The skies were completely overcast, yet the noontime sun illuminated the clouds brightly. People traveling the sidewalks shadowed by the statehouse were from all stations of life. The sharp-dressed shared the sidewalk with tourists, street people, and me. The "eatery" was a short walk from my parking spot. By chance I was first to get there, though it was only minutes before the rest of the group arrived. We were seated in the rear of the place where they had pressed a group of tables together. The walls are painted a subdued hue of maroon that showed clearly in the light streaming in through the large unobstructed windows. Mementos of each political party and numerous past and present candidates were hung with care on the walls everywhere. Clearly the "eatery" was a neutral establishment that chose not to choose sides; after all, money is green regardless of the owner's political bend. I sat and wondered for a moment on the political deals, tax compromises, laws, and such that had transpired over a drink or two in these very walls.
Our conversations drifted between seat belt laws, the 10th amendment (Bill of rights), school vouchers and Reubens. The sandwiches arrived in waves, depending on which of the half-dozen sides you ordered. I ordered mine with fries (what no onion rings?). The sandwich itself is moderately sized, not too large or small and cut diagonally for you. Being an experience Reuben eater, I flipped one side and picked up the other. It arrived almost too hot to eat. After blowing it enough to cool a little, I bit into a yummy delight. Sauce streamed down from a large pocket of the stuff. The meat was slightly salty to the taste and perfectly cooked. The bread was toasted, yet not crunchy on the outside. The cheese was almost so bland the rest of the ingredients overshadowed its presence. There were scant amounts of kraut placed in the sandwich, but on the whole it was pretty good. The second half had more kraut and less sauce, so consistency in construction was off a bit.
The service was great considering how many people were in the group. The waitress filled glasses, brought extra napkins and was attentive to our every whim. The experience was kinda pricy given the meal, but then the new taxes to pay for the new Colts stadium were in effect. It's ironic that I get to pay new taxes in a place themed to politics.