Apr. 29--Something different has happened in Indianapolis. 

For the first time, the market known for chain restaurants has an inductee into the national Fine Dining Hall of Fame -- the upscale Northside eatery Something Different. 

The Nation's Restaurant News sponsors the Hall of Fame, which inducts just 10 restaurants nationwide each year. Since its creation in 1980, no Indiana restaurant has made the cut. 

"It kind of puts us on the map as a restaurant city," said John Schneider, who owns Something Different with his wife, Sue. "Indianapolis is a mecca for chain restaurants. We're part of the flavor of Indianapolis." 

The Schneiders have owned the restaurant on East 82nd Street since 1995. It's known for its innovative American cuisine and a menu that changes every month. 

For example, the April menu offers fig molasses-glazed duck, pan-seared ahi tuna and olive oil-poached sea bass. Changing the mix allows the restaurant to use seasonal ingredients and gives its regular diners a little surprise, Schneider said. 

Something Different was nominated anonymously for induction. No one on staff, including the Schneiders, knew judges from the hall had been to dine at the restaurant until they received the news it had won the award, Schneider said. 

"We just think it's great. It's the best award a restaurant can receive," he said. "All the great restaurants are there. Now we're in with them." 

Some of the "greats" that Something Different joins include The Russian Tea Room in New York City, Emeril's in New Orleans and Spago in Los Angeles. 

"Something Different is really a hidden gem in our city," said Steve Delaney, a restaurant analyst with Linder Co. "(The induction) reflects the recognition, on a national basis, of the emerging sophistication and viability of Indianapolis as an upscale restaurant market." 

Something Different will be inducted into the Hall of Fame May 19 at Chicago's Ritz Carlton Hotel. 

Despite his restaurant's national recognition, Schneider said customers shouldn't expect Something Different to look to expand. 

"We're an independent restaurant and we're going to remain an independent restaurant," he said. 

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(c) 2002, The Indianapolis Star. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.