Restaurants and bars don't wait for ordinance to go smoke-free

While the City-County Council continues to work on a stronger smoking ban, some bars and restaurants have already made the switch to a smoke-free environment.

Some, such as the Slippery Noodle Inn, eliminated smoking in early January. The Old Point Tavern went smoke-free last week.

Other local bars and restaurants to go smoke-free recently include Claddagh, Old Pro's Table, MacNiven's and the Front Page.

Pizzas go beyond basic
Pizza fans, take note: the Indianapolis area has even more types of pie to try.

BoomBozz Taphouse opened last weekend at 2430 E. 146th St. in Carmel's Cool Creek Commons with a menu that includes appetizers, pizzas, sandwiches and pastas.

The Louisville, Ky.-based chain's gourmet selections include the Pollotate, a pie that's topped with chicken breast, red onions, roasted potatoes and asiago and mozzarella cheeses. It was included last year in a Food Network Magazine feature on the country's 50 top pizzas.

BoomBozz pizzas range in price from about $8 for an individual-size pie to about $18.

The restaurant offers $5 appetizers from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. until closing. You'll also find beer specials, such as $1 off local beers on Monday and Thursday.

For more information, visit bookbozz taphouse.com.

And Coal Pizza, which serves up Neapolitan-style pies made in 900-degree coal-fired ovens, opened last month at 36 E. Washington St.

Executive chef/partner Charles Mereday's artisan pizzas, ready in about 90 seconds, feature such toppings as duck confit, caramelized onions, goat cheese and fig ($16) and smoked salmon, red onions and caviar ($18).

The restaurant also offers such pastas as ricotta ravioli ($16); sandwich prices range from $10 to $16.