Best Of Bloomington 2005

Second to outfit selection, restaurant selection is the most stressful part of a Saturday night on the town. Have you just worked up the courage to ask that hottie in the third row of your psych class out for dinner? Well, when those big brown eyes gaze back and ask "where?" you've got to be prepared with an answer because, quite frankly, sweaty palms and flushed cheeks won't exactly keep 'em coming back for more. \nOr are your overeager parents in town for the weekend and ready to attempt to take Kirkwood on in true Hoosier manner? First, tell them to leave the matching "Mom" and "Dad" jerseys on the hanger at the IU Bookstore. Second, tell them that tuition money finally paid off because you've discovered a great restaurant to bring them to for their first official night in B-town. And according to the IU student body, the best locale for your first date and the place to bring your parents turns out to be one and the same: Malibu Grill. \nUpon visiting its prime downtown location, you'll too understand why it's not quite that odd that one restaurant could win two awards that are so different.\nMalibu Grill is in its eleventh successful year of operation. By now, they've gotten it down. John "JB" Bailey Malibu's beloved manager, boasts that he has managed to create a "menu that has quality, variety and value, one that is actually veto-proof. Everyone likes it." \nChef Tim Kenlan, who has been running the-behind-the-scene action at Malibu Grill for two and a half years, creates new specials every week. Just in case his eclectic menu doesn't satisfy your taste buds' craving, his innovative weekly creations are sure to get the job done right. \n"They use fresh, eco-friendly ingredients," JB says, "because people don't get tired of fresh." In fact, he says he's "still not tired of the food. If you put in too much fat, salt, sodium, et cetera, you may enjoy it while eating, but not the next day. With Malibu, you get home and you don't say 'why did I eat that.'" \nKenlan works with two enormous refrigerators and only two small freezers, thereby ensuring a constantly fresh supply of food.\nDianna Green, owner of Kirkwood clothing store Cha-Cha, says there are "several really good dishes that are all equally consistent." She recommends trying out the Thai pasta. JB recommends their Hawaiian rib-eye and blue cheese filet. \nIt's not simply Malibu's menu however, that earned both of these awards. Malibu's "scene is what makes it great," says junior Juliana Diamond. JB bounces around from table to table, ensuring that everyone is enjoying their meal. "It's a know-you-by-name situation," JB says. Waitress Carla Chickedantz says she works "to make the atmosphere relaxed. We cater to everything. Servers here consider the situation and will try to break the ice." \nAbout to tell the cutie from psych how you moved your seat to get a better view of the back of his or her head? Well, now's your chance, because Chickedantz and the rest of the wait staff will be extra "gregarious, meeting your specific needs." \nMalibu has a wine-savvy wait staff that will certainly help you choose the perfect bottle from their extensive wine list, created by the managers after performing a series of blind taste tests.\nIs tonight the night you have to break the news to your parents that you've decided to change majors from business to music, even though you've never played an instrument in your life? Well, the stocked bar will come in handy in this instance too. \n"Mothers love our martinis," says JB. Or spring for the Cannon Ball, a cocktail served in a glass the size of a fish bowl. Pump your parents with all the cocktails you can and let them get a taste of the true Hoosier lifestyle while Malibu takes care of a delicious dinner and wonderful atmosphere.