Divas Explore the Wild Side at L’Explorateur

For our first outing of the year, the Divas collectively decided to veer from our typical choice of standard Italian or Mexican fare by traveling to Broad Ripple’s hot new restaurant L’Explorateur, owned by Chef Neal Brown.

While Chef Brown is not new to the Indy culinary scene (he worked beside Greg Hardesty at H20 Sushi and served as Executive Chef at Brugge Brasserie), he brings a fresh, new style to the area by incorporating molecular gastronomy (a branch of food science that focuses on cooking and food preparation) and French-fusion with innovative American-Asian twists.

Nestled on a quiet street in Broad Ripple, L’Explorateur offers an upscale, posh atmosphere decorated with trendy artwork, clean lines and simple decor, as well as thoughtful amenities – the women’s restroom has a vanity with L’Occitane hand cream and individual hand towels. L’Explorateur can seat 75 patrons in the winter and up to 100 during less inclement weather when outside seating is available.

Immediately upon our arrival, we were greeted by a hostess and taken to a table where we found a small welcoming note. We were offered drinks (the wine list is impressive) and were handed the menus. While the menus do not offer much in the way of describing the elaborate dishes, the wonderful wait staff sells the unexpected creations beautifully. There are two menus for the winter season. One features mainly meat and fish dishes, and a second headlines unique raw bar selections.

We were surprised to find that this winter menu offers no choice for a salad. Our group decided to sample the Ceviche Tostada, Duck Confit (served atop a flat tart with goat cheese, Anjou pears and rosemary) and the Menage a Trois of soups (three different delicious soups presented bullseye style in one bowl) for appetizers. We were delighted with the appetizers, singing a chorus of “Mmmms” after every bite. We were also pleasantly surprised to be served a complimentary amuse-bouche, (a small appetizer, literally translates as “to amuse the mouth” and is presented to give diners a taste of what’s to come) consisting of a yellowfin rolle with mozzerella, basil and nicoise olive.

While waiting for our main courses, we couldn’t help but talk about how impressed we were with the service. Not once did we have to ask for our beverages to be refilled, and for each course, new silverware was presented.

When food was brought to the table, a line of servers appeared and simultaneously placed the dish in front of each patron. Quite impressive! It didn’t appear to matter if you were wearing designer frocks and diamonds or your generic “business casual”; all diners were given this same special treatment along with a brief appearance from Chef Brown himself.

After a minor delay between courses, our main dishes arrived. From first glance we could tell that they would be worth the wait. We chose the Sweet Potato Ravioli, the Bluenose Bass Piccata and Pop Rock (yes, the candy!) Crusted Scallops. Portions can be small (there are three large scallops), but if one savors the bites, the flavors meld together beautifully and are a true delight. The Ravioli was velvety and rich in flavor, but not too heavy. The Bass was a light blend of flavors that worked well together, and the candy-encrusted Scallops were like a small fireworks show taking place inside your mouth.

Chef Brown has a way of making flavors emerge without being too “edgy,” and we swear, this French-fusion cuisine has an aphrodisiac quality.

Three items are available for dessert, including a Vanilla Pot De Crème (incredibly creamy and garnished with gorgeous blackberries), a Tiramisu and a traditional cheese plate.

The Divas thoroughly enjoyed not only the high quality food, but also the star service provided by L’Explorateur. At the end of the meal, I was already thinking about my next meal there and when I would be able to return.

There is ample parking streetside, and reservations are seated at their scheduled times. This restaurant provides the perfect setting for a romantic dinner for two, a cool setting to have a quick beverage and sample the unique Raw Bar Menu or simply enjoy high quality, inventive dishes.

Dining Divas Scorecard L’Explorateur

Price: Pricey, but well worth it
Appetizers: $7.00 – $15.00
Main Courses: $18.00 – $29.00
Wine/Drinks: Around 8.00/glass
Service: Attentive and well versed in dishes
Atmosphere: swank, not appropriate for children
Overall Rating: 5 Wine Glasses