Indianapolis Monthly - December 2023 Edition by Indianapolis Monthly

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12 2023 ON THE COVER Illustration by Mary Kate McDevitt

BEST OF INDY

THE NEXT ONE

We searched Indianapolis high and low for the newest and best of everything the city has to offer. From frozen treats and bookstores to piñatas and bespoke picnics, our list has something for everyone to check out.

An injury may have knocked Anthony Richardson out for the season, but those in the young new Colts quarterback’s corner believe he can handle the pressure—and that his future looks brighter than ever.

After discovering a box of long-forgotten mementos, our freelance writer delved into the short, vibrant life of an uncle whose sudden death at age 9 changed his family forever.

E DI T E D BY J U L I A S PA L DI NG

BY B OB K R AV I T Z

BY B R I A N D. S M I T H

IM | DECEMBER 2023

THE UNCLE I NEVER KNEW PHOTO COURTESY INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

RING IN THE NEW YEAR AT NEWFIELDS THE IMA GALLERIES

DEC 31, 2023

12 2023

ISSUE 4

G O OD L I F E

C I RC L E C I T Y

WANTED

SWOON

The Blue Crew celebrates 25 years as the Colts’ official fan club.

Laura Karr’s gorgeous chicken feather wreaths are sure to be the squawk of the town.

This winter, let the tropical notes in the Tipsy Mermaid’s Key lime pie be a mini beach vacation for your palate.

SHOP TALK

Our Indiana expert looks into why a dish originating in Indiana pays homage to NYC.

Take a swing at tennischic with looks from Baseline Social.

THE BEAT

MY LOOK

A new nature preserve brings the “rewilding” trend to Zionsville.

Nap or Nothing’s founder Maxie embodies effortless Naptown style.

ARTIFACT

TRENDING

Indiana was once home to the best gunsmith west of the Appalachians, and our offical state rifle proves it.

These party-ready loafers, flats, and slip-ons are as comfortable as they are posh.

THIS OR THAT

TRADITIONS

High demand is making the most sought-after celebrity of the holiday season scarce.

For those with a cool $8 mil on hand, a choice between pads perfect for entertaining.

Five can’t-miss events in Indy this month.

Bonge’s gets new ownership, a purveyor of coffee and cookies inspires us to dream bigger, and a “biker bar” opens.

TASTE TEST

Indy offers both traditional and unique takes on a timehonored holiday treat: eggnog.

FOODIE

9th Street Bistro’s Samir Mohammad is following in his chef uncle’s footsteps and expanding his food empire in Noblesville with a new ramen spot.

REVIEW

Explore nature and take a dip in a historic bathhouse in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

The owners of Taxman Brewing Co. bring atmosphere to the first fine dining steak restaurant in Bargersville.

95 IM | DECEMBER 2023

FIRST BITE

TRAVELER

BEST BETS

T H E DI S H

SPEED READ

THE HOOSIERIST

VOLUME 47

104

RESTAURANT GUIDE

BACK HOME AGAIN

A tour of the city’s best eats, from fine dining to favorite dives.

’Tis the season for holiday gatherings—just be prepared for the occasional glass bowl.

E DI T OR’S NO T E

Long Lost

Eve Batey

ON A C O OL, sunny Wednesday at the end of April, I met freelance writer Brian D. Smith for lunch to chat about some story ideas he’d been saving for a while. A former IM editor, he was eager to share his thoughts about writing for the magazine again and came equipped with a file folder full of pitches. One that intrigued me immediately was a project he’d been working on for some time titled “The Uncle I Never Knew” (p. 68). He was retracing the steps of an uncle he had never met—his mom’s brother, who died as a young boy. Smith had discovered long-hidden family mementos that gave him some perspective on the type of child his uncle once was, as well as the effect his untimely death had on the family. The story resonated with me because my father also had an uncle he never knew. My paternal grandmother had a brother, John, who was almost 16 when he disappeared in 1931. My family didn’t speak much about John, aside from some speculation that he may have hopped a train after he left home. He was never seen or heard from again, and little record of his life is left, aside from his digitized birth certificate, a couple of U.S. Census records, and a colorized portrait on Ancestry.com. In the photo, I can see John’s resemblance to my father and my grandmother, and to me, as well. But the rest of the profile is blank. There are no stories or accounts to flesh out the rest of his identity. I can appreciate Smith’s efforts to get to know a family member he can never meet and the emotions that certainly must have surfaced throughout his research. While this issue celebrates some of the best things Indy has to offer (p. 44) and the potential of a talented young athlete (p. 62), it also delves into a family’s history with a bittersweet promise that those we’ve lost may still share their stories with future generations.

Born and raised in Indiana, Eve Batey now splits her time between an apartment by the beach in San Francisco and a loft in downtown Indy. Her husband and two dogs often join her, making the dogfriendly bars she writes about (p. 44) an imperative. She’s currently a contributor to Vanity Fair and was previously an editor at Eater.com and the San Francisco Chronicle.

Jingo M. de la Rosa Jingo M. de la Rosa is a commercial illustrator, art educator, community artist, and urban sketcher. He has created art for renowned organizations such as Duncan Toys, Sakura of America, the NCAA, and the NBA. Jingo is a native of Manila, Philippines, but now calls Indianapolis his home, where he loves cheering on the Colts as much as the Blue Crew (p. 11).

Andrea Ratcliff Editor-in-Chief

Twinkle VanWinkle

T H E D IS H N E WS L E T T E R

Subscribe at Indianapolis Monthly.com/newsletter to receive a weekly guide to the best of local food and drink.

IM | DECEMBER 2023

Twinkle VanWinkle is the newest addition to the Indianapolis Monthly editorial staff, bringing her palate and experience as a chef to her new role as food and dining editor in August. She is also a musician and mom and is always on the hunt for a kick-ass cup of coffee. ’Tis the season for pairing with a tasty holiday treat, like an eggnog-flavored macaron (p. 38).

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Andrea Ratcliff FEATURES EDITOR

Julia Spalding LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Christina Vercelletto FOOD & DINING EDITOR

Twinkle VanWinkle ASSOCIATE MANAGING EDITOR

Camille Graves DIGITAL EDITOR

Madyson Crane EDITORIAL INTERN

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SPECIAL SEC TIONS CONTENTS ADVERTISING PAGE

DECEMBER

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IN THE NEXT ISSUE ...

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C I RC L E C I T Y

T HE BEAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 ART I FACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 T RADIT IONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 BEST BETS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

SPEED READ

True Blue The Indy Blue Crew celebrates 25 years as the Indianapolis Colts’ zealous, tailgating, year-round, allweather fan club.

Illustration by J I NG O M . D E L A ROSA

DECEMBER 2023 | IM

( SPEED READ CON T I NUE D ) IT WAS A HUMBLE BEGINNING. The Blue Crew began as a small tailgating club in the mid-1990s. Randy Collins, Tim Millikan, Tony Payne, and Eric VanWagner would meet in an empty parking lot just south of the RCA Dome (then home to the Colts) on game day. They recall only three or four other tailgate groups joining them at a time when Reggie Miller and the Indiana Pacers seemed to be the only team in town. “Home games felt like away games. The Green Bay Packers drew more fans than the Colts,” Millikan recollects.

PEYTON MANNING CHANGED EVERYTHING.

To gain support, the crew tried all-night tailgates on Friday nights; Collins spent 24 hours in a port-a-potty in the dead of winter to promote ticket sales; and they handed out posters and T-shirts on behalf of the Colts, sometimes fielding a bit of resistance. “When the Colts were 3-13, some people would be yelling and flipping the bird at us,” recalls Millikan. But Manning would soon prove to be the best recruiter of all, drawing more than 2,000 members to the Blue Crew during his reign as quarterback. (Membership these days is 560.) LESS THAN $50 GETS YOU IN. A one-year membership costs $48.50, which gets you a Blue Crew T-shirt, a beer koozie, a Colts license plate, and a soft cooler. A portion goes to charity. Preferred attire? Colts blue and white, of course. Face and/or body paint is optional but encouraged. Visitors and opposing fans are welcome to join in the tailgating fun, Collins says, as long as everyone plays nice. So far, no one’s ever been asked to leave. 12

IM | DECEMBER 2023

“WE’LL ALWAYS BE HERE WHETHER THE TEAM IS WINNING OR LOSING. THE BLUE CREW IS ABOUT FAMILY AND FRIENDSHIPS.” MEMBERS DON’T LIVE ON HOT DOGS. When construction began on Lucas Oil Stadium in 2005, the Crew moved their tailgating site to a parking lot next to Colts Touchdown Town and a Hail Mary pass away from the front door to the new stadium. Just look for Collins’ Blue Crew firetruck, which is always parked adjacent to VanWagner’s horseshoe bar (which is exactly what it sounds like), known for its socials where attendees toast with shots of blue schnapps. The crew eats well, too, sharing everything from homemade chimichangas and jalapeño poppers to bacon-wrapped pork chops, fried chicken wings, and Creole-style wild game.

extra tickets, transported them to an away game after the bus company they used folded, and showed up in a golf cart on a game day to induct Collins and Joe Fonderoli, the Colts vice president of operations, into the Blue Crew’s Hall of Fame. An even bigger surprise was when Irsay handed out signed $100 bills to stunned Crew members. THEY COME IN PEACE. The Crew takes two bus trips a year to away games, often to Cincinnati. They plan to tailgate with Bengals fans at Paycor Stadium on December 10. “We want to show the NFL that two fan bases can enjoy a game together without a ruckus,” says Crew president Brent Vogel.

THEY CELEBRATED THE COLTS’ SUPER BOWL XLI WIN WITH BEER FROM CHICAGO. Thousands flocked to South Florida for the 2007 Super Bowl showdown. Colts fans took over Miami and ultimately the Bears, beating them 29 to 17 despite a torrential downpour. Once home, Collins recalls, Chicago Mayor Richard Daley sent Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson 32 cases of Goose Island 312 Wheat Ale. But Peterson couldn’t accept it, so the Blue Crew graciously did.

IT’S A 12-MONTH JOB. Activity is yearround, whether they’re on a bar crawl or revving up the firetruck. They’re regulars at the Circle City Classic and Veterans Day parades. Collins dons a blue Santa suit to visit nursing homes during the holidays. The club adopts a charity each year, most recently Little Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to kids with cancer. The Blue Crew also supports Wheeler Mission, last year sponsoring a sock drive.

THEIR BIGGEST SUPPORTER IS JIM IRSAY.

“The Blue Crew has always got our backs,” says the Colts owner. “They’ve been loud and proud at every game ... and are critical to our fan base.” Over the years, he’s provided the Crew with

IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT FOOTBALL. “We’ll always be here whether the team is winning or losing,” Vogel insists. “The Blue Crew is really about family and friendships.” — M A RY M I L Z

PHOTO COURTESY INDY BLUE CREW

THE NAME CAME OUT OF KANSAS CITY.

When the Colts acquired Peyton Manning in 1998 with their first-inline draft pick, Collins and his tailgate buddies decided the Colts deserved a “12th man,” or an official fan club. They credit a Chiefs fan for the moniker. VanWagner says that after the Colts upset the Chiefs in Kansas City in the 1995 divisional playoffs, a woman in the stands patted him on the back and declared, “Good job, blue crew! It’s not easy to come here and beat us.” The group then applied for the trademark.

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( UNSPOKEN RULES )

AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration

ask THE HOOSIERIST

Where’s the Beef?

Q: IS IT TRUE THAT THE ROAST BEEF MANHATTAN WAS INVENTED HERE? A: It’s a strong possibility. The dish (a diagonally cut roast beef sandwich with mashed potatoes between its two halves and beef gravy over the whole works) has two Indiana origin stories. In one, the sammie came about during World War II, when Manhattan-trained workers were transferred to the Naval Ordnance Plant here. The factory’s cafeteria soon produced a sandwich similar to one the workers ate back East, dubbed the Beef Manhattan. Or it might have been born in an eatery whose name has been lost to time. “I’ve always heard that the roast beef Manhattan was created at an Indianapolis diner in the 1940s, but I’ve never been able to pin down the exact one,” says Indianapolis food writer Jolene Ketzenberger. It’s one of two Manhattannamed dishes with no ties to New York City. The other, Manhattan clam chowder, originated in Rhode Island. — S A M S TA L L

THE STATE STAT

57%

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Odds of a white Christmas this year in Indianapolis

Doors open an hour before showtime, so get there early to see costumed characters, hear holiday tunes on the Wurlitzer organ, and grab treats to nibble on. Bring a credit card along with your appetite. Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra shows are cashless, from the bars to the cookie counter. If you have little ones, head upstairs half an hour before the show begins for a seasonal storybook reading. Get your Instagram urges out in the lobby, because no photos or videos are allowed during the performance. Don’t let grandma get run over by a reindeer: Be aware that puppeteers perform in the aisles during songs.

According to the National Weather Service, city residents have awakened to Yuletide white stuff 86 times since 1871. The last burst of X-mas snowﬂakes arrived in 2020.

ILLUSTRATION BY RYAN JOHNSON. YULETIDE PHOTO COURTESY NICK SHOTWELL

A MANNER-FESTO FOR THE HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR AT THE HILBERT CIRCLE THEATRE

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A New Leaf

CARPENTER NATURE PRESERVE IN ZIONSVILLE IS THE LATEST EXAMPLE OF THE NATIONWIDE TREND TOWARD “REWILDING.” BY T I M BU S H

C O-OW NE RS of Wild Birds Unlimited Jim and Nancy CarpenTHE BEAT ter like to walk on the wild side. That’s why they bought the abandoned Wolf Run Golf Course, located at North Michigan Road and State Road 32, from a developer for $5.5 million in 2020. Their plan for it? Nothing. They simply believed the property should be saved for nature, so they grabbed it without knowing what would happen next. “We just said we’d figure out the details later,” says Jim. The town of Zionsville has since purchased it from the Carpenters for about $4.5 million, well below the appraisal of $6.2 million, as part of its commitment to creating green spaces. Yes, the couple took a $1.5 million hit because, realistically, the town was not in a position to pay the going rate. The land has since been named Carpenter Nature Preserve. 16

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The golf course closed in 2017 and sat unused, slowly transforming into what many called an eyesore, a patchwork of decaying buildings entangled in weeds, tall grass, and brush. But to the Carpenters, it was love at first hike. “Wear long sleeves and tuck your pant cuffs into your socks; you don’t want ticks crawling up your legs,” Jim cautioned as I left for Zionsville. I met him, middle-aged with a perfect smile and an unwavering enthusiasm for nature, late in August for a tour of the property. We strapped into his ATV for a ride through the underbrush. Occasionally, we stopped as Jim listened for the sounds of blue grosbeaks, birds that use the area as a fueling station on their migration to Central America. I was put to work looking for monarch butterfly caterpillars on milkweed plants. Their presence, Jim explained, along with the presence of other leaf-eating insects, was a sign that the land had largely recovered

from its pesticide-soaked past. About an hour into our sojourn, we decided to hike in opposite directions. Jim set off looking up, appearing both wonderstruck and hopeful. I must have cut quite a different figure. I ambled on looking down, practically crawling from plant to plant, leaf to leaf like a myopic nomad. In no time, I was acres away from my guide, lost, literally and figurately, in nature. Camouflaged in cockleburs and beggar’s lice, I paused in the tall grass, and for that moment, as cliche as it might sound, I became one with the environment. Adjusting my gaze from the microworld to the landscape, it was easy to imagine Indiana’s wild past, a time when this region was dominated by wetlands and hardwood forests so thick, you couldn’t see the sky through the canopy. Heather Lusk, author of Hidden History of Boone County, Indiana, wrote of the area, “Only a true pioneer would brave such an unpleasant territory. Mosquitoes, frogs, deer, bears, and other wildlife dominated the area, and much of the land was deemed uninhabitable.” In other words, Lusk told me, it was a swamp.

