel to start a culinary exchange with students interested in the fine art of creating divine dishes to savor, so that they too could bring their loved ones together with the beauty and joy of food. Simone and Elizabeth absolutely flourish at bringing the simple, rich flavors of Tuscany to Main Street in Fortville.

Taste: The taste experience is rich and varied. You might start with a burst of savory flavors from a classic bruschetta with ripe tomatoes and basil, or the Insalata Arugula served with a tangy, lemon white vinaigrette dressing. Pasta dishes offer a symphony of tastes – tender noodles coated in creamy, tangy marinara, or the earthy richness of the homemade meatballs. The flavors are often layered and balanced, with the sweetness of a tiramisu or the slight bitterness of espresso rounding out the meal.

Smell: The aroma is irresistible and inviting. You might catch the scent of fresh basil and garlic from the kitchen, or the earthy fragrance of tomatoes simmering in red sauce. The smell of freshly baked bread and the rich, comforting aroma of a well-aged wine contribute to an overall sensory feast. End your evening with the smell of a scrumptious espresso martini. Elizabeth is an expert in a fine, deliciously crafted cocktail.

Sight: The visual presentation is always stunning. A beautifully plated dish of pasta might be garnished with vibrant herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. The colors are vivid, with deep reds, bright greens and golden browns, creating an aesthetically pleasing experience before you even take a bite.

Touch: The tactile experience involves feeling the textures of the food. You might notice the crispiness of a perfectly toasted garlic bread or the smooth, creamy texture of the linguini. The pasta has a satisfying chew, while the cheese is wonderfully gooey and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Sound: The sounds of Tuscany add to the ambiance. You will hear the bustle of a busy kitchen and the sizzle of mushrooms hitting the pan over the clinking of cutlery and glasses. The murmur of conversations and laughter contributes to a lively, communal atmosphere that enhances the overall dining experience.

The Kitchen on Main

At the end of the culinary mile, you will find a charming blend of classic nostalgia, with a front that evokes the ambiance of a traditional hamburger joint and a speakeasy vibe in the back. The Kitchen on Main is an eclectic treat that will have your senses on blissful overload. Live music, family events, luscious selections and an appreciation for community are all a part of why this restaurant is a runaway success.

“Wherever you identify from, be it Fortville, Geist, Fishers, Oaklandon, we have something for everyone,” says Jason Ratliff, owner and third-generation entrepreneur. Ratliff describes his eatery as “a spirited business that cherishes all walks.” He holds a great sense of appreciation for all of Hamilton County and has a rich family history in Fortville, going back to his family owning and operating Beulah’s, a beloved restaurant that was here years ago.

The Kitchen on Main is a family affair, with each member of Ratliff’s family having an influence on the menu. Be it his college student, Joel, who influenced the spiked milkshake, or his son, Joshua, the culinary genius behind each of the rich creations on the diverse menu, this restaurant belongs to his family as well as to the people of Hamilton County.

Along with the cuisine, Ratliff has added a creative aspect to his restaurant with themed dinner events at the Speak Easy. These themed dinner parties offer unforgettable experiences that blend entertainment with culinary excellence. “If you want to be successful in the restaurant business, creativity is a must,” states Ratliff. This family has treated us in every way possible.

Taste: Each dish offers a symphony of flavors. The Agave Burger blends sweet nectar with spicy jalapeños and savory bacon, while the Cheeseburger Fries offer a delicious mix of thin, crispy potatoes, melted cheese and seasoned meat. The milkshakes, with their creamy and sweet flavors, are especially indulgent. Dessert is a luscious finale with a slice of delicious pie, with its flaky, buttery crust that crumbles just right with each bite.

Smell: The air is filled with inviting aromas, including the scent of grilled beef, the savory fragrance of herb-seasoned chicken, and the earthy smell of mushrooms combined with the aroma of fried breading and ranch dressing. Irresistible!

Sight: The plates are visually stunning, with vibrant colors and appealing presentations, from the double patties, melted cheese, and colorful toppings like lettuce, tomato and pickles, to the crispy, beer-battered fries that accentuate the plate.

Touch: You will experience a range of textures, from the crispness of fresh vegetables and the tender juiciness of the chicken to the smoothness of the milkshakes as they are devoured.

Sound: The dining experience is enhanced by the soft sounds of a bustling kitchen, the gentle clink of cutlery, and the satisfying sounds of cutting into tender meat or the slurp of a chocolate milkshake. Jazz bands delight with different themed events and family fun for all.

FoxGardin Kitchen & Ale

Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, and about halfway down the culinary mile, you can find that place. It’s called FoxGardin. You can get more than a beer and some company here – a steak that rivals the best eateries in Indianapolis, or a fried bologna sandwich like the one your mom made on a hot summer day when you got out of the pool as a kid, only elevated with a culinary twist.

Jake Burgess was on his way to his parent’s house one night and had a hankering for a quality burger and a beer, with a little bit of atmosphere. Not a single restaurant came to mind, so he created one. With his long history in the restaurant industry as well as the business savvy that he learned from his late father, he had what it took to create something special. Foxgardin is set to celebrate its 10th year as a success.

If you know Burgess, you can’t help but have a respect for his authenticity. By his own admission, he “speaks it as it is,” but you also see his kind heart. He holds charity events to support local causes and understands the importance of pleasing his customers. “We don’t bat a thousand and we are going to miss the mark at times, but if we can fix the issue while the customer is inside these four walls, then we are going to do it,” he says.

His mission statement revolves around this simple concept – enjoy your time and the scrumptious food, turn each customer into a VIP, and each VIP into a friend. Hit up Foxgardin while you’re in Fortville and let your senses be awakened!

Taste: FoxGardin offers a vibrant array of flavors, from the zesty kick of the Brisket Burnt End Sandwich to the rich, savory notes of the Hand-Cut Filet Mignon. Their dishes often balance bold spices with fresh, quality ingredients, and the desserts like the pie provide a comforting sweetness with a touch of spice.

Smell: The restaurant is filled with enticing aromas: smoky brisket, buffalo chicken mac and cheese, and honey cornbread. The rich scent of a well-prepared steak or the sweet fragrance of a warm pie create a welcoming and appetizing atmosphere.

Sight: The dishes at FoxGardin are visually appealing, with vibrant colors and thoughtful plating. Expect beautifully arranged tacos with fresh toppings, pan-seared scallops, the Fishers tenderloin with brightly colored lettuce, tomato and pickle, and desserts that look as delicious as they taste, with inviting textures and colors.

Touch: You will experience a range of textures, from the crispiness of the fried chicken to the tender, light breading on the fish tacos. The warm, comforting feel of the apple pie contrasts with the smoothness of its whipped cream and the crispy, flaky crust.