RESTAURANT SCENE: SmashMouth delivers in flavor and hospitality

By Eloise Marie Valadez

When you go

WHAT: SmashMouth Burgers and Pizza

WHERE: 764 E. U.S. 30, Schererville

HOURS: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays

FYI: (219) 322-3838 or www.eatatsmash.com

Joe Arvin is creating interesting recipes that are drawing people to his recently opened eatery in Schererville.

Arvin, chef/owner of SmashMouth Burgers and Pizza, aims to make his restaurant stand out for an innovative menu filled with standout flavors as well as items not commonly seen on casual dining menus these days.

"My goal is to serve food from my heart to the plate," said Arvin, who opened the Schererville restaurant six months ago.

"I make sure the flavors I have here would impress a foodie."

Take for example one menu standout such as the Monster Smash Cheeseburger Meal, $8.99, which is a 1/2-pound serving of specially seasoned ground beef, with all the fixings including caramelized onions and chef Arvin's special bistro sauce.

During a recent new menu tasting, the bistro sauce appeared on a variety of offerings and won a thumbs up from many fellow diners.

The special tasting event menu starred a sampling of many Arvin culinary winners including BLT deviled eggs; Maryland style crab cakes with caper Remoulade sauce; skirt steak taco bites with guacamole and cilantro lime salsa; hickory smoked Angus beef brisket; and a variety of pizzas, including the cheeseburger pizza and South of the Border with a lime and cilantro sauce.

Arvin also deconstructed his famous SmashMouth Burger and turned it into a mini version for diners.

The chef said his mission is to bring not only quality offerings to the area but something a little different.

"My true cooking philosophy is to cook with passion, heart and creativity," he stressed.

"My style is very eclectic," he said, explaining that he has Southern roots. He grew up in Lexington, Ky., and attended culinary school on the East Coast at Baltimore International Culinary College.

Arvin, who created everything from the concept to the recipes at SmashMouth, is also versed in Mediterranean and Italian styles of cooking.

"The SmashMouth menu is as American as they come," Arvin said. But he infuses many of the recipes with touches of eclectic flavor profiles.

Arvin said the name SmashMouth refers to a bold and aggressive style of football but it easily applies to what he offers at his restaurant.

"I say I bring the same boldness to cooking," he said.

Everything at SmashMouth is made fresh on the premises. Arvin said the meat is smoked regularly at the eatery.

At SmashMouth, in addition to the regular menu, Arvin offers daily specials. Customers will find those listed on the chalkboard. The chef recently obtained a liquor license and now serves beer and wine at the eatery.

Among menu highlights are Smokin' Smash Wings, ($8.99); Grilled Chicken Caesar salad ($7.99); SmashMouth beef ($8.99) Steak Taco Meal ($7.99); Hawaii 5-O Pizza ($14.99 for 12-inch, $17.99 for 16-inch; BBQ Soul Pizza; and the Italian Stallion submarine sandwich ($8).

Delivery service is also available through the restaurant.

The opinions expressed are solely the writer's.

Press

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