Palate Pleaser
From Sweet to Savory, Gallery on 16th Has You Covered
Writer / Desmond Nicholson
Photographer / Michael Durr
If you find yourself on the northside of Indy, be sure to stop at the new brunch spot, Gallery on 16th, where the art is surely in the dessert. Owner Alison Keefers deep admiration for the area, local businesses and Mediterranean food has combined for her recent venture.
Keefers love for Mediterranean architecture inspired the design of the restaurant. Youll find high arches, numerous plants and greenery, and cream-colored walls with blue accents, along with vintage, customized chandeliers to illuminate and set the mood for an amazing meal. While enjoying your meal, you can witness magic being made in the very large open kitchen, from luxurious, creative pastries like the Raspberry Rose Baby Cake to the giant, homemade croissants. Even with its sophisticated vibe, it is also family friendly.
If you cant make it for brunch, they do offer elegant and exciting events, posted on their website. If you love the atmosphere as much as their current patrons, you can book them for private events. This summer they are introducing Wine of the Week, a promotion where guests can receive a free tasting of that weeks featured wine and even get a discounted bottle. Homemade gelato is also making its return to the Gallery. Customers can walk up to the carry-out window for a scoop to go, or enjoy theirs with a mimosa while dining in.
When you stop by, you will be delighted to see both savory and sweet options crafted by their talented chefs. The Lemon Soufflé Pancakes are one of the most popular sweet items on the current menu. Each fluffy pancake is topped with whipped cream, fresh berries and local honey. For guests with a savory brunch palette, the 16th St Benedict with smoked salmon, dressed arugula, and lemon béchamel on 4 Birds milk bread will turn into a fast favorite. For you oyster lovers, they are offering $1 oysters every Tuesday through Friday.
Allisons motto is as follows: We source fresh local ingredients to make your food healthier and tastier. This is why they use different types of breads from Amelias and Indiana-grown produce when making their dishes.
Each Gallery menu draws from traditional European brunches, but Gallery on 16th incorporates more Mediterranean ingredients, such as harissa, feta, chickpeas, falafel and tahini. Whether youre vegetarian or meat lover, youll be sure to find something enjoyable.
Brunch dishes that set this location apart include the Waffle Duck Confit, which is savory and gluten-free, and the Lemon Soufflé Pancakes, which are fluffy, savory and tart. You can try their Artichoke Monsieur Tartine, which includes ham, arugula, roasted artichoke, lemon, and white sauce, served on Amelias bread. The Harissa Pork Belly Salad with herbed feta dressing has shaved fennel, chickpeas, crumbled pork belly, and oranges.
Gallery on 16th has a beverage menu to help you wash down your food, from wine to beer to cider. Brunch at Gallery wouldnt be paired right if you didnt have a blood orange mimosa to go with it.
They also carry products from PANA Donuts, a local doughnut shop in Indianapolis, along with pastries from Executive Chef Youssef Boudarine. Guests can stop by for a traditional yeast doughnut, or try Gallery-style PANA doughnuts with seasonal fillings.
The Broad Ripple location, Gallery Pastry Shop, offers sweet and savory crepes, omelets, and other popular brunch options. Gallery Pastry Bar has the most extensive menu, with items like the Croissant French Toast and different Benedicts.
After enjoying an amazing meal amongst family and friends, dont forget to grab some pastries on your way out, such as the Chocolate Pillow Croissant, Tiramisu, or box of macarons for a midnight snack.
You can visit Gallery on 16th at 319 East 16th Street, Suite 101 in Indianapolis. For more information, visit 16th.gallerypastry.com.