Photos by JIM CARPENTER

My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of crickets. That was my ringtone, actually, which explained why I’d missed previous calls. “Where the heck are you?” Jim asked when I picked up, apologizing. Reunited, I happily reported that I had seen many monarch butterfly caterpillars, as well as other insects, munching away. I also shared my transcendent experience in the wilderness, as it were. “Nature can have that effect on people,” Jim agreed. “That is exactly why we need places like this.” Emily Styron, a self-proclaimed “child of nature” and the outgoing mayor of Zionsville, first visited the property with its previous owner. “I was stunned by the terrain. I could feel the wind, hear the songbirds. I felt the joy of my Girl Scout days. It was magical,” she recalls. “I knew immediately that we had to save this land.” Styron knew that she and others within her administration would need to act fast and find the funds necessary to purchase the property to save it from development. “Yes, it’s true, I started calling anyone and everyone who might be able and willing to donate $1 million,” recalls Styron. “Was I concerned people would think I’d lost my mind? Yes,” she laughs. “In the end, destiny won the day.”

“NATURE CAN HAVE THAT EFFECT ON PEOPLE. THAT IS EXACTLY WHY WE NEED PLACES LIKE THIS.” Destiny came in the form of the Carpenters. As soon as they discovered the property for sale, they purchased it. But that’s a lot of birdseed. “OK,” admits Carpenter, “there was some hesitation. We really had to think about it. It was a huge deal for us. But, in the end, this is what Nancy and I do. We save land.” The Carpenters have also made generous donations of land and funds to the Brown County Nature Conservancy and Newfields. Since being acquired from the Carpenters in September at that deep discount, the land now falls within the

The Four Types of Rewilding

NATURAL BORN PHILANTHROPISTS

We asked Muncie, Indiana, native Kelly Borgmann, a member of the Rewilding Leadership Council at The Rewilding Institute, to break down the concept of rewilding.

Nancy and Jim Carpenter were key to the creation of a 215-acre nature preserve, the largest in Boone County when it’s completed.

responsibility of the Zionsville Parks and Recreation Department. “First comes roads, then trails, parking lots, and restrooms. We hope to welcome our first visitor sometime in 2026,” says parks director Jarod Logsdon. The Carpenter Nature Preserve will have wetlands, woodlands, and grasslands, as well as a nature center, outdoor classroom, boardwalks, nature viewing areas, and a nature-themed playground. Will paradise be lost? “No,” assures Logsdon. “The amenities will be kept to the perimeter.” Meanwhile, the land continues its unabated rewilding. On October 5, a dedication ceremony was held at the property, where Jim and Nancy Carpenter were presented with the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash award by Governor Holcomb. Nancy, who is founder of the Zionsville Parks Foundation, doesn’t much enjoy talking about the facts and figures of all this. She would rather share the joy she derives from nature. Nancy spent her early career as a naturalist at Turkey Run State Park, but her affinity for nature wasn’t born on hiking trails or in the science classes she taught at Park Tudor. “It came from my grandfather,” she shares. Her grandpa was, in a sense, an early adopter of rewilding. “He would talk to me about the importance of nature. I would follow him into the uncultivated fields of his farm north of Fort Wayne, where he would use a slingshot to fling acorns out into fields. He told me he was creating forests,” she laughs. “My granddad was right. We should all be creating forests.”

PASSI V E

This hands-off approach in letting land return to a wild state allows nature to take the lead in balancing ecological systems. “The Carpenter Nature Preserve sounds like a good example of passive rewilding,” says Borgmann. LANDSCAPI NG

Homeowners can rewild their yards by removing invasive plants and trees and replacing them with natives. Planting a pollinator garden counts, too. T RANSLO CAT ION

Often controversial, this involves intentionally reintroducing imperiled species, including large carnivores like wolves and coyotes, back into their native ecosystems. PLE ISTO CE NE

Consider this Rewilding, the Extreme Version. Here, the flora and fauna of the last ice age is brought back to life.

DECEMBER 2023 | IM

ARTIFACT

INDIANA STATE RIFLE VINTAGE: EARLY 1800S

AS ONE OF only 10 dedicated state firearms in the country, Indiana’s state rifle, known as the Grouseland Rifle, was masterfully crafted sometime between 1803 and 1812. The opulent, 61.5-inch-long shooter was fashioned by John Small, a Revolutionary War veteran, a militia officer, a territorial legislator, the first sheriff of Indiana, and the best gunsmith west of the Appalachians. His intricate handiwork is seen in the silver inlays on the octagonal barrel, the cascading brass scrollwork on the curly maple stock surrounding the patch box (a small storage compartment), which features the angel Gabriel, and the silver medallion on the other side of the stock boasting a military emblem. The rifle is on permanent display at Grouseland Mansion, museum home of ninth president William Henry Harrison. — A S H L E Y N I X

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PHOTO BY TONY VALAINIS

Resides at William Henry Harrison’s Grouseland, Vincennes

Illustration by CHLOE ZOLA

( T R A D I T I O NS )

The Polar Distress

THE SANTA-SCAPE HAS CHANGED. HERE’S WHY ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS HOLIDAY ICONS MIGHT NOT BE COMING TO TOWN AFTER ALL. BY S A M S TA L L T H E T RADE, as it were, of Santa Clausing goes back to 1890, when the first live Father Christmas appeared in a Boston department store. Fast forward to a decade ago when stores were getting away with conscripting random sullen employees to don fake beards and suits stuffed with pillows. But those days are gone. Shoppers, parents, and even kids, more precocious than ever, now demand an authentic Santa experience with someone who truly looks and acts the part. But getting a Santa who really sleighs can cost businesses a small fortune, if they can find one at all. Mitch Allen, founder of the national Santa booking agency HireSanta, feels the bite of a Santa shortage. The workers he does have command $40

IM | DECEMBER 2023

to $200 an hour, depending on the length, date, time, and location of the job. His company fields several dozen Santas in Central Indiana. On a contract lasting from mid-November to December 24, a right jolly old elf here earns $5,000 to $12,000. But how did it come to be that a Santa commands higher comparative wages than a college professor? It all began, like so much else, with Covid. When public gatherings, the bread and butter of North Pole denizens, shut down, some of the then-idle Kris Kringles found other part-time work that turned out to be more agreeable. But a bigger issue resonates. “I’m in my 50s, but a lot of Santas are retired guys,” says local pro Santa Gary Stader. “So they’re concerned about

their health. We had a couple in the Indianapolis area who passed away from Covid.” Those deaths led many to hang up their costumes. Typical St. Nick entertainers are in their 60s or 70s and overweight, which puts them at high risk for complications from Covid and even the flu. Yet being younger than 60 does not alone make being Santa more agreeable. A short list of the requisite skills includes: diplomacy (for wrangling crowds), stamina (for long hours), superhuman patience, and a high pain tolerance—Stader can’t count the number of times he’s gone home bloodied from (usually accidental) kicks to the shins. Oh, and Misters Claus doing TV appearances or Zoom visits must look relatively good on camera and be able to recite scripts. As the ranks of the willing and suitable dwindle, demand has only gone up. After all, Santa is a comforting symbol of childhood innocence, an escape from the barrage of bad news. For his part, Stader has gone all out on his Claus persona, growing a long beard (and a 100-percent real belly like a bowl full of jelly). He sports several top-quality costumes, including a stylish summer ensemble for the occasional Christmas in July stint, and commands a carefully honed kid- and parent-friendly stream of banter. To get in character, Stader bleaches his naturally darkish hair and beard snow white and keeps both looking lustrous. (Serious Santas are not above borrowing styling products from teenage granddaughters.) Stader spent last year’s holiday season jetting around the country as part of a short-notice service: the Santa Swat Team. “I had to be available on 24-hour notice. They covered airfare, hotel, rental car, everything,” he says. For those as committed as Stader, it can be an exciting gig, but the merriment is by nature fleeting. Stader gets post-Christmas letdown and finds himself mindlessly waving and smiling at perplexed families well into January. “You’re the most famous, sought-after person in the world for six weeks. Then one day you wake up and you’re just a fat guy with a halfwhite beard who’s walking around in the cold waving at people,” he laments. Today’s Santas may be well paid, but it’s still not easy being red.

BEST BETS

4 PHOTO CREDITS: (1) BY ZACH ROSING; (2) COURTESY INDIANA CONVENTION CENTER & LUCAS OIL STADIUM; (3) BY STEVE RAPPORT PHOTOGRAPHY; (4) COURTESY NUTCRACKER! MAGICAL CHRISTMAS BALLET; (5) BY TONY VALAINIS; ADOBE STOCK ART: BY VALERIIA KALINOVA

12 2023

THIS MONTH’S CAN’T-MISS EVENTS

(1) Charles Dickens’

(2) Big Ten Football

ongoing–December 24 Banish the bah-humbugs at the Indiana Repertory Theatre, where the classic Victorian-era novella comes to new life on stage. “God bless us every one!” irtlive.com

December 2 The conference’s two best teams meet at Lucas Oil Stadium to vie for the Stagg trophy in a contest that can earn them a berth in the Rose Bowl Game or the College Football Playoff. bigten.org

A Christmas Carol

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Championship

(3) Nutcracker!

Magical Christmas Ballet December 5 This special production at the Murat Theatre holds surprises, including the incorporation of circus techniques and a Christmas tree crafted by European artisans that grows to 100 feet. nutcracker.com

(4) Creole Christmas

(5) Pacers v. Knicks

December 9 Don’t miss a chance to ring in the holidays Big Easy style. The Preservation Hall Jazz Band is celebrating its 60th anniversary with a performance at the Palladium. thecenterpresents.org

December 30 In the final exciting game of 2023, our Pacers tip off against the New York Knicks at 7 p.m. at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. nba.com/pacers

I l l u s t r a t i o n b y H AT S U E

C OX HALL GAR D E NS AND MANSIO N

Photography by Chloe Luka Photography

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S H O P TA L K. . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 M Y L O O K . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

G O OD L I F E

T R E N D I NG. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 R E A LT Y C H E C K . . . . . 30 T R AV E L E R . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

PHOTO BY TONY VALAINIS

WANTED

Feather Your Nest

Adorn your entry this season with a stunning wreath of … chicken feathers! Laura Karr of Lebanon crafts each surprisingly chic wreath to order in an array of patterns and hues and several sizes. Karr worked in agricultural research prior to retiring to raise heritage poultry and peafowl. Of all her cluckers, she is particularly fond of the Speckled Sussexes. “They are spectacularly colored and patterned and are the chattiest of all the breeds I have raised.” This 17-inch, elegant creation is made of feathers from the Black Australorp, Barred Rock, and Ameraucana breeds. $55. Email kgacresfarm@gmail.com to order. — C H R I S T I NA V E R C E L L E T T O DECEMBER 2023 | IM

MY LOOK

Baseline Social ADDRESS

727 Hanover Pl., Carmel HOU RS

Mon–Fri 10 a.m.– 5 p.m., Sat 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Maxie

Owner, Nap or Nothing

Sweet Spot

Fashion that represents the city of Naptown to the fullest. The colors are popping. We’re pushing the culture forward, not only through the messaging but [also] through different designs and logos.

A NEW BOUTIQUE FOR RACKET SPORTS SCORES MAJOR STYLE POINTS. BY M E G A N F E R NA N D E Z

WHERE ELSE DO YOU SHOP?

EV E RYONE is wearing tennis skirts these days, whether

they’ve ever set foot on a court or not. Kristyn Davidson (middle, above) brings the retail expertise she gained at Oliver’s Twist Weddings to the only tennis specialty store in Indianapolis. She has teamed up with two friends from Carmel Racquet Club (Rodie Zalaznik, left, and Katy Rhinehart, right) to stock high-end brands that the pro shops don’t, including Cynthia Rowley, Johnny Was, and Addison Bay. Her love of the game comes through in the stylish selection of designer court outfits and tennis-themed gifts. Look for Fenix Sportier’s Italian leather racket bag and the matching visor, as well as the California line’s clear tote bags with trim in the same premium leather. Chic selections range from vintage tennis style, typified by Lacoste sweater vests, to contemporary picks for the home, such as Katie Kime trays and ice buckets with preppy racket motifs. Tangerine’s Le Tennis or Le Pickle sweaters are love at first sight, and either is the perfect court-to-cocktails choice this winter. 26

IM | DECEMBER 2023

Since high school, I’ve been getting clothes and sneakers at Hangtime at 38th and Meridian. 5

WHAT ARE YOUR GO-TO WINTER LOOKS?

SCOUTED (1) Lacoste Shorty tennis dress, $135 (2) Baseline Social logo cap, $30 (3)

Fenix Sportier pickleballracket crossbody bag, $325 (4) Katie Kime lucite tray, $118, and ice bucket, $88 (5) Tangerine crew neck sweaters, $136 each

Sweatsuits and hoodies. I’m back in the sweater game with some freshass cardigans. I wear a snapback in any weather if the outﬁt demands it, but it’s beanie season. ANY STYLE RULES?

I’ve got to have socks that match my outﬁt! —SETH JOHNSON

PHOTOS BY TONY VALAINIS

( SHOP TALK )

WHAT IS YOUR MASS AVE BOUTIQUE KNOWN FOR?

Wishing you (and the world) a peaceful season.

4905 E. 82nd Street | Indianapolis, IN 46250 | 317.578.7000

houseworks.biz

TRENDING

Opulence THESE HOLIDAY PARTY-READY LOAFERS, FLATS, AND SLIPONS ARE AS COMFORTABLE AS THEY ARE POSH.

