Champions
1150 S. Harrison St
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
260.467.1638
championsfortwayne.com
After a 10 month break, the 3 Elles are back out on the town - first stop, a new eatery, Champions Sports Bar and Restaurant located near Parkview Field, a minor league baseball stadium.
Batter up, game opener - Spinach & Artichoke Dip served with colored tortilla chips and anything-but-homemade sliced bread. The super cream cheesy dip was topped with white cheese and loaded with good sized artichoke pieces and swarming with cooked spinach. We agree that this tasted better than it looked. If you're looking for an app - this is a good choice, but don't rush down to Champions just to get this.
Bottom of the 1st inning - the gals needed a round of summer heat escape . . . Adams L started with a Long Island Iced Tea (right) and Wells L started off with a Pomegranate Sidecar.
The Long Island was very, very good. The premium spirits were evident - no harsh alcohol taste here - just smooth swallow. It was a pretty small glass so not really a bargain, but a party starter nonetheless!
The Pomegranate Sidecar was one of the specialty drinks. It's super sweet flavor reminded us of a cherry tootsie roll pop.
Allen L started off with a Corona Light followed by a Corona Extra . . . because the sports bar only had one Corona Light in stock - REALLY?!?! A sports bar running out of a popular beer - hmmm. Since we're near the baseball stadium, I'd call that STRIKE ONE!
Just look at that sweaty bottle - a perfect chill to the summer evening!
Top of the 2nd Inning . . . a Raspberry Lemondrop Martini (sigh, they could make anything but didn't have a martini menu - STRIKE TWO!). This beautifully presented citrus refreshment started off sweet and light but stole 2nd base with a "Catch ya later" finishing kick.
With the bases loaded, we moved to the main course. . .
Adams L started with a Caesar salad as an opener to her Fish and Chips.
The lightly breaded fish was not served greasy nor salty though the bottom of the plank was soggy. Accompanied with overly cooked fries resulting in a tough texture, it was no where near the major league fish and chips found at other Fort Wayne eateries.
Wells L waited for the call from our super "coach" (server) Stephanie as to what was a good play. With her guidance, I selected the Champion Club (without tomato). Looking for a bland, dry, very basic turkey, bacon, and lettuce sandwich on plain white generic bread? This is the sandwich for you! For all of the condiments on the table couldn't make this tasty or impressive.
Allen L opted for a selection off of the appetizer menu (big HOME RUN with the price here - without any announcement of the promotion - it was half price apps when we were there). Her Grilled Tenders with Greek Vegetable Salad was definitely worth $5.50 (definitely not worth $9.95 and in no way would make a sharable appetizer).
Although no clear way to tackle this dish, Allen L squared off to the plate and just went for it. The Tzatziki sauce really was on the only "Greek" part of this dish. With some olives and feta this could be expanded to be an excellent entree.
During the 7th inning stretch, we were entertained by the pre-show set up of Tommy Schoegler's "Sound Off" (
a local sports program). As you can see, Tommy was working hard prepping for his weekly show which is taped at Champions.
His sidekick, Kent Hormann . . . not so much about the prepping - more about perfecting his "sour" look.
In the bottom of the 9th, the Elles loaded the basis with a Dessert Trio - whew - no doubt we left on a sugar high. Starting off we shared a Strawberries and cake. The store bought, nothing special pound cake was uninspiring to say the least; however, the strawberries in a sweet sauce were definitely summer perfection.
Next up, the Elles tackled "Mom's Chocolate Cake". This devil's food cake with chocolate fudge and nut frosting was rather disappointing. It's freezer burned taste was overpowering.
Finally, the sweeper stepped up to the plate - BAM - outta the park with this one. This Chocolate Cupcake Hot Fudge Sundae was childhood birthday party perfection. This is a must have though it's big so easily shared with 3 of us with some left over.
Final thoughts -
Looking for a sports bar before or after a Tin Caps game? This would be a good choice serving up a full on sports atmosphere. Definitely not serving up fresh homemade food here, but a spirited place for appetizers, drinks, and desserts. Our services was excellent (thanks Stephanie)! The overall cleanliness of the restaurant left us pleased. We recommend you give it a try when you're looking for a fun "girls or guys night out" spot or just a place to grab some drinks after work.
Until the next bite -
