Barking Dog Cafe

 Encouraged by her father to pursue a life long dream of owning her own restaurant, Mary Beth Gahimer and her husband Jeff opened the Barking Dog Cafe in Franklin, Indiana in the fall of 2002. "We weren't quite ready for Indianapolis so we decided to open our first venture in a smaller town. We were doing very well until the state closed the road that ran by our building to repair a bridge." Mary Beth recalls. "We lost a great percentage of our customers because of that road closing and, coupled with an increase in our rent which could not be met with our smaller customer base, we had to close our doors in 2003." Deterred but not defeated, the couple became vendors at the Broad Ripple Farmers' Market and served lunch at the Indianapolis City Market from 2003-2007. In April of 2007 they re-opened the doors to the Barking Dog Cafe at 115 East 49th Street in Indianapolis to rave reviews. With a commitment to serving food that's fresh, local, and in-season, the couple have a menu that changes weekly plus offer catering and take-out. Mary Beth sends out a weekly newsletter alerting her customers to the latest menu that's filled with items featuring the best produce and products from a long list of local Indiana growers and producers. 

My friend Lori and I recently went their for lunch where we feasted on the soup of the day, bacon sandwiches, and fries. The standout for me was the bacon--house smoked, thick, tender, flavorful, and dangerously addictive. Mary Beth says they cure the bacon themselves using fresh herbs, spices, and no preservatives. It is sensational. The only thing better than the bacon were her home made pickles. UNBELIEVABLE! Yes, I did try to get the recipe for those pickles, but Mary Beth remained politely firm in keeping that recipe a family secret. My fondest wish is that they begin to sell their bacon by the pound and those pickles by the jar!

And, if the thought of Thanksgiving being a week from today is more than you can bear to think of, Mary Beth can help! She is now taking orders for her fresh baked pies.  Her selection includes traditional Pumpkin Pie (made with pumpkins from Rush and Shelby county), Sugar Cream Pie, Blueberry Pie made from North Judson Blueberries and her Dad's favorite, Cherry Pie with a light flaky crust.  All orders need to be received by Saturday, November 21st and can be picked up on Tuesday, November 24th or Wednesday, November 25th.  So choose a pie...or 2, or 3. Or as Mary Beth says " What the heck, get one of each and cover all the bases!" She's right--I have never heard anyone complain that there were too many pies on a Thanksgiving table!  For more information and ordering, give her a call at 317.924.2233. 


From time to time Mary beth and Jeff host special events at the Cafe. Rita Jackson will be presenting a special Indy Holiday Show this Saturday, November 21, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Mary Beth will be offering "Saturday Breakfast at the 'Dog" items for brunch including made from scratch Biscuits and Gravy, Oeufs Barking Dog (their version of Eggs Benedict), and Bistro Eggs...brown eggs from Stevens Farm, Myer's Sausage with their own Red Wine Veal Demi-Glace and Baguette. Just a tip--Don't forget to ask for a side (or two) of that scrumptious bacon to go with your breakfast.

The Barking Dog Cafe
115 East 49th Street

Indianapolis, Indiana
www.barkingdogindy.com
317-924-2233

Photo Courtesy of Barking Dog Cafe
Mary Beth and Jeff