BY S T E P H E N G A R S TA N G

(1) Steve Madden Elina

(2) Collection

(3) Sam Edelman

(4) Handmade

(5) Vicenze bow

(6) The Ezra slipper

ﬂats with rhinestone bow in black satin. Also available in light denim. $89. Macy’s, Castleton Square Mall, macys.com

dotted velvet men’s loafers with leather trim in anenome. $298. Saks Fifth Avenue, The Fashion Mall, saks.com

sequin Loraine Bit loafers with gleaming golden bit hardware. $160. Nordstrom, The Fashion Mall, nordstrom.com

embellished Elina Linardaki Aline loafers in suede. $358. 14 Districts, Carmel City Center, 14-districts.com

Mary Jane ﬂats in silver. Also available in gold. $160. Anthropologie, The Fashion Mall, anthropologie.com

in desert olive velvet. Also available in dried cedar velvet. $50. Madewell, The Fashion Mall, madewell.com

IM | DECEMBER 2023

PHOTOS BY TONY VALAINIS

A gift they’ll

( THIS OR T HAT ? )

Break the Bank MONEY MAY NOT BUY HAPPINESS, BUT WHEN PRICE IS NO OBJECT, YOU CAN SURE GET ONE HECK OF A HOUSE. BY J E A NA H A R R I S

FISHERS PHOTOS COURTESY GRAHAM PHOTOGRAPHY. ZIONSVILLE PHOTOS COURTESY THE ONE PACKAGE. PROPERTIES WERE LISTED WHEN ARTICLE WAS PREPARED.

FOR T H E elite few shopping REALTY for homes in the CHECK eye-watering $8 million range, here are two glorious palaces. Their square footage is so vast that you may wonder if intercom systems should make a comeback.

The Fishers Mansion If modern vintage style is what you’re after, then this beauty in the Hamilton Proper neighborhood will make your heart leap. Timeless features like wide plank hardwoods, arched doorways, decorative paneling, and extensive trim blend seamlessly with more modern touches like punchy wallpaper and contemporary lighting. The master suite is in a league of its own. A two-sided fireplace separates a cozy sitting room from the rest of the bedroom, which also features an enormous his and hers wardrobe (complete with coffee bar, of course) and marble bathroom. If you like to be outside on nice evenings, you can whip up something in the outdoor kitchen and then enjoy an alfresco dinner on the lanai. The Zionsville Estate With an open concept and a bright-white and cool-gray palette accented by black hardware and light fixtures, this regal home wows modern design enthusiasts. You’ll want to throw a party weekly just to use all the fabulous spaces. Summertime soirees can take place poolside and spill into the lower-level walkout or the pool house. Cooking for a holiday crowd will be a breeze in the sleek kitchen with a butler’s pantry that boasts prep space, a second sink and oven, and a wine fridge. 30

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11101 W. Hawthorn Ridge, Fishers BEDROOMS 7 BATHROOMS 7.5+ SQUARE FOOTAGE 16,736 YEAR BUILT 2005 WINNING EXTRA Indoor basketball court REALTOR Circle Real Estate LOT SIZE 6.8 acres

9915 E. 300 S, Zionsville BEDROOMS 7 BATHROOMS 8.5+ SQUARE FOOTAGE 18,279 YEAR BUILT 1999 WINNING EXTRA Two-story guest house REALTOR Exp Realty LOT SIZE 8.2 acres

WE NAIL THE CONCEPT Woodstock is custom design and ﬁne homebuilding, up close and personal. At every point in the building process, you work directly with our owners, Bob Slawson and Nick Winings. Bob designs and creates the plans. Nick brings them to life. With premium lots in Hamilton County’s most sought-after neighborhoods and several quick move-in opportunities underway, we’ll create a home worthy of your dream lifestyle. It all starts with a conversation. To learn more about Woodstock and see examples of our lifestyle home design, visit WoodstockCustomHomes.com or swing by and take a personal tour of our fully-decorated model home in Westﬁeld’s Reserve on South neighborhood. 17129 Sanders Farm Circle is open every Saturday & Sunday 12-4.

Hot Springs, AR DISTANC E

635 miles DRI V E T I M E

9.5 hours

Spring to Life A MOUNTAIN CITY CALLS, WITH SPARKLING LAKES, SUCCULENT BURGERS, AND AN URBAN NATIONAL PARK. B Y C H R I S T I NA V E R C E L L E T T O “T H E GRASS is

greener on the other side” takes on new TRAVELER meaning in Hot Springs. One side of town is Hot Springs National Park and Bathhouse Row, a National Historic Landmark, while across the dividing line, Central Avenue, is a bustling downtown of shops and eateries. The mineral-rich water of the eponymous springs, where folks have been soaking for ages, are said to have health perks, but only two of the eight ornate stone bathhouses still serve that purpose. The circa 1922 Quapaw Baths & Spa (quapawbaths.com) boasts an ancient Roman vibe with its grotto-esque pool and stunning tiled dome. A ranger-led tour of Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and Museum (nps .gov/hosp) looks at early-1900s bathhouses and the western edge of the national park. The water from the 47 springs bubbles out at 143 degrees and, amazingly, what comes out today fell as rain around the time the Great Pyramid at Giza was built. 32

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Fill up a bottle with pure spring water from the fountains, then head up Hot Springs Mountain to hike. The silicaloaded water is also to thank for one of the world’s richest deposits of quartz crystals. Book a guided dig at Avant Mining (avantfishermtn.com), and you’ll leave with shimmering, sizeable specimens—Avant pieces are even in the Smithsonian. The on-site museum houses crystal relics from around the world, such as a 1500s Spanish flask, a 330 B.C. Egyptian amulet, and an 800s Viking pendant. Soothe your spirit at tranquil Garvan Woodland Gardens (garvangardens .org), where myriad paths lead through magical landscapes. Highlights include a striking treehouse and a chapel by architect E. Fay Jones, peaceful lakeside sitting spots, a fairy garden, and expanses of daffodils and tulips in spring. End a day at the lively The Ohio Club (theohioclub .com). Al Capone was a regular and left the bullet holes to prove it. These days, Arkansas’ oldest bar is known for its seven hand-pattied, proprietary-beef burgers.

IF YOU GO STAY For a prime loca-

tion and a reﬁned vibe in a 1913 building, choose The Waters Hotel (340 Central Ave., 501-3210001, thewatershs.com).

QUAFF Superior Bath-

house Brewery (329 Central Ave., 501-6242337, superiorbathhouse .com) is the world’s ﬁrst to brew thermal spring water beer.

CAFFEINATE Familyrun Kollective (110 Central Ave., 501-701-4000, kollectivecoffeetea.com) serves organic java using a unique pour-over method. LEARN hotsprings.org

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GiFT Gi iFT C CARD ARD P PROMOTiON ROMOTiON )ïƏÊ űéÊ ßïÞű ĮÞ ÊĒÊß Ġű ÃïĠïĠßʼ

ROAD T RI P . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

12 2023

CHE E RS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 T HE FE E D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

T H E DI S H

PI NCH OF WISD OM . . . . . 36 TAST E T EST . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 FO ODI E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 REVI EW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

SWOON

Key Ingredient

Succulent strawberry slices sit perched atop a generous portion of luxurious vanilla-scented Chantilly cream—a delicate, delectable adornment to the Tipsy Mermaid’s house-made Key lime pie. A generous sprinkle of Key lime zest and toasted coconut ﬁnish off this thick slice, making one’s mind wander to ocean breezes with each bite. Pair it with a piña colada or daiquiri and let the coastal vibes wash over you. The destination restaurant concept, opened in July by Shari Jenkins and Mark Hagan, brings more than just coastal cuisine. Hemingway lore, curated cocktails, and friendly vibes are also on the menu. 135 S. Main St., Zionsville, 317-973-8795, tipsymermaid.com —TWINKLE VANWINKLE

P h o t o b y J E S N I JJ E R

DECEMBER 2023 | IM

PINCH OF WISDOM “Dream bigger. Sometimes what we think we want in life is a lot easier to achieve than originally thought. And then what? Make sure to have something to show up for, something to keep you moving forward and hopeful.” —Brooke Vaughn, owner of Please & Thank You chocolate chip cookie bakery and coffee shop

( ROAD TRI P )

Outstanding in Its Field LOCAL CULT FAVORITE FOR DESTINATION DINING, BONGE’S TAVERN GETS A NEW OWNER. BY T W I N K L E VA N W I N K L E I N T H E M I DST of a bunch of 900 wests and 200 norths, desolate four-way stops, and rows and rows of cornfields northeast of Indy, you’ll come upon a bright red barn with a green tin roof. You have successfully found the near century-old Bonge’s Tavern. It’s a ready reminder that you aren’t lost, and you have reached enlightenment—as far as pork tenderloins go, that is. The tavern’s sale in September may have caused a little concern for longtime fans, but Jake Burgess, who runs Burgess Restaurant Group, promises to carry on its most beloved traditions—specifically the Perkinsville Pork—with help from Dean Sample as executive chef. The name of the juicy, perfectly fried frisbee of a tenderloin remains scrawled at the top of the old chalkboard above the bar. Other menu faves, like the beloved sea trout, are still on offer. And the sugar cream cake will always be the perfect ending before the drive home. 9830 W. 280 N., Perkinsville, 765-734-1625, bongestavern.com

THE FEED

( CHEERS )

In High Gear The HandleBar owners open a pedal-up hub for downtown day drinking. TWELVE YEARS ago, Steve and Brian Lindsay cranked into town with their ﬁrst HandleBar, a 16-seat bicycle imported from Amsterdam that cruised the streets of downtown while its beer-swigging occupants provided the pedal power for a party on wheels. This summer, the brothers opened a warehousestyle bar, restaurant, and bicycle garage, The Hangar. The 7,500-square-foot space caters to more than just the bike gang. “Our goal is to create a hub for experiences,” says Steve, who is counting on mounted ﬂat screens, golf simulators, rentable e-bikes, and a DIY craft room to pull in business. 501 Madison Ave., 317620-1448, hangarindy .com —JULIA SPALDING

CHEF’S KISS Two-time James Beard Award nominee Aaron Butts is now chef and owner of Bistro Nota in Fort Wayne. PATIO SEASONING Construction at the new Four Day Ray location in Yorktown has started, with plans to open in March 2024. SLICE OF LIFE Cunningham Restaurant Group opens Theo’s Italian, a new Roman-style pizza and elevated pasta place in Plainfield.

IM | DECEMBER 2023

W ORLDS A WAY and J UST A ROUND the C ORNER

S H O P. D I N E . E N J OY. L I V E .

L O C AT E D AT T H E S O U T H W E S T C O R N E R O F C I T Y C E N T E R D R I V E A N D R A N G E L I N E R OA D CARMELCITYCENTER.COM

Nog-Offs FRAGRANT WITH NUTMEG AND VANILLA, SILKY EGGNOG IS COMING OUT OF HIBERNATION TO MAKE ITS ANNUAL HOLIDAY ROUNDS IN BOTH TRADITIONAL FORM AND IN SOME UNIQUE INTERPRETATIONS. HERE’S WHERE TO FIND THE CREAM THAT RISES TO THE TOP AROUND INDY. BY A M Y LY N C H

TASTE TEST

Traders Point Creamery

Made with milk from their grass-fed cows, this high-butterfat sipper is a beauty. Snag some at their farm store quick—it sells out fast—or linger over an eggnog cocktail at The Loft. 9101 Moore Rd., Zionsville, 317-733-1700, traderspointcreamery.com

Lick Ice Cream

Lick does not skimp on ingredients, throwing cognac, rum, and fresh nutmeg into this noggy ice cream. “Before we added booze, it was missing that oomph!” owner Meredith Kong laughs. The Garage food hall; 1049 E. 54th St.; 317-979-0237

Tulip Tree Creamery

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Macaron Bar

From Black Friday through Christmas, this Mass Ave confectionary laces white chocolate ganache with nutmeg and rum extract, then sandwiches it between almond meringues for the perfect bite of quintessential eggnog ﬂavor. A little extra spice on the shell is the icing on the cake—so to speak. 425 Massachusetts Ave., 317-762-6443, macaron-bar.com

PHOTO BY TONY VALAINIS

Dutch dairy king Fons Smits ﬂexes his culinary skills by infusing a rich pudding base with perfectly balanced nutmeg, vanilla, and rum ﬂavoring to sell at local winter farmers markets and the creamery’s own holiday pop-up events. 6330 Corporate Dr., 317-399-8086, tuliptreecreamery.com

Soup’s On DI NE RS AT 9th Street Bistro got an early taste of chef FOODIE Samir Mohammad’s fascination with Asian broths during the restaurant’s occasional ramen pop-ups. Mohammad used the dinners to workshop his next venture, The Ramen Shop. Expected to open early next summer, the noodle restaurant with a lower-level speakeasy will focus on soups and appetizers in the historic Lacy Arts Building in downtown Noblesville, two blocks from the 35-seat bistro Mohammad and his wife, Rachel Firestone Mohammad, launched in 2020. For the Colorado transplants, Noblesville continues to be the perfect place to open a restaurant. “We just fell in love with its small-town charm. It has preserved historic parts, but it’s also very progressive and kind of hip,” says Mohammad, who grew up in Taos, New Mexico. “[It’s] a foodie town, so to speak,” he says. Since the age of 12, he has worked in restaurants, including that of his uncle, Damon Simonton, who specializes in Northern New Mexico

FAVORITE THINGS (1) Debbie’s Daughters. “It’s a Noblesville sandwich shop we go to quite a bit.” (2)

Tongs. “There’s not much you can’t do with them.” (3) Chicago speakeasies. “We have been doing a lot of research. One that we really loved was Lazy Bird.” (4) Tian Fu. “One of my favorite Chinese dim sum places.” (5) Singapore. “I loved spending time in Singapore. You can get tons of different styles of Asian food in these little food markets called hawkers markets.” 40

IM | DECEMBER 2023

cuisine and was a semifinalist for the 2009 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest. “He was always a role model for me,” says Mohammad. “Once I was able to work in a restaurant with him, it started to seem like a career path for me.” In time, he followed in his uncle’s footsteps, garnering a Best Chef: Great Lakes nomination in this year’s James

Beard competition. The Ramen Shop concept was informed at least in part by Mohammad’s travels as a consultant for a company that owns surf resorts in Samoa, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Maldives, and Indonesia. But the chef says he’s aiming for simplicity over authenticity. “It’s important to let people have fun with it.”

