People enjoy a romantic dinner in a dimly lit, French-inspired bistro with antique décor, live music and eclectic, local art covering the walls.
This may sound like a dream Valentine's Day date or a scene from a movie, but every year on Feb. 14 it is a reality at Vera Mae's Bistro.
Vera Mae's is an independently-owned restaurant in the heart of downtown Muncie.
Owner Kent Shuff said the restaurant theme and food was inspired by his visit to France while studying at the London Centre through Ball State. It serves comfort food that includes a lot of sauces, butter, cream and sauté work.
"The food was delicious and the service was excellent," junior marketing major, Briana Yoder, said. "The best dish I tasted was the garlic stuffed steak and the French Onion soup was to die for."
The chefs prepare a menu specially for Valentine's Day patrons. It includes a four course meal with prices determined by entrée, from $30 to $50.
Today is their busiest day of the year.
"Sometimes people start calling right after Christmas to get reservations for Valentine's Day," Shuff said.
There are still a few openings for tonight, but walk-ins are usually turned away because of how busy it is. Reservations are not needed all the time, however.
The reason the bistro sees a lot of business on Valentine's Day is because it is the only restaurant of its kind in Muncie, Shuff said.
"The atmosphere of the restaurant is very unique and warm," Yoder said. "I would suggest ditching the traditional college [T-shirt and jeans] attire when dining there because it is a more classy setting."
Shuff describes Vera Mae's as upscale dining, not fine dining. He said fine dining is more formal and can seem stuffy. He wants the restaurant to be comfortable and fun.
He decided to open a bistro after seeing them all over when he visited France.
When he was young, he worked in his grandmother's restaurant in Huntington along with the rest of his family. He had known he wanted to open his own restaurant for years.
When it came to naming Vera Mae's, Shuff said he had to name it after the woman who inspired his dream of opening his own restaurant: his grandmother.
After high school, Shuff attended Ball State for marketing and never left Muncie. He worked at the restaurant at the Holiday Inn for seven years before opening Vera Mae's in 1999.
He said the first two years were a little tight, but that Vera Mae's had good business. In 2001, Shuff took on a partner in running the bistro, Steve Fennimore.
Shuff said he stayed in Muncie because it was less expensive and his bistro would be a unique addition to the city.
"I decided to open my restaurant here because I had been here and that part of the market was not being satisfied," he said.
When Vera Mae's opened, Garfield creator Jim Davis was the owner of the only other upscale, independently-owned restaurant in Muncie. It was named Foxfire. Shuff said was a very nice place, but it shut down in 2001.
This gives Vera Mae's a good hold on upscale dining and it is often visited by famous people who are passing through town, Shuff said.
The list includes singer songwriter Carole King, Jackass star Jason "Wee-Man" Acuña, David Letterman and Jack Osbourne.
Of course, these personalities are not residents of Muncie and have only visited Vera Mae's once. However, the restaurant does have regulars that come back often for the food and atmosphere. Shuff said about 70 percent of customers are repeat.
"I continue to frequent Vera Mae's due to not only the menu but the phenomenal owners and staff," Daena Richmond, co-director for Indiana Education Project at Ball State, said. "They are cordial to everyone who enters their establishment and make you feel as though your pleasant experience is the most important thing to them."
Richmond said that Vera Mae's is a true gem for Muncie residents.
"I have dined in restaurants all over the world and have perhaps spent more money, but have not had better food or service in any of those establishments," she said.
Another attraction that draws people to Vera Mae's is the live music. A pianist plays for customers Thursday-Saturday and Tuesdays are live jazz night.
There will be live piano and string performances at Vera Mae's for Valentine's Day.
Valentine's Day Menu
Appetizer
Baked Brie
Crab and Artichoke Dip
Mango Shrimp Cocktail
Soup
Potato and Leek
Entrée
Fettuccini Alfredo $30
Seafood Alfredo $40
Crab and Corn Stuffed Snapper $50
Andouille Stuffed Pork Loin $40
Eggplant Parmesan $30
Chicken Brie Rasberry $40
Dessert
Assorted Ghyslain Pastries
NY Cheesecake
White Chocolate and Orange Bread Pudding
Call 765-747-4941 for reservations.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
