Our inaugural post features our food experience with Chef Carlos Salazar and his pop-up at one of our favorite local spots: frame.
Chef Background
Chef Carlos is the head chef of Rook in Indianapolis, a Filipino-fusion restaurant focusing on street food stalls with a twist. He has made quite a name for himself in the Indianapolis Asian food scene, with accolades including Food & Wine’s “Best New Chef, Great Lakes” nominee.
What We Got
Photo: Peanut Butter + Bacon
{ 1st }
Tomato Salad
Watermelon / Salted Duck Egg / Calamansi / Pickled Red Onion / Radish / Pea Shoots
Tomato Salad. Photo: Chef Carlos
{ 2nd }
Sushi Fluke Crudo
Anise Hyssop / Sweet Cicely Root Vinegar / Shoyu An Sauce / Chestnuts / Balichao Oil
Sushi Fluke Crudo. Photo: Chef Carlos
{ 3rd }
Fermented Thai Sour Sausage
Crispy Rice / Fish Sauce Caramel / Shallots / Herbs
{ 4th }
Lacquered Fischer Farm Beef Belly
Fermented Cane Vinegar Syrup / Swiss Chard / Ramp Kimchi / Daikon Radish
Lacquered Fischer Farm Beef Belly. Photo: Chef Carlos
{ 5th }
Pork Floss Sticky Buns
Orange / Walnuts / Szechuan
Pork Floss Sticky Buns. Photo: Chef Carlos
The Experience and Our Favorite Dish
Chef Carlos’ tag line was “Come hungry. Carlos can’t wait to feed you.” And boy, did he feed us.
When we first walked in, the first thing we notice is his awesome playlist (Pro Tip: you can find it on Rook’s website). The menu was one of my favorites at frame, and hands down the Thai Sour Sausage was our favorite item. I looked over at Ryan multiple times and asked for his, even willing to give up my dessert.
Thai Sour Sausage. Photo: Peanut Butter + Bacon
….I NEVER give up my dessert. Then I asked him if we’re allowed to ask for seconds.
What made the dish my favorite was that it was reminiscent of longanisa (Filipino sweet sausage), specifically the dish longsilog (longanisa, fried egg, and fried rice). Just like how the fried rice and egg bring the whole dish together, the crispy rice really helped bring out the flavor of the sausage. Usually by the 3rd dish of any tasting I start to get full, but that dish opened up my appetite.
Chef Carlos’ food is definitely something worth checking out, especially if you have a special place in your heart for Filipino cuisine. Intrigued yet? Check out Rook if you’re ever in the Indianapolis area. I know I will!
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