1 4 2

3 5

PHOTO BY TONY VALAINIS: RETOUCHING BY ANDREW DAVIS

9TH STREET BISTRO’S JAMES BEARD–NOMINATED CHEF DIPS HIS CHOPSTICKS INTO THE WORLD OF RAMEN. B Y J U L I A S PA L D I N G

, R S E T V S D E O N B C A S S , R I D O U S TS I T E Y O OR M AV F

t us f. j ou rsel y n— you are w to for qu n S ow d it ile D ll ﬁ n nAM a o It’s ve t Tha h a ore #M

UP CELLAR

Staking a Claim

63 N. Baldwin St., Bargersville, 317-533-0845, theupcellar.com HOURS

Wed–Sun 5–11 p.m.

BARGERSVILLE’S NEW UPSTAIRS SPEAKEASY-STYLE RESTAURANT SATISFIES THE SOUTH SIDE’S NEED FOR UPSCALE STEAK AND WINE. BY T E R RY K I RT S

VIBE

OF ALL T H E spinoffs of the original Taxman Brewing Company conREVIEW cept—far-flung gastropubs, farm-to-table fare, Neapolitan pizza, and, as of late spring, a bakery featuring flaky croissants and house-made gelato—steak was the one we didn’t see coming. It wasn’t exactly in Leah and Nathan Huelsebusch’s crystal ball, either. They had their eyes on other business ventures, including the purchase of an iconic 6,800-square-foot grain elevator within sight of their original operation. But the couple who conceived of a Belgian-inspired brewery in a defunct bolt factory in Bargersville in 2014—and no doubt had a hand in the sleepy burg’s recent population surge—had hoped they might rouse other entrepreneurs to join the southside awakening. When none

TASTING NOTES

IM | DECEMBER 2023

did, the wheels started turning. “We kept hearing from our customers that what the south side needed was a great steakhouse,” Nathan says, “something a cut above nearby strip mall steak chains.” They were already renovating the historic Masonic lodge that shared a wall with their recently opened Pizza & Libations, which came with a bonus second-floor space with a hidden entrance. The well-documented three-year sojourn they took in Belgium—which inspired Taxman—had also included jaunts to wine regions and bistros in France. Could the old lodge be the place to feature one of their other culinary loves? Why not? they thought. The result is Up Cellar, a speakeasy-style spot for steak and spirits that, matching its unassuming signage and shadowy stairwell entryway, opened with almost no fanfare in May. But that’s what makes it—both for

Steakhouse speakeasy Steakhouse standards with hearty sides, solid seafood offerings, and seasonally inspired creations sourced from local producers, such as Fischer Farms and Heirloom Acres NEIGHBORHOOD

Bargersville MUST-ORDER

A crispy crabcake pairs with a smoked lavender Sazerac to start. A kale Caesar and well-seared sirloin are great bets. Finish with a not-too-sweet molten chocolate cake.

locals in the know and for the intrepid Indy folk who brave the half-hour drive south—so unexpected. At the top of the stairs waits an equally low-lit supper club lined with banquette seating, finished in a subdued palette of gray and taupe. What light there is comes mainly from cut-glass midcentury chandeliers and a row of vintage wall sconces hung from black-and-white graphic paintings, all of which lends a slightly Gatsby-esque aura to the place (belied by a heavy-handed soundtrack of rock classics reinterpreted as jazz). It’s sleek and just out-of-the-box enough to feel like a destination. A recent retooling under executive chef Cole Padgett standardized the menus across all the Huelsebusches’ brewpub locations, but burgers, frites, hearty salads, and dressed-up Brussels sprouts have long been local standards, making selling beer and pub food a forgiving venture. Getting the formula for wine and steak right is trickier, as the Huelsebusches found out in the five months since they opened Up Cellar. One thing the Up Cellar kitchen got right at the start is the house crabcake, which alone can garner plenty of reviewers’ stars. A mountain of sweet lump crab meat is held together with a light but sturdy crust of breadcrumbs that acts as a textural counterpoint. Cool shavings of fennel and slices of grapefruit are far from expected garnishes, as are artful dollops of smoky, orange-scented aioli in two colors. The dish is portioned easily enough for four, extravagantly for two. It’s great with your first sip of pinot or perhaps even better with a playful cocktail, such as the earthy, smoked lavender

P h o t o s b y T O N Y VA L A I N I S

Sazerac, presented with a wooden lid that opens to reveal wisps of aromatic smoke. Salads, though, vary mysteriously—one night you may get a watery chopped salad with scant, chewy toppings and another, a garden-fresh kale Caesar with a refreshingly garlic-forward dressing. Steaks, well-seared but not aggressively so, stand up to those at respected chophouses, but are drenched in bearnaise sauce. Tasting the meat is near impossible. Ordered sans sauce, the fullflavored sirloin is succulent and expertly seasoned. A tender, cooked-to-medium Fischer Farms pork chop is also better without its thick crust of blue cheese and peaches, but the scallops accompanied by maitake mushrooms and the salmon garnished with a bright mango-cucumber salsa show restraint among the seafood offerings. A Maple Leaf Farms duck breast atop a silky sweet potato puree is worth forgoing steak, owing to the juicy pink center and the interplay of coarse salt with fruity blackberry merlot sauce.

Clockwise from left: the house crabcake garnished with grapefruit and fennel; executive chef Cole Padgett with the Huelsebusches; a smoked lavender Sazerac; scallops with maitake mushrooms.

Desserts stay in familiar steakhouse territory. A scoop of gelato from the Cellar Market downstairs is a good choice, especially pistachio or salted caramel. By contrast, the nearly obligatory molten chocolate cake is a nice departure, much more an actual cake with a moist crumb than typical liquid-center versions, with a welcome bittersweet edge. Just when we started pining for the simpler days of a freshly tapped farmhouse ale and a salmon club, we realize the Huelsebusches are on their way to another hit in the bucolic village that first made them famous. DECEMBER 2023 | IM

OUR ANNUAL LIST OF REASONS TO LOVE THE CIRCLE CITY

BY Robert Annis, Eve Batey, Christiana Bertsch, Maura Broderson, Madyson Crane, Megan Fernandez, Camille Graves, Laura Kruty, Amy Lynch, Ashley Nix, Andrea Ratcliff, Twinkle VanWinkle, and Christina Vercelletto

Edited by Julia Spalding illustration by mary kate mcdevitt 44

IM | DECEMBER 2023

The original roundup of Indianapoli superlatives is bs ac Time to update k. those bucket list s.

PHOTO COURTESY PACERS/MATT KRYGER

Community Space

Sure, downtown’s newest gathering space, Bicentennial Unity Plaza at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, looks great, with its large, gleaming metal sculptures and mural of notable Hoosiers. But its versatility is what we’re most excited about. The sunken basketball court, which will transform into an ice-skating rink this winter, has already hosted fitness classes, a concert, and a screening of Hoosiers. NBA AllStar Game festivities, pre-concert parties, Big Ten tournament pep rallies, and just about any community event will all be right at home here. A multilevel restaurant/ entertainment complex by Cunningham Restaurant Group is forthcoming. 117 S. Pennsylvania St., gainbridgefieldhouse.com DECEMBER 2023 | IM

Fever Player After six straight sub-.500 seasons from 2017 to 2022, the Indiana Fever desperately needed a shot in the arm. Enter Aliyah Boston. The No. 1 overall draft pick followed up her All-American collegiate career with an impressive first-year campaign with the Fever, netting her the WNBA Rookie of the Year honor unanimously. Averaging nearly 15 points and eight rebounds a game, the 6-foot-5 center is the first rookie to lead the league in field goal percentage (57.8) and the second Fever player to earn Rookie of the Year accolades. With Boston as their star player, the Fever are well on their way to bouncing back. feverbasketball.com 46

IM | DECEMBER 2023

BOSTON PHOTO COURTESY INDIANA FEVER; MATEJKA PHOTO BY KARA MATEJKA; THEATER PHOTOS BY THE SILVER EROH PHOTOGRAPHY + HOSPITALITY; STUTZ PHOTO BY TONY VALAINIS

C U LT U R E

CULTURE

Theater Collective

Champion of the Arts

The idea for Naptown African American Theatre Collective came to LaKesha Lorene in 2021, and after two years of gathering support and planning, the group debuted its first two shows, Black Book and Detroit ’67, this year. As the first Black-operated member of the Actors’ Equity Association in Indianapolis, NAATC’s mission is to create a sustainable source of opportunities for Black performers and showcase Black playwrights in Indy, where roles, pay, and representation have historically been sparse. NAATC also hosts community conversations and an Instagram Live show. naatcinc.org

Adrian Matejka has a longstanding fascination with boxer Jack Johnson, and no wonder. Like the boxing great, the former Indiana Poet Laureate (2018–19) and newly appointed editor of Poetry magazine is a champion himself, though of a different kind. A tireless advocate of the arts—frequently collaborating with Indiana Humanities—and other creators, Matejka’s most recent work, Last on His Feet: Jack Johnson and the Battle of the Century, showcases the gripping illustrations of comic artist Youssef Daoudi as it revisits the heartpounding Jim Crow–era match that made Johnson unforgettable. The project is based on Matejka’s Pulitzer Prize–nominated book of poetry about the complicated legend, The Big Smoke. adrianmatejka.com

New Museum One car museum isn’t enough for a city with our automotive history. At 10,000 square feet, the Stutz Car Museum opened this year as part of the historic building’s $100 million renovation, putting Turner Woodard’s private collection on public display for the first time. It’s free to cruise into the street-level spot tucked into the Stutz’s new restaurant row and check out the dozen mint-condition vintage beauties, including a Stutz Bearcat, often called America’s first sports car. 1060 N. Capitol Ave., 317-488-7374, turnerwoodard.com/the-stutz-museum.php DECEMBER 2023 | IM

CULTURE Reading Nooks

Open since August, the 22,000-square-foot Fort Ben branch of the Indianapolis Public Library manages to be spacious and airy while also feeling intimate and warm. The first library in the state to become a Certified Autism Center, its modern interior is punctuated by patterned accent walls in serene shades of blue and green, with plenty of comfortable seating areas to hunker down. On a Saturday afternoon, you might find all the private study rooms occupied, but available tables by the windows provide workspaces with ample natural light. The best spot? The back corner, where watery, teal-colored subway tile surrounds a fireplace on the back wall. 9330 E. 56th St., 317-275-4570, indypl.org

Philip Smith co-founded The Philippines Cultural Community Center for two reasons: to give members of Indy’s Asian community a place to connect and to share Philippine culture with those outside the group. Started in late 2020 in a small suite, it’s since moved to a 9,000-square-foot building with a daycare, gathering spaces, and a community food venue called Indiana Kitchen of Culture, where on some nights you may find a Filipino cooking demo. The center also houses an art gallery and museum and hosts career-building classes, drag nights, and regular karaoke and open mic events. “Even if you’re not Filipino,” Smith says, “you’re welcome to take a seat at our table.” 4141 S. East St., 317-721-6217, phcenter.org 48

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Light Show Following in the footsteps of Blink Cincinnati and The Lume, Carmel’s new seasonally evolving projection-mapped Palladiscope extravaganza dazzles as it transforms the facade of the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts into an animated masterpiece. BYO chair or blanket and take in the spectacle as 12 projectors bathe the building in shifting images set to music. The nightly show starts at sundown and repeats every half hour. 1 Carter Green, Carmel, palladiscope.com

Reality TV Star Gerry Turner of Hudson, Indiana, may be the star of Hulu’s first season of The Golden Bachelor, but he’s a total silver fox. The retired restaurateur gave us a refreshingly wholesome slice of reality TV life. The gallantly goofy, 72-years-young Gerry drew the biggest Bachelor audience in years, taking us along for the ride through laughter, tears, and wide-eyed delight in every episode. Married for 43 years to his high school sweetheart before her sudden passing, Gerry was urged onto the show by his daughters and granddaughters—so sweet!

TURNER PHOTO COURTESY ABC/BRIAN BOWEN SMITH; PALLADISCOPE, EMBROIDERY AND BUTTER PHOTOS BY TONY VALAINIS

Cultural Center

LISTEN UP Local podcasts that will get you hooked.

Black Girls Eating

Indy food royalty Tannoria Askew and Candace Boyd bring delicious food talk to the table and educate listeners during their weekly toast to Black culture and sisterhood. blackgirlseating.com

Classical Pairings Food and wine pairings? Nope. Musicologist Nick Johnson sits down with owners of local Indianapolis eateries and pairs their food with a classical melody in this clever examination of delectable notes. classicalmusicindy.org

Don’t Cut Your Own Bangs

In its tagline, this weekly selfhelp program styles itself as “the remedy to comparison and feeling like everyone has life ﬁgured out but you.” Licensed therapist Danielle Ireland’s goal is to help listeners live their best lives and tune out the noise of the world. danielleireland.com/ podcast

Off the Bricks

Poetry lovers tune in to hear from a different poet each month, learning about their works, lives, and creative tips. Hoosier poet Joyce Brinkman hosts. brickstreetpoetry.org/ off-the-bricks

This is Problematic! Uncover history in a new way alongside Conner Prairie history buffs Hannah Murphy and Easton Phillips during this monthly deep dive now in its second season. The podcast is a straight-up review of our past and the ramiﬁcations affecting our present. connerprairie.org/ this-is-problematic

Voices of Indy

Singer-songwriter Josh Gillespie hosts these weekly discussions with local musicians. Each episode plunges into the artist’s discography and inspirations. joshgillespie.com

Themed Book Club

If you are the type of moviegoer who leaves the theater saying, “The book was better,” Kan-Kan Cinema’s Book to Film Club is for you. Past titles have included Crazy Rich Asians, The Color Purple, and The Princess Bride. Organizers have hosted smart pairings such as Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew with the movie 10 Things I Hate About You. The last one in October focused on Sleepy Hollow and was hosted by local author Ashley C. Ford. To join, snag the print version at the club’s partner bookstore, Indy Reads, purchase your ticket, and simply stick around after the film for the group chat. 1258 Windsor St., 317-8007099, kankanindy.com

Regional Film

Liminal is a cinematic journey across Indiana using aerial drone footage to explore the transformation of Earth’s environment through human activity— the epoch called the Anthropocene. The film, accompanied by music from electronic composer Metavari, is stunning yet relentless in revealing the enormous scale of industry and development in Indiana. Filmmakers Zack Schrank and Aaron Yoder want Hoosiers to contemplate humanity’s regional footprint. Schrank explains, “Because the visual association is so far away, it is easy for most of us to assume the Anthropocene is just somewhere else.” Liminal will be the focus of an exhibit at the South Bend Museum of Art in May through June 2024 and is available to stream on Hoodox. liminalmovie.com

Embroidery Starter Pack If you’ve tried teaching yourself embroidery and only ended up inventing new combinations of expletives out of frustration, Bumble + Bird’s embroidery workshop, hosted at Create Art Studio, is the class for you. Bumble + Bird owner Meghan McGovern, an artist who sells colorful hoops with even more colorful language on them, will lead you through all the basics of stitches, floss, and fabric. After just two hours, you’ll leave with a beautiful piece you made yourself. 6511 Ferguson St., 317469-1309, createartstudioindy.com

Arts Event GANGGANG’s fine arts fair, Butter, has only been around for three years, but with its rapid growth and important focus, it’s already in the national spotlight. Butter’s goal of highlighting Black artists is an important starting point in an evolution away from what the Indianapolis Museum of Art once controversially referred to as the region’s “traditional, core, white” arts scene. This year’s three-day event was its biggest yet, with the work of 49 artists on display and thousands of attendees. Founders Mali Simone Bacon and Alan Bacon promise even bigger things in 2024. butterartfair.com DECEMBER 2023 | IM

DINING

Stuffed Croissant

The ham and cheese croissant at Landlocked Baking Company is perfect for those who prefer a savory start to their day. It wraps buttery, flaky pastry dough around Gruyere and prosciutto, then adds a sprinkle of dill. The flavors combine and complement each other to create the ideal bite of meat and cheese in a puffy cloud of bread. 118 S. Audubon Rd., 317-559-3231, landlockedbakingco.com

Waffle

Peanut Butter Burger

New Ice Cream Shop Occupying a corner storefront tucked deep inside a Southport strip mall, Paradise Mx dips out a delightful introduction to the sweet tradition of Mexican ice cream parlors. Jumbo scoops of dense guava, tequila, and Ferrero Rocher flavors are gateway treats at this spacious spot that covers a lot of dairy-based territory with ice cream–topped crepes and waffles, mangonadas spiked with chamoy, and the Chango Mango filled with fruit and topped with slivered almonds. 7045 Emblem Dr., 317-743-8942, paradise-mx.com 50

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It is an acquired taste, sure. But once you acquire the taste, this savory-salty-sweet delicacy is the ultimate example of IYKYK. We found an off-the-charts version at Broad Ripple’s 317 Burger. The Strawberry Hill features a juicy patty sandwiched between habanero-ghost pepper cheese, spicy strawberry compote, and gooey peanut butter. Add your favorite brew and some tater tots to make it an adult happy meal. 915 E. Westfield Blvd., 317-251-1317, 317burger.com

MILKSHAKES AND CHEF PHOTOS BY TONY VALAINIS; HOT DOGS COURTESY GOLD LEAF SAVORY & SWEEET

Rivet Coffee’s Spiced Apple Pie Waffle is what happiness tastes like. The Liege monstrosity is made with classic jumbo pearl sugar that caramelizes into chewy bites and eliminates the need for syrup. Instead, it gives you homemade apple pie filling, the perfect gooey complement to the dollop of whipped cream on top. Every bite tastes like a hunk of mom’s apple pie still warm from the oven. 337 Jersey St., Westfield, 317-763-0007, rivetcoffee.com

Pastry Chef Hailing from Central Morocco, Youssef Boudarine worked at bakeries in Casablanca, Spain, and France (including the famed Ladurée in Paris) before moving to Indianapolis. His quirky constructions have graced the dessert menus of The Cake Bake Shop, Gallery Pastry Shop, Anthony’s Chophouse, and Bluebeard. But Boudarine has nearly broken the internet on several occasions with his Instagram grid of pure whimsy, like a square of babka brownie decorated to look like a plot of soil with blades of grass sprouting out of it, to be eaten with a miniature shovel; TikTok trendy circular croissants spiraled with cream; and wee edible white chocolate crates filled with fresh fruit. instagram.com/youssef_boudarine

Picnic Company

It always sounds like a great idea, but somehow we never get around to it. Luxury Picnics takes the “Where?” and “What do we bring?” out of picnicking. Just choose one of their themes, like Amor, Tropical, or Zen, and show up. A bespoke picnic will be waiting, laid out with real silverware and glasses, candles, an outdoor rug, cushy pillows, and—perfect for proposals—an arch festooned with flowers. Sip sparkling cider, nibble from a Brie & Bartlett charcuterie box, and play cornhole or giant Jenga. The LP team even handles cleanup. officialluxurypicnics.com

Steak Nachos

There isn’t much action going on at Leonardo’s Mexican Food early in the day, but after the sun goes

down, the 24-hour drive-thru gets busy. The menu features typical Mexican American fare with some crinkle-cut fries thrown in for good measure. But it’s the Super Steak Nachos that win the prize. Practically an entire bag of tortilla chips makes the base of this behemoth, with layers of refried beans, shredded cheese, fresh guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, and a truckload of grilled steak piled on top. It’s enough for the whole family, probably, but who wants to share? 8431 N Michigan Rd., 317-337-9022

Hot Dogs

DINING

GoldLeaf Savory & Sweet thinks outside the bun every Monday night. That’s when the popular SoBro hangout packs the house for Don & Viv’s Hot Dog Emporium. The “celebration of encased meats” takes its name from the fun, fictional Boca Raton alter egos of owners JC and Kristine Bockman and features a roster of $6 boutique dogs tucked into soft lobster roll–style split buns. Options include the Deep Ellum (loaded with Texas-style chili), the Half Moon Bay (vegan cheese, crispy fried onions, and sport peppers), and masterful one-offs, such as the Funky Chicken (built around a brat from Old Major Market) and the Oh, My Aching Banana (a garlic–ghost pepper sausage topped with refried beans, plantain chips, and pico). 1901 E. 46th St., 317-6003542, goldleafindy.com

No-ABV Cocktails

Other bars would be smart to take notice of the nonalcoholic cocktail menu at Natural State Provisions. The nostalgic restaurant has swiftly developed a reputation for its inventive yet comforting menu of Arkansas-leaning comfort NEXT PAGE

DECEMBER 2023 | IM

DINING foods, but its best kept secret is its rotating list of no-ABV cocktails developed by the entire team behind the bar, according to co-owner Alicia Sweet. “It’s really about what we’re thinking about or interested in right now,” she says of the creative effort. Influences as broad as one person’s memory of a UK soda or a change in the weather have led to new and interesting drinks. When Sweet has time, she hopes to start developing her own zero-proof spirits rather than using ones made by outside companies. “That way, we can really get creative,” she says. 414 Dorman St., 317-492-9887, naturalstateprovisions.com

Cooking Class

Craving croissants? Wistful Francophiles will do well to reserve a space in Cindy Hawkins’ laminated doughs class at Circle City Sweets. After a couple hours of chef-led demos and hands-on activities—including an opportunity to roll slabs of dough through the “Ally Sheety” machine—you’ll come away with recipes and a box of butter, chocolate, and ham-and-cheese pastries big enough to start your own patisserie. 1220 Waterway Blvd., 317-6323644, circlecitysweets.com

Cocktail Ingredient

In a quest to concoct the perfect cocktail, mixologist Brett W. Butler started tinkering around with recipes for craft elixirs during the pandemic. His Alcomy efforts have since blossomed into a product lineup of 10 farm-to-glass potions (available at local farmers markets), each boasting its own unique flavor profile of fruit, herbs, and spices. The Blackberry Lavender Mojito is the best seller, but we’re partial to the spicy-sweet Bee Sting made with honey from Eagle Creek Apiary. 818-738-3489, thealcomyexperience.com

Chai

Inside A Cup of Chai, warm jewel tones and the aroma of cardamom combine with a patient, friendly staff to draw you in and make you want to stay for a while. The Fountain Square tea shop pours the perfect cup of chai—smooth, not too sweet, and full of flavor. According to owner Pravy Nijjar, chai drinkers like to have their cups prepared in very specific ways, which is why her menu includes chai variations to suit everyone’s preference. Whether you are a masala chai fan, a ginger

Crushing It No longer tied to the tap, craft beer enthusiasts have embraced the convenience and (some claim) superiority of their favorite local brews chugged from a can instead of a glass. We sampled six of the year’s freshest pours.

CHEERS ST TO THE BE L NEW LOCA ED N CAN BEERS.

Indiana Flyer Four Day Ray PILSNER Light and crisp with hints of sweet corn CRACK ONE OPEN:

After mowing the lawn on a hot day

Go For Launch Daredevil Brewing Co. AMERICAN IPA Vibrant, herby, and “aggressively hopped,” as advertised CRACK ONE OPEN:

On pizza night

Atomic Armadillo

Sun King AMERICAN IPA Full-bodied and almost creamy, with a citrus-forward sharpness CRACK ONE OPEN:

By the pool

Good Boy Metazoa Brewing Co. PILSNER Bright ﬂoral ﬂavor with golden malt undertones CRACK ONE OPEN:

At the dog park

Sabbath

Bier Brewery BLACK KOLSCH Rich and smoky coffee notes with a crisp ﬁnish CRACK ONE OPEN:

At Julieta Taco Shop, a counterservice nook in the Stutz building, chefs Esteban Rosas and Gabriel Sañudo nail every detail of a Mexican taqueria, right down to the pastor meat roasted on a spit. Fresh tortillas are made in the back using several varieties of corn to ensure the right shell for each recipe. 1060 N. Capitol Ave. 52

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Hoosier Game Day Upland Brewing Co. VIENNA LAGER Toasty and earthy with rich caramel base notes CRACK ONE OPEN:

Five hours before kickoff * All cans available at SoBro Spirits, 1721 E. 52nd St., 317255-7038, sobrospirits.com

PHOTOS BY TONY VALAINIS

New Taco Shop

Beneath the moon

lover, or someone who prefers a more peppery punch in your cup, A Cup of Chai is the place to go pinkies up. 1028 Shelby St., 317-998-4463

New Winery

Isn’t everything better with bubbles? The husband-andwife team of Brent and Frances Kumfer opened The Rejoicing Vine this summer near Eagle Creek, sourcing regional grapes from Indiana and Michigan vineyards to inform an

all-sparkling product lineup that includes fizzy whites, reds, and the bestselling dry Regenerative Rosé. With their emphasis on sustainability, environ-mental stewardship, and benevolent service, the couple donates 10 percent of the operation’s profits back to the community. 8440 W. 82nd St., rejoicingvine.com

Bakery Pop-Up

The meticulous tarts, gorgeous galettes, and gleaming croquembouche

towers that pastry chef Chantell Kayyod includes in her Beurre Sec pop-up collections would not look out of place in the window of any Parisian patisserie. That’s no mere coincidence. The Ball State grad who majored in advertising and minored in French eventually followed a sugar-sprinkled path to Paris, where she completed a six-month intensive training program at Le Cordon Bleu. Back in Indy, she launched her solo business selling limitedsupply Vienoisseries out of

Lulu’s Coffee & Bakehouse, where she quickly amassed a frenzied following, usually selling out in under an hour. instagram.com/beurre_sec

Scene Stealer

A two-story Spanish-style building in downtown Plainfield that began life as Prewitt’s Motor Sales and became a movie theater in 1920 entered its most fabulous era last year, when it was lovingly restored and reopened as The Prewitt, an upscale restaurant serving 12-ounce ribeyes and espresso martinis against a backdrop of distressed brick. The makeover, which took nearly two and a half years to complete and folded the 1909 building next door into the design, caters to diners in a majestic main room that still sports a stage (for live performances) and screen (which lights up on special movie nights). The upper level brims with Old Hollywood glamour, and a private dining room peeks over the marquee. 121 W. Main St., Plainfield, 317-203-5240, prewittdining.com

National Dish

Fish & Chips Hunks of Icelandic cod are fried to a lacy crunch in beef tallow supplied by a local butcher. The chips—don’t you dare call them french fries—still wear their skins, along with a generous sprinkle of black pepper. This British dish with street vendor roots gets a proper sit-down treatment at Cheeky Bastards. 11210 Fall Creek Rd., 317-288-9739, cheekybastardsrestaurant.com

It isn’t the most visually stunning entree at Fernando’s Mexican & Brazilian Cuisine (formerly Nando’s)— a plate of porky black bean stew piled next to steamed rice, sauteed collard greens topped with orange slices, pico de gallo with a pop of white vinegar, and a tiny bowl of farofa made from toasted casava flour. But feijoada, the national dish of Brazil, is one of the most satisfying combinations of flavors and textures that crossed our lips this year. Fernando’s bustling kitchen boasts not only the owner’s Brazilian mother’s version— but also his actual mother. 834 E. 64th St., 317-377-4779 DECEMBER 2023 | IM

SHOPPING

By-appointment Bike Shop

After working at some of the city’s best bicycle retailers for the last two decades, Jonathan Juillerat opened the truly bespoke (no pun attended) Bluegrass Bicycle Company with his wife, Tania. The shop is tucked into the back of their Brownsburg home. As such, hours are appointment-only, which also means the Juillerats can focus entirely on the customer, personalizing the experience right down to the music being played. They use that same approach to fitting and repairing bicycles, making them almost a seamless extension of their owners. 10929 E. County Rd. 750 N, Brownsburg, 317-513-3017, bluegrassbicyclecompany.com

Industrial Jewelry

Furniture Maker After learning his trade fixing up his century-old home, John Kirchner began building furniture for friends and family and eventually for paying customers. Kirchner sits down with each client and discusses their tastes and aesthetic, as well as the intended function of the piece, before any wood is cut. While his personal tastes skew toward craftsman-era design, he accepts commissions for all types and styles of furniture. One of his favorite projects was a dining room table made from wood from the client’s family farm. And just like the farm, that piece of furniture will likely be handed down to future generations of the family. johnkirchnerdesign.com 54

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Rebecca Zink creates jewelry you won’t find at your local mall. Referring to her style as “modern industrial glam,” she pairs precious metals like gold with more common ones like steel in interesting yet still gorgeous ways. Instead of creating highly polished pieces, Zink prefers a chunkier, almost raw look created by overheating the metal. zinkmetals.com

Scented Candle

Indianapolis has no shortage of lovely, locally made scented candles. But the ones by iDesign Home Decor shine brighter than the rest by checking every conceivable box—and creating a couple of new

SHOPPING ones. They’re vegan, hand-poured, petroleumfree (leaving very little soot), and cruelty-free, and they come with a naturally toxin-free wooden wick in a handmade, industrial-chic cement vessel that can be easily repurposed. The buttery, soy wax is infused with the flora-inspired scents that will make candle lovers forsake all others— think Pineapple Sage, Cypress Bayberry, Frazier, and Fir. As one devotee put it, “I want my whole body to smell like this.” instagram. com/idesignhomedecor Tomorrow Booksore

Page Turners INDY IS SUDDENLY A HOTBED FOR NEW INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORES. It’s been a good year for those who like to browse the shelves for the perfect read, get recommendations from shop owners, and cozy up with a good book. Read all about the four local shops that are starting a new chapter for Indy book lovers.

