Vera Mae’s Earns Prestigious Award, Elevating Muncie’s Dining Scene
Photographer / Ethan Snyder
Vera Mae’s Bistro wines and dines on an international level. The bistro has garnered global and local acclaim for their elegant dining experience, fine foods and spectacular wine offerings.
In July, Vera Mae’s Bistro won Wine Spectator Magazine’s Award of Excellence for the second consecutive year. According to Wine Spectator, award winners are selected by their well-curated wine lists, featuring more than 100 selections, as well as providing patrons with a high-quality, diverse array of wines that compliment the restaurant’s cuisine and price range.
An international recognition, the prestigious award puts Muncie on the map along with winners from more than 80 countries and all 50 states. Vera Mae’s is the only restaurant in East Central Indiana, between Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, to be honored with the award.
For more than 40 years, the awards program has been championing excellence in restaurant wine lists. According to Wine Spectator, the awards are designed to elevate wine selection and service around the world.
“We meticulously curate wines from across the globe in order to have a well-rounded selection among our nearly 180 different bottles in the cellar, ” says Dawn Brand Fluhler, Head of House Manager at Vera Mae’s. “To be selected for the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for a second year in a row is an enormous honor that we are excited to have received again.”
According to Wine Spectator, the award heralds restaurants that deliver sufficient choice to satisfy discerning wine lovers.
Vera Mae’s wine list features 180 different selections and more than 1,200 bottles stored in their on-site cellar. Wine offerings include Walnut Block Collectables Sauvignon Blanc, a zesty wine from New Zealand, Seghesio Angela’s Table Zinfandel, a vibrant wine from Sonoma County, California and Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo, a unique, Italian rosé.
Vera Mae’s serves upscale fusion cuisine from the rich traditions of Europe, Asia and the New World.
“Vera Mae’s is elevated dining,” Fluhler says. “That doesn’t mean you have to wear your fanciest clothes – jeans and a button down or a sundress are perfectly fitting. But you can definitely anticipate excellent service and delectable sips and eats. If you haven’t been here, and even if you have, we invite folks near and far to make Vera’s a dining tradition.”
Vera Mae’s Happy Hours are Tuesdays through Thursdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
“Vera Mae’s has a very polished, professional staff,” Fluhler adds. “We love to talk about what’s on the menu and what’s on your mind.”
Jazz guitarist Gary Andry performs live, instrumental music on Fridays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Andry performs well-known songs from The Great American Songbook including “Satin Doll” and “The Girl From Ipanema” as well as contemporary songs including “Wish You Were Here” and “I Shot the Sheriff.”
Andry says guests enjoy the easy-listening atmosphere, song familiarity and conversational sound level.
Andry has a Masters in Music and was a guitar instructor at Ball State University.
Vera Mae’s has future plans to have a featured jazz pianist. During the holidays, Vera Mae’s will present dinner theater.
Each month the bistro spotlights one artist from the Muncie Artists Guild.
Cheryl Crowder, events director of Muncie Downtown Development Partnership says the bistro was one of the first downtown business pioneers in the early 2000s.
The bistro side of the restaurant has been completely renovated with new lighting, fresh paint, updated seating, refinished wood and a welcoming wine wall.
Unique menu offerings include swordfish, crawfish nachos and house-made bourbon pecan pie.
Fluhler says many of the menu items are inspired by the New Orleans French Quarter and noted that the crawfish nachos are a fan favorite.
Menu staples include salads, pastas and burgers.
Fluhler describes the monthly menu feature as a beautifully plated entree with a perfectly paired bottle of wine.
Signature cocktails include: Vinny’s Viper, a blend of coconut rum, peach and citrus juices, Flambé Bitters Old Fashioned and La Riviera, a house-infused cucumber tequila with summer coconut and lime.
“Our featured bartenders are really excellent mixologists,” Fluhler says.
Fluhler adds that cocktails are consistently perfectly balanced and delicious every time. She describes the Blood Orange Habanero Margarita as “a sippable spicy.”
The entire facility, Ballaird Hall and Wine Cellar can be reserved for events. The Wine Cellar, located below street level, can be reserved as a private dining space for events with under 25 guests. The elegant Wine Cellar offers a view of more than 150 carefully curated wine selections at Vera Mae’s.
The Residence, an apartment-style space located above the main dining area, can be reserved for small events with up to 25 guests. For overnight stays and small retreats, The Residence is equipped with four queen beds and two full baths.
Vera Mae’s is located at 209 S. Walnut St. For more information, visit veramaes.com or call 765-767-5544.