Dream Palace Books & Coffee

For ﬁve years, the former Thirsty Scholar space at the bustling corner of Pennsylvania and 16th streets begged for a new occupant. In October, Herron High School English teacher Taylor Lewandowski transformed the sun-drenched location into a bookstore selling mostly used inventory, with an attached coffee bar that serves local Tinker coffee and Bubbatown Burritos. The shelves are lined with wonderful one-offs and vintage editions, along with an especially impressive selection of art books. 111 E. 16th St., 317-737-1215, dreampalacebooks.com

Golden Hour Books

With its clean white walls bathed in natural light, this two-room bookstore in Meridian-Kessler gives off gallery vibes. From its impressive children’s section (with a tiny play area in the corner) to its central tables stacked with shop picks, Golden Hour treats reading material like ﬁne art. 5208 N. College Ave., goldenhourbooks.net

Loudmouth Books

Owned by award-winning YA author Leah Johnson, this endearing newcomer feels cozy, warm, and uplifting—which beﬁts its subtext as a safe space for books “by, for, and about underrepresented people.” The selection focuses heavily on LGBTQ+ titles, as well as books by Black writers. Check out the huge selection of children’s books and any of the featured signed copies. 212 E. 16th St., loudmouthindy.com

Tomorrow Bookstore

Visiting authors stationed at book-signing tables just inside the door of this 1,000-square-foot bookstore on the Mass Ave strip are already a common sight. The inventory isn’t dense, but the shelves are ﬁlled with hand-selected titles, putting offbeat authors in the mix with bestsellers. A wall of books labeled “Our Picks” includes handwritten endorsements that are themselves little celebrations of the written word. 882 Massachusetts Ave., 317-551-1893, linktr.ee/ tomorrowbookstore

Piñata Shop

The distinct shape of the sign in front of Irvington’s Dulceria LA 40 is a dead giveaway that the tiny shop was once the site of a Roselyn Bakery. Following its most recent iteration as a Boost Mobile store, it has now been restored to kid-friendly glory. The new purveyor of piñatas beckons visitors with an outdoor display of lovable creatures in their finest paper fringe. And that’s before you step inside to browse the selection of authentic Latin American candies, toys, and treats to fill your favorite papier-mâché finds. Shoppers can select individually wrapped goods or grab 5-pound bags of assorted candies to achieve the perfect explosion of fiesta favors. 5231 E. Washington St.

Stationery Shop

Old Northside papyrophiliacs must thank the heavens for Alexandria Dugan every day. Her small, bright temple of paper opened in August in the Penn Arts Building. Semantics Paper Goods satisfies two seem-

Bar Merch Duke’s is well known for the pink neon sign above the stage reminding patrons to kindly “Please Shut the F*ck Up,” so it’s no wonder a black T-shirt bearing that irreverent slogan has been an instant hit among patrons and performers. And while live country music and cold Lone Star Beer remain the southside honky-tonk’s top draws, Duke’s-emblazoned hats and T-shirts declaring, “Only George Jones Can Judge Me,” aren’t far behind. 2352 S. West St., dukesindy.com

ingly disparate desires: feeling like a kid again (with items such as stickers of teeny, chipper slices of toast with emoji faces) and being more responsible (planners with weighty, textured covers encasing creamy sheets). Among the lovingly curated products are postcards announcing, “Somebody in Indiana Loves You” and to-do pads that embrace procrastination. Clever risographprinted greetings from Smarty Pants Paper Co. and cards letter pressed using hand-carved wood blocks by Heartell Press alone are enough to reignite an erstwhile tradition: mailing birthday cards. 111 E. 16th St., semanticspaper.com DECEMBER 2023 | IM

SHOPPING Teapots

All 22 styles of the classic MacKenzie-Childs tea kettle are for sale at Addendum Gallery’s showroom dedicated to the iconic American brand of highquality ceramics. This year, the selection includes the holiday-themed Deck the Halls motif, too. Underneath the glass finial and fanciful botanical patterns, the heavy-gauge steel underbody is a workhorse, ensuring water heats at an even temperature. Each kettle ($148 and up) is destined to find a permanent home on the stovetop. 751 Hanover Pl., 317-253-3400, addendumgallery.com

Christmas Tree Farm

There’s nothing like a live tree to fill your home with the fresh, crisp scent of pine

(or fir) during the holiday season. You could drive to the nearest big-box home improvement store to pick up a decent-looking specimen to decorate, but you’d miss out on the winter wonderland experience offered by Thorntown’s Dull’s Tree Farm. You can meander through the more than 40 acres of white and Scotch pines, as well as Canaan firs, until you find just the right tree. Sustenance in the form of apple cider doughnuts, Dutch stroopwafels, and hot chocolate is available to warm shoppers’ souls. And don’t miss the farm’s dog days events on December 2 and 3, when Dull’s teams up with South Central Newfoundland Rescue to provide customers with adorable, woolly canine assistance in hauling their selections to the car. 1765 W. Blubaugh Ave., Thorntown, 765-3252418, dullstreefarm.com

Tomorrow Bookstore

Dear Mom

$20. 882 Massachusetts Ave., 317-551-1893, linktr.ee/ tomorrowbookstore

$25. 2121 E. 10th St.

Top Totes FOUR STYLISH CARRYALLS THAT DO THE HEAVY LIFTING. Don’t get caught frantically sifting through the closet looking for the perfect bag for the farmers market, grocery store, or coffee shop. The best ones are made of sturdy canvas, roomy—and most importantly, local. No longer must you put your precious parsnips or dear diaries in anything less than a cool tote bag from one of these Indy shops, which allow you to support small businesses and good causes.

Urban Garden Center Created by the landscaping and outdoor construction company Heath Outdoor, Digs Garden Center is an industrial oasis in the shadow of I-70 on the east side. Customers can maneuver their wagons through displays of annuals, perennials, shrubs, veggie starts, and fruiting trees, all artfully arranged on and around funky industrial salvage (shipping containers, a repurposed grain bin, and a transformed vintage bus). The constant whoosh of interstate traffic provides oddly soothing background noise. 1302 Columbia Ave., 317-420-4656 56

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United State of Indiana $15. 1051 E. 54th St., 317-426-2552, unitedstateoﬁndiana.com

Rooftop Fruit $40 (proceeds support trans youth mental wellness through the Irvington Counseling Collective). 1058 Virginia Ave., 312-945-8334, rooftopfruit.co

Leather Shop

The bags, wallets, and accessories at 1979 Co. defy categorization. That’s by design, the one-man shop’s founder, Nate Olp, says. Sometimes the designs he creates “come out a little rustic. But other times it’s business and sleek, and other times it’s punk as hell.” The main thing is that everything must be useful. Most items are also one of a kind, made from locally sourced skins and hardware and designed, dyed, and hand-stitched in house. Olp even customizes designs “within reason” and makes swift repairs to items purchased from his shop that have begun to show wear. “I put as much love and work into something we sell for $20 as I do for something that goes for $500,” Olp says. “It’s the act of making special things that matters most to me.” 201 S. Audubon Rd., 1979coleather.com

Architectural Salvage

“Preservation first, salvage second” is Madison Street Salvage’s motto. But even with that philosophy, the retail arm of the restorationminded Franklin Heritage, Inc. remains constantly packed with goods from the last century, if not earlier. The donation-based nonprofit boasts gems such as century-old fireplace surrounds, atomic age glassware, and chandeliers fit for a classic horror film, all without the shocking markup you might see at a traditional antique store. One reason for the magic hour, cinematic vibe of the shop may be that one of its chief beneficiaries is the 101-year-old Artcraft Theatre. 350 E. Madison St., Franklin, 317-739-0601, fhisalvage.org

Living Walls Large, lush, and spectacularly green, the vertical gardens and moss walls that plantscape company Naturspire places in homes and businesses look like vibrant quilts sewn from the forest’s floor. “You have a piece of art on the wall, but instead of being painted, it’s natural,” owner Stephanie Carlson Miller says of the installments that require surprisingly minimal upkeep. For an up close look at Naturspire’s work (which has been around since 2016, when now-popular restaurant selfie greenery walls were but a twinkle in the eye), check out the verdant creations on public display at the Carmel Clay Public Library, 3Up, and MOTW’s Fishers location. 200 S. Rangeline Rd., 317-414-5607, naturspire.com DECEMBER 2023 | IM

LIFESTYLE

Pet Photography

Cody Potter opened Wild’s Barber Shop with the goal of “making you feel like you’re walking into a shop from the 1960s.” That means a set of original chairs from the era, a vintage fridge and pool table, and walls covered with classic advertisements. Potter initially operated a much smaller shop next door in the loft of leather goods shop Howl + Hide, then opened his fivechair storefront in July 2023. The business has quickly become a neighborhood staple, serving men, short-haired women, and even kids (little ones get their cuts while sitting in a special speedboat chair). 1048 Virginia Ave., 317-699-0467, wildsbarber.com

Dab Bar From the outside, Wildeye Dab Lounge looks like a random garage with a cool green mural. But once inside, you know you’re in for a fun time. In addition to nonalcoholic beverages such as the hibiscus-flavored Atta Boy Blue and the I’ve Got My Chai on You (served dry or infused with CBD, CBG, Delta-8, or Delta-9), this nontraditional bar with live entertainment serves gummies and “dabs” of concentrated Delta 9 or THC-O from certified weed growers—all of it 100-percent legal. 1026 Shelby St., 463-279-2823 58

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Water Workout

Until this past summer, the only option for an organized paddling trip on White River kept you anchored in Hamilton County. Now, you can drift downstream in Marion County courtesy of Frank’s Paddlesports Livery based in Riverside Park, which offers kayak, canoe, and standup paddleboard excursions. Choose between a 4- or 7-mile trip to see a new side of the city and let the gentle currents carry you along as you glide past sunbathing turtles while the commotion of the city fades. That definitely floats our boat. 3001 N. White River Pkwy. Dr. W, 260-226-3075, frankslivery.com

PHOTOS COURTESY FISHERS FLOWER FARM

NEW OLD School Barber

“That relationship you have with your pet is unlike any other relationship you have in life,” says Prickly Pears Photo’s Christine Erlandson, but pets are often left out when it comes to memorializing major life events. With her degree in animal science from Purdue and a past life as a zookeeper, Erlandson has grown to “love the chaos that comes with pets,” and her photos demonstrate a unique ability to sense an animal’s inner self and channel it for posterity. A 30-minute session starts at $200 and makes a great gift. Prickly Pears also offers free or discounted sessions for pets nearing the end of their lives. She notes, “I don’t want price to stand in the way of an important memory.” pricklypearsphoto.com

LIFESTYLE

HOT TAKES WE FOLLOW THEM. WE “LIKE” THEM. WE LIVE VICARIOUSLY THROUGH THEIR INSTAGRAM GRIDS. THEY’RE LIVING THEIR BEST LIVES. HERE, A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE LOCAL INFLUENCERS SHARE SOME OF THEIR FAVORITES.

Danielle Habash FASHION, BEAUTY, AND LIFESTYLE BLOGGER

@daniellehabash Cool Creek Park is a great place to get away for my mental health. I used to rent an apartment in Westﬁeld, and my ﬁance and I would go there to walk. It’s just so gorgeous during the fall. 2000 E. 151st St., Carmel, 317-774-2500

Aaron Medenwald

FOOD AND BEVERAGE ENTHUSIAST

Lara Pasotti

THE INFORMATIVE FOODIE

Amy Evans

INDIANAPOLIS-BASED FOOD BLOGGER

@indy_vino_veritas

@See_Do_Eat

@amy_eatz

Recently, my wife and I have been swooning over a bakery called Boone County Cake Co. in Lebanon. It’s a little road trip, but the Peach Cobbler Cake is worth every minute of the drive. They try to sell out of everything daily to keep things fresh. 222 E. Main St., Lebanon, boonecountycake.com

The Howl + Hide shop in the heart of Fountain Square is a great place to get leather goods and so much more. I’m never spotted without my Penny bag on my shoulder. 1046 Virginia Ave., 463224-9518, howlandhidesupply.com

Helium Comedy Club hosts a variety of comedians throughout the year. One of the best things about Helium is its intimate setting. With seating for just over 200 people, you’re sure to have a great view of the stage no matter where you sit. 10 W. Georgia St., 317-349-4800, heliumcomedy.com

Garden Party Inspired by the famous book of the same name, The Secret Garden dinner party at Fishers Flower Farm (near 106th Street and Allisonville Road; inquire for details) captures the story’s enchantment in the form of an alfresco night amid fields of strawflowers and native pollinators. For $200, guests walk an illuminated trail through the woods to dinner tables set up on the garden’s path and dine by candlelight on a chef-prepared farm-to-fork dinner. Attendees make their own bouquets, watch a watercolor painter work en plein air, and pose for portraits with a professional photographer. Watch the website for announcements of future events. fishersflowerfarm.com DECEMBER 2023 | IM

new sport A pickleball primer for the legions of newbies.

Secret Courts

Pickleball really is everywhere—even in industrial parks. Drop Shot Pickleball is the only place with 24-hour indoor play. Local enthusiast Jenny Deaton installed three well-lit courts in a warehouse and shares the door code when someone books online ($14 to $20 per hour). 172 Commercial Dr., Franklin

Nonprofit

Henna and Tattoo Studio Growing up, childhood friends Daniel West and Joey Bauchle followed separate but similar creative paths, Daniel becoming a tattoo artist and Joey delving into the decorative South Asian body art known as mehndi. They’ve since reconnected as adults and founded Fountain Square’s Mehndi + Marked, a studio that also serves as a space for other artists to share their work. Patrons can get henna done for special occasions or fun or get permanently inked. They can also buy a pothos from plant-seller Happy Roots or a tin of handmade potpourri, peruse the vibrant art on the walls, and even check out events like poetry readings. 1339 Prospect St., 317-724-3117, mehndiandmarked.com

Christian Lopez came to Carmel a few years ago by way of New York and Ecuador. He discovered pickleball along the way, and when he’s not playing, he’s teaching the game to kids in urban areas through Vamos Pickle, his homegrown program that offers free instruction through schools and community centers.

Bargain Outfits

Find a range of both streetcool and clubby styles at Dick’s Warehouse Sale and Going, Going, Gone, both permanent Dick’s Sporting Goods outlet stores with marked-down selections from top brands. 1001 N. State Rd. 135, Greenwood, 412-2409955; 214 Gable Crossing Dr., Avon, 317-238-3036

Next Big Thing

Look for the opening of Pickle on Penn at 116th and Pennsylvania streets with eight courts, locker rooms, an observation deck, and a restaurant and bar called The Kitchen. And a Chicken N Pickle chain is slated to open in Fishers in 2024. 60

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MEHNDI + MARKED, PHOTOS BY TONY VALAINISPHOTOS; AIRBNB PHOTO COURTESY PAUL’S FLOWER SHOP; DRAFT PHOTO BY ANDREA WATTS

Tournament

You can get on the court with the pros at Making Memories, a fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Indiana. The southside tournament was started by a local surgeon who lost both parents to the disease. The tournament draws over 200 players and has raised $82,000 for its cause. 317445-2124, alz.org/indiana

Park Amenity

Themed AirBnB Be sure to pack your ring light for a stay at Paul’s Flower Shop, the ultimate photo shoot location inside a 2,000-squarefoot home in historic Irvington. Once used as an actual flower shop, the home boasts a fusion of retro and vintage-style decor arranged specifically for creative sessions. Monochromatic, themed areas include a hot pink Barbie dream room; a black, Goth-inspired entryway; and a rustic living room in patterned browns. Reserve the space for $75 an hour on avvay.com or book it for a night on Airbnb.com. 5365 E. Washington St.

Unveiled in January, the sleek, new Broad Ripple Park Family Center features an indoor walking track, a workout room, a gymnasium, a two-story play structure, party and meeting rooms, and enhanced space for programming in everything from crafting and senior fitness classes to science and art camps. It’s a considerable upgrade from the previous center and represents a $140 million effort to improve Indy parks’ community offerings. 1426 Broad Ripple Ave., 317-327-7161, indy.gov/ activity/broad-ripple-park -family-center

Front Offices A NEW CLASS OF COWORKING SPACES PROVIDE A SENSE OF COMMUNITY—AND SOME FUN OFFICE PERKS. A boon for the self-employed and other WFH-ers who seek an escape from the kitchen table chaos, shared workspaces are popping up all over town. Here are four that provide the best out-of-office experiences.

Maven Space

Industrious

Woman-to-woman networking is a driving theme at this spiffy venue that caters to “Mavens of all identities, orientations, and backgrounds.” Taking full advantage of a location in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, it also provides members with a cafe, gym, and even a podcast studio. Membership levels range from a $25 day pass to the $2,950 annual team buy-in. 433 N. Capitol Ave., 317-4262235, mavenspace.co

This company has three Indy-area locations that remain open 24/7—the buzziest one inside downtown’s Stutz building. The workspaces provide private offices, suites, and meeting rooms, as well as perks such as a weekly happy hour. They are also petfriendly. Pricing starts at $299 a month. 1060 N. Capitol Ave., 317-3830630; 350 Massachusetts Ave., 317-734-0360; 880 W. Monon Green Blvd., Carmel, 463-235-1010; industriousoffice.com

Draft Creative Space

The Club Coworking

Everything about this full-service coworking space in Fountain Square is artfully sleek, from the private studios to the shared sunroom and lovely covered garden. Draft’s target market is Indy’s creatives, providing a gorgeous space for meetings, retreats, and workshops. Rates start at $25 for a day pass and top out at $600 for monthly studio rental. 1525 Prospect St., draftcreativespace.com

You can ﬁnd luxury executive suites and meeting rooms, as well as an auditorium, ﬁtness center, cafe, and recreation room with a golf simulator, at this northside outpost. The vibe is professional, suitable for anyone from a nomadic businessperson to an entrepreneur who needs a place to meet clients. Packages start at $110 a month. 9800 Crosspoint Blvd., 317-806-0003, theclubcoworking.com

LIFESTYLE Etiquette Trainer

Think etiquette is an antiquated concept? Minju Witte politely begs to differ. Her courses at Empower Etiquette live up to the name. Licensed by The Emily Post Institute, Witte has created a holistic brand of etiquette that goes beyond manners. While her clients learn which fork to use, they also receive lessons on how to set boundaries kindly, use awkwardness to their advantage when making small talk, and think before acting. The idea is to build connections based on mutual respect, something it seems almost everyone these days could do a little better at. empoweretiquette .com

Dog Park

Unlike most world-class cities, downtown Indianapolis suffers from a lack of freely accessible dog parks. That’s likely why you’ll see people with pups packing the Metazoa Brewing Company parking lot almost every evening. The beer destination boasts one of the area’s best runs for dogs, an AstroTurfed park that includes loads of shade and benches for humans, as well as play structures and shallow wading pools for dogs. As the bar doesn’t serve diners, dogs are allowed to walk in with their owners as they order; food is handled by a truck located outside. It all makes for a noteworthy social scene for canines and the people who love them—and it doesn’t hurt that 5 percent of Metazoa’s profits go to animal rescue groups across the country. 140 S. College Ave., 317-5220251, metazoabrewing.com DECEMBER 2023 | IM

THE

BY B O B K R AV I T Z

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THE COLTS SELECTED

FOR HIS POWERFUL ARM, ATHLETIC PROWESS, AND SOLID WORK ETHIC. AFTER BEING SIDELINED DUE TO A SHOULDER INJURY, CAN HE BOUNCE BACK TO BECOME THE NEXT ELITE QUARTERBACK IN THE NFL? 2023

PHOTO COURTESY INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Anthony Richardson

edderick Daniels settles into an upper suite at Lucas Oil Stadium, a basket of chicken fingers in his hands. It’s one hour before the Colts’ home season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the former Gainesville (Florida) Eastside High School football coach is here to watch quarterback Anthony Richardson make his first NFL start in what Indianapolis and the Colts franchise hope is a long and productive career. Daniels has gathered with several family members and friends to see the grand unveiling of the young man from the University of Florida, who the Colts believe will get them off the quarterback carousel they’ve been on for almost a decade. In a league dominated by elite quarterbacks—Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts, Justin Herbert, Joe Burrow, and others—the Colts believe they have found the long-term answer to their prayers with the fourth pick in the most recent NFL Draft. The skinny on Richardson is this: He’s a freak among a league of freak athletes, testing out at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis as the greatest pure athlete ever seen at the quarterback position. He is the modern-day prototype of the New Age, a dual-threat quarterback, the kind of quarterback Colts’ firstyear head coach Shane Steichen guided in previous years coaching Hurts in Philadelphia. He is a tabula rasa, a bit of a project, a raw and intriguing blend of talent, whether he’s running or throwing the football. He is 6-feet, 4-inches and 244 pounds, bigger and faster afoot than most linebackers. “A superhero,” Colts owner Jim Irsay calls him. But … (There is a but.) He lacks experience. He played just 13 games at the University of Florida, the lowest total of any quarterback chosen in the top four of the draft, and he led the Gators to a humble 6-7 record while completing just 53.8 percent of his passes. Compare that to Peyton Manning, who played 45 college football games. Richardson is raw, uniquely gifted, and capable of becoming elite. But the Colts still don’t truly know what he can accomplish on the field, not over the course of an entire season.

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W H E N H E P L AY E D this season, he played well. His completion percentage was on the low side (59.5 percent), but he threw for 577 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 136 yards and four touchdowns. Most important, he threw just one interception. During that early stretch when he was in and out of the lineup, the Colts got off to a surprising 3-2 start. But in pro sports, the greatest ability is availability, and Richardson has not been able to stay healthy. Yes, those are Andrew Luck

EXPLOSIVE ENERGY

Anthony Richardson burst onto the ﬁeld at Lucas Oil Stadium before the Colts-Titans game on October 8.

HE’S A FREAK AMONG A LEAGUE OF FREAK ATHLETES, TESTING OUT AT THE NFL COMBINE IN INDIANAPOLIS AS THE GREATEST PURE ATHLETE EVER SEEN AT THE QUARTERBACK POSITION.

PHOTO COURTESY KIRBY LEE-USA TODAY SPORTS; BELOW COURTESY INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

flashbacks you’re having. He injured his knee late in the Jacksonville game and missed the last few snaps. He suffered a concussion against Houston; he was removed from play and missed the next game at Baltimore. When he returned for the Tennessee game, he didn’t last long, suffering a seasonending shoulder injury. Unlike Luck, who eschewed shoulder surgery in 2015, the Colts and Richardson felt it would be best for the player to go under the knife right away. “We like what he can be,” Colts general manager Chris Ballard said shortly after selecting Richardson. “We drafted him for what we think he can really be in the future.” When Richardson was drafted, there was some question about whether he’d start from the jump or sit and learn behind veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew, who was signed prior to the draft to be a mentor and possibly a bridge quarterback. But for all of Richardson’s rawness and inexperience, he took to Steichen’s new offense quickly and was named the starter, and a co-captain, after the first preseason game against Buffalo. F O R DA N I E L S , Richardson’s rise to the Colts starting quarterback spot comes as no surprise. The pair met the summer of Richardson’s eighth grade year. Due to his good grades and

desire to become a firefighter, Richardson attended a magnet school with an academy for students who wanted to enter the field. But the school didn’t have a football program, so he was allowed to play football for Eastside. “When I first saw him, I couldn’t believe he was an eighth grader,” Daniels says. “He was 6-foot-2, around 180 to 190 pounds. He had the frame, the wide shoulders. I thought, This kid has the capability of putting on more weight and being a big-time passer. “The first time I saw him throw, I was amazed. I remember one game, he threw a ball 40 to 50 yards. It was incomplete, but my friends came over to me like, ‘Man, that kid’s got an arm on him.’ I told them, ‘He’s only a freshman.’” While Daniels sits in the suite, memories flood back. “I remember a game, he had five, six guys all over him, totally bottled up, trying to wrap him up, and then all of a sudden, he’s bursting out of there and running 75 yards for a touchdown,” he says. Daniels is asked about the pressure resting atop Richardson’s broad shoulders in a city that has produced great quarterbacks. First, there’s Manning. Then, there’s Luck. One Hall of Famer and another on the Hall of Fame trajectory until injuries forced him to retire at age 29. Richardson is The Next One. Or so everyone hopes. But the idea that the pressure will somehow consume Richardson makes Daniels laugh, if only a little. “Pressure? He’s out here playing a kid’s game, having the time of his life,” Daniels says. “All he wants to do is play football. If you take everything that surrounds football away from him and just let him say, ‘Down, set, hut!’ he’d be in hog heaven. “Pressure is, ‘Coach, I’ve got to leave practice and go pick up Corey [Richardson’s younger brother]; I’ll be right back.’ Pressure is, ‘Coach, I need to get in the food pantry because we don’t have any food in the house, and mom is working a double.’ Pressure is, ‘Can I save some of this food for after the game so I can take some home for the weekend?’ That’s pressure.” DECEMBER 2023 | IM

T H E M O R N I N G of Richardson’s NFL regular season debut against the Jaguars, Daniels sent him a text. It was from Scripture, Psalm 118: “This is the day that the Lord has made; rejoice and be glad in it. O Lord, save us; O Lord, grant us success. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord …” In the opener, Richardson delivered, completing 24 of 37 passes for 223 yards in a 30-17 loss to the Jaguars. He wasn’t great. He wasn’t bad. He was OK—more than OK—as a rookie in his first-ever start. At game’s end, he met in the middle of the field with the opposing quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, who was in Richardson’s place just two years earlier. “Protect yourself,” Lawrence told Richardson. Late in the game, Richardson ran hard to convert a fourth and 5 and took a shot in the knee. He was taken out of the game, which was already something of a lost cause at the time. While Steichen said he could have returned, he remained on the sideline. One game later against the Texans, Richardson left in the first quarter due to a concussion. He then missed the next week’s game in Baltimore. Then came the shoulder injury in Week 5 against the Titans, which placed him on the IR (injury reserve). Then surgery. Season over. Those were more hard lessons in the continuing education of 21-yearold Anthony Richardson. L A S H AW N DA C L E A R E , Anthony’s mother, is on a Zoom call with local writers. She is the hero of her son’s story, formerly a single mom of two (Anthony and Corey, who is about eight years younger) who worked two and three jobs at a time to support her family. The family had lived in Miami, but moved to Gainesville when Anthony was 10. “I tell people all the time, it was me following God,” Cleare says. “I had a lot of issues in Miami. I didn’t want to raise my kids there, so I started looking for other places. I actually was trying to find Section 8 housing. Gainesville actually sent me a letter saying I did not get accepted into the program. It can only be God because 66

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Richardson later responds with a smile. “Pressure doesn’t do anything but make a legend,” he says simply.

WINNING NUMBER

Richardson donned a Super Bowl XLI varsity jacket before the Bears vs. Colts game August 19.

I got a phone call a week later asking me when I wanted to come up and get my keys to my apartment. “As a mother, I’m just thinking, Let me get my kids somewhere safe, where they can thrive and be successful. I was preparing for their future and the whole time, God had set everything up. “Anthony always says I made a lot of sacrifices. Me being a mom, I did what any other mother would do: Put their children first … I made sure I did what I needed to do to pay the bills and provide them with the things they

needed to succeed and fulfill their dreams. It was just me being a mom.” Says Richardson, “She delivered mail, worked at Taco Bell, worked with [hospital] patients, drove city buses, volunteered at school, helped with our football team—anything she could do to provide for us. All the dreams and aspirations we had for ourselves and everything she wanted for us, she was doing her part. She did more than a great job.” It was never easy. The family lived in a challenging part of Gainesville, a place where poverty, crime, and drugs

PHOTO COURTESY INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

are rampant. “It’s a typical lower income area; you get what you get,” Daniels says. Anthony was the man of the family. He cooked, cleaned, provided for Corey, and expertly prepared pancakes for his little brother. “Throughout middle school, [Mom] wasn’t home a lot, always working, seeing how much she wanted to support us,” Richardson says. “I’d only see her an hour or two during the day because she’d go to work, come home, change clothes, and then go back out there to work. So it was just me and my brother at home. I had to feed him and make sure he was good. “Seeing how hard she was grinding, I feel like it would be a disservice to her if I don’t put in the same effort. If I don’t grind, that’s like a slap in the face to her.” Daniels kept a food pantry in the school’s athletic department, providing sustenance for any players who might be hungry or in need of food at home. Richardson visited frequently. “There’s been plenty of times when we didn’t have a place to stay, times where I had to decide if I was going to buy food, pay the utility bill, or pay the rent,” Cleare says. “There were times when I couldn’t afford to get Corey his medication because I had to pay the rent and we didn’t have any food. “Our hardship didn’t bring me down. It’s like working out in the gym. In the beginning it’s going to be hard, but then you see results. Everything I’ve been through made me stronger. I actually learned how to make a meal out of $2 and make it last two days.” While his mother worked (and worked, and worked), Richardson grew quickly, revealing himself as a

GIVING BACK

superior athlete. Cleare to become an NFL player. got her first glimpse of His coursework in high her son’s promise when school even gave him STILL EARLY IN HIS he was 3 years old. hands-on training in fireCAREER, ANTHONY “He always tells the fighting, but as time wore RICHARDSON HAS SHOWN story about when he on, it became apparent to HE IS GENEROUS BEYOND threw a football and everybody—Richardson HIS YEARS. HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES: it almost broke my included—that he was grandma’s window,” she blessed with the requisite At an NFL rookie dinner this past summer, Richardson says. “That was the first athleticism and intelliwas aghast at the mess his time I realized, He has an gence to have a clear shot fellow players left behind. arm, and I am not catching at professional football. So he started cleaning and any more of these balls.” bussing tables to make He got his chance in the life easier for the cleanup In fourth grade, he perfect place, landing in staff. Troy Vincent, the NFL’s again showed off the Indy with new head coach executive vice president rocket arm that would Shane Steichen, who has of football operations, approached Richardson and eventually make the established himself as a told him he didn’t need to Colts, and the rest of the quarterback whisperer. straighten up. Richardson NFL, take notice. As an assistant with the replied, “We left this “As a mother, you Chargers, Steichen’s room in an unacceptable condition, and it’s not right always think your kid’s tutelage helped shape for us to expect the staff to the fastest, funniest, most then-rookie quarterback clean it all up.” awesome child,” Cleare Justin Herbert, now one says. “We were at a track of the league’s rising stars. Earlier this season, every and field event for his As an offensive coordinaplayer on the roster arrived school, and my sister was tor in Philadelphia, he at the 56th Street practice there, and it was a lot was hugely responsible facility and found a pair of Apple silver headphones of kids, and they had to for the development of at their lockers, courtesy throw the ball. Anthony Jalen Hurts, another dualof Anthony Richardson and was just sitting down threat quarterback whose priced at about $550 each. having a conversation right arm is as dangerous with the other kids. The as his legs. A woman recently posted a other kids were doing all “There’s a natural feel video on X, formerly known kinds of stuff to pump up back there playing quaras Twitter, showing her and get their arms ready; terback, without a doubt,” late father’s excitement when the Colts drafted Anthony was just sitting Steichen said the day Richardson. It was the last down. I’m like, ‘Why’s after the Colts lost 29-23 to time she saw him before he he just sitting there? He the Rams in overtime at passed away. Richardson took notice and responded, needs to get ready.’ And Lucas Oil. “You can coach “My condolences on your my sister was like, ‘Oh, some of these things, but father’s passing. I’m glad that’s Anthony. He’s fine. some of the stuff he does you allowed me to share He’s going to win.’ on the field you can’t this moment and memory with you, thanks for all the “When it was Anthocoach. A lot of instincts support and may he rest ny’s turn to throw the come into play, and he has in peace!” ball, he threw it so hard, great instincts—and it the guys had to get on a showed up. He just contin[motorized] cart to go get ues to make plays to help it, and the guys did a double take. And this football team win.” I said to my sister, ‘My son is aweIn Indy, Richardson not only found some.’ To see him run farther than an NFL home, but he also found a the other kids, never give up. It was family home, bringing his mother and always, ‘I need to do this, Momma. I brother, his girlfriend, and several need to throw the football. I need to friends when he moved to Westfield. run. I can’t stop.’ I always say my kid When Cleare got the keys to her new is good, but moms always say that. But house, she was in heaven. No more when he threw that ball in the fourth double and triple shifts. No more grade, and that guy had to get the cart fear of the obstacles and dangers that to go get it, I was like, ‘Wow.’” made life in Gainesville challenging. Despite all that, Richardson truly This is the dream. thought his future lay in firefighting. “They’ve always been on this jourTime and again, he heard the dauntney with me,” Richardson says with ing statistics about how difficult it is a smile. DECEMBER 2023 | IM

C o l l a g e s b y B R I T TA N Y F U K U S H I M A

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The Uncle I Never Knew LONG-HIDDEN FAMILY MEMENTOS FROM AN ALL-TOO-BRIEF LIFE CONVEY A YOUNG BOY’S VOICE AND TALENTS, AS WELL AS HIS PARENTS’ HEARTACHE. By Bri a n D. Smith

I used to see him

PHOTOS COURTESY BRIAN D. SMITH

on family visits to my grandparents’ house in Mooresville: an angular kid in a turquoise tank top, peering from a picture frame through time and tragedy. His name was Forest Kenyon Rusie— Kenyon to his loved ones—and he was my uncle, or at least the boy who would have become my uncle if he had survived childhood.

ABOVE: KENYON RUSIE AND HIS YOUNGER SISTER MYLA (THE AUTHOR’S MOTHER). RIGHT: A LOCK OF BABY KENYON’S HAIR.

But on Christmas Day 1940, a 9-yearold who should have been unwrapping new toys took his last breath in an Indianapolis hospital at 2:55 p.m. The death certificate explained his demise in clinical terms: “Peritonitis due to acute gangrenous perforated appendicitis.” But no document could adequately convey the unending toll it took on my grandparents, who never had another son and never overcame the loss of their second child. I grew up hearing only the sketchiest details of Kenyon’s life. My mother, Myla, 5 years old when her brother died, could recall just a few personal anecdotes about him. More often she would recite the official family account of Kenyon’s death: The hospital was short-staffed on Christmas, the B team neglected his drain tube, and when they finally checked on him, it was too late. My grandparents never discussed him in my presence, and my sister Cyndi and I deduced that we should never, ever ask about him. And so, for the first half-century of my life, Kenyon remained a hazy figure from someone else’s past, as two-dimensional as the photograph that gazed back at me from a table in my grandparents’ living room. It would take four more deaths to open the book on the uncle I never knew. ____________________________________ PE R HAPS I was fated to retrace Kenyon’s footsteps. As Mom once confided to my young ears, I was born to be his replacement, as much as any child could ever be. Her older sister Gay never had children of her own, so when my mother

was expecting her first child, she wished for a boy, hoping he would salve the open wound in her father’s soul. I scarcely resembled the kid in the photo, but it didn’t seem to matter. Around age 9, I began to feel my grandfather’s pain at close range. It most often emerged when he and I were alone together, as on the day he took me to a local fishing hole and sat daydreaming on the shore. “Hey, Keny—uh, Brian,” he began more than once, and I pretended not to notice. Grandpa seemed uncharacteristically testy. When one of my misdirected casts sent hook, bait, and sinker into the grass, he exploded. “Awkward as a cow!” he fumed. Back then, I chalked it up to a seasoned outdoorsman’s impatience with rookie mistakes, but now I’m not sure. Was my normally genial grandpa frustrated with what I couldn’t do—or who I couldn’t be? ____________________________________ I NEV E R W E N T searching for the remnants of Uncle Kenyon’s life, but somehow, they kept finding their way to me. It started in 2006, a few months after my mom’s passing, when I was tasked with emptying her storage unit. As the last heir to sift through her property, I expected to find nothing of value, even sentimental. DECEMBER 2023 | IM

Two summer weeks in the stuffy concrete confines justified my suspicions. It was more cleanup than salvage operation as I dug through stacks of boxes packed with old clothing, dusty books, used dishes, and other trappings of a 70-yearold woman’s modest existence. Only a sense of duty kept me from carting it all to a donation center, if not a dumpster. But one day, as I neared the bottom of another overstuffed box, my departed uncle reached out to me. Beneath the sketchbook used by my grandfather, a cop and firefighter with a flair for folk artistry, I discovered two items I’d never seen: Kenyon’s baby book and his school

autograph book, signed three months before his death. Like alpha and omega. The ensuing decade brought more chance encounters with previously unknown memorabilia. A second baby book. Letters from Kenyon to his big sister. Two guest books from his funeral. I read them as I found them, out of sequence and years apart. But as the fragments began to coalesce into a narrative, my casual interest in family history took on a sense of purpose. Who was Uncle Kenyon, what had I missed by not knowing him, and how forceful were the emotional shock waves that reverberated from his fleeting life into mine? Like an archaeologist unearthing the ruins of a vanished civilization, I began reconstructing the untold story of a lost life and a quiet disaster. ____________________________________ T H E HANDW RI T I NG in the baby books is clearly my grandmother’s. But her words strike a tone I don’t recognize. 70

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It’s the youthful, hopeful voice of a mother raising her first new baby in a decade. “From the age of 2 months, people began saying he was the ‘prettiest baby in town,’ which of course pleased us very much,” she wrote. I learned that Forest Kenyon Rusie—a play on his father’s name, Forest Glendon Rusie—was born at 7:10 p.m. March 1, 1931 and weighed 6.5 pounds. He had “dark blue” eyes and “dark brown” hair, although a lock of his 7-month-old mane, pressed between the pages, looks golden brown. He spoke his first word (“Hi!”) before he was 8 months old and took his first steps a week before his first birthday. Under the heading of “Cute Doings,” Grandma recorded memorable moments. When he was almost 3, he saw a small rock in a picture book and said, “It’ll be a big one when it grows.” A month later, he peppered his mother with queries while she was busy with the wash. “Why do you ask so many questions?” she finally asked, prompting a simple reply: “I want to ‘mate’ you talk!” And during a visit from his grandmother, he suddenly stopped his vigorous play and sighed. “What’s the matter? Tired?” his grandmother asked. Replied Kenyon: “No, just ran outta air!” His creative side emerged early. A few months after turning 2, Kenyon sketched a recognizable likeness of a fish. A year later, he recited his first, ostensibly original poem: “Oh, goodness gracious me / The monkey climbed the orange tree.” I smile at my uncle’s spontaneity. But I struggle to reconcile the dichotomy between the spirited scrivener of my uncle’s baby books and the world-weary matriarch of my memories, ironically named Joy. I don’t mean to paint Grandma monochromatically. At her best, the former schoolteacher escorted her grandchildren to the public library and to church. But in the last decade of her 78-year life, she slipped into a debilitating depression. “Joy would be in bed and wouldn’t get up,” recalls my cousin, Jan Gutweiler, daughter of my grandfather’s sister, Wanda Potts. “She was almost incommunicable.” One of the final entries in my grandmother’s journal, penned when Kenyon was nearly 4, now seems chilling. Absorbed in the Sunday paper, Grandma told her restless son to “be still.” He settled on the floor, whispering, “Mama says, ‘Be still.’ I’ll dis’ lay down here and die.”

Each December 24 for many years, [Grandpa] trudged to a local tavern and anesthetized his memories of the worst day of his life. What I never knew was that he also coped with his pain another way. ____________________________________ GRANDPA RUSI E was a man’s man with the soul of an artist. Not that he looked much like either. At 5-foot-4 and 125 pounds, “Pake” didn’t intimidate lawbreakers with his stature. Conversely, no one would expect the tobaccochewing, cigar-smoking cop with the gruff voice—who carried a sidearm even to the grocery—to be the type to create the intricate pencil-and-watercolor depictions of rural scenery in his sketchbook. His genealogy was colorful. Born into one of Mooresville’s first families (who settled the area in 1836), Grandpa was the second cousin of Hall of Fame pitcher Amos Rusie (“The Hoosier Thunderbolt”). He liked to recall the night he encountered fellow Mooresville resident John Dillinger lurking downtown. “He told Dillinger to go home before he got in trouble,” says my cousin Peggy Shirar, quoting Grandpa. “Dillinger didn’t heed that advice and started his criminal career that very night.” ____________________________________ C OR R E S P ONDE NCE from Kenyon to his big sister in Louisville provides a deeper peek into his personality and family life. In a lively 1939 letter, 8-yearold Kenyon wondered, “Was you having an art class when you wrote that letter to Wanda? It looked like a book with words and pictures.” He discussed his report card and his little sister’s whooping cough scare

before imploring Gay to come home soon. Then Kenyon reminded her that “Day after tomorrow is Dad’s birthday, have you got him anything?” He noted that “Grandad is seting over by the fire reading a detective story.” In a sign of the times, he said, “Wanda has got electric lights and she said that it was the best thing that [she] ever had.” “Write soon and write it to me,” he insisted. “You have not wrote to me yet.” ____________________________________ NEWS of Kenyon’s medical emergency appeared in a single paragraph deep on page 4 of the Martinsville Daily Reporter. “Kenyon Rusie, son of Mr. and Mrs. Forest Rusie, became ill Saturday evening with appendicitis,” the newspaper divulged with pre-HIPAA candor. “He became worse on Sunday morning and the appendix ruptured. He was taken to the hospital where his condition is only fair.” But Kenyon wasn’t “only fair.” By the time the story ran on December 27, it was two days after he’d succumbed to appendicitis and the day of his funeral— as the newspaper noted on January 1. Also appearing in his obituary was this: “The little boy has been his father’s constant companion since he was old enough to walk.” Grandpa handled his grief the way far too many men did in his day. Each December 24 for many years, he trudged to a local tavern and anesthetized his memories of the worst day of his life. What I never knew was that he also coped with his pain another way: writing poetry. Among family papers, I found a folder packed with memorial poems written in pencil on yellowed newsprint, marking the moment when Christmas afternoon became Christmas mourning. One began: “No more, that little face to wash / No rips or tears to mend / No toys are scattered on the floor / No cuts or bumps to tend.” Another described Kenyon’s appendicitis: “’Mother, make me feel better / The pain, it hurts right here.’” Then the doctor came, delivering an ominous prognosis: “‘What is to be, will be,’ he said / ‘Sometimes all efforts fail.’” In “A Letter to Santa Claus,” Grandpa’s holiday heartbreak engulfed him: “No more toys for little boys / To our house this year bring / No Christmas cheer, or peaceful joy / Let not good tidings sing ... / To leave it here would sadness bring /

years old. So my grandmother’s struggles began much earlier than I’d been told, and I think I know why. ____________________________________

JOY RUSIE HOLDS HER INFANT SON KENYON WHILE HER OLDER DAUGHTER GAY STANDS BESIDE THEM.

To hearts that can’t be glad / He’s gone to hear the angels sing / Merry Christmas, from Mom and Dad.” ____________________________________ ANO T H E R STACK of family papers yielded a letter from my grandmother sent to my aunt from a curious 10th Street return address. “Had an hour with the doctor yesterday,” Grandma wrote, “and I dug into things a little to dredge up what might have brought me to this.” Brought her to what? Then I looked up the mysterious address, and everything became clear: Larue Carter Hospital. A psychiatric facility. I knew about her late-life depression. But this was 1959, when I wasn’t yet 3

T H RE E other discoveries contain mostly names. A school autograph book from 1940 bears the signatures of three teachers and 17 schoolmates, along with inspirational inscriptions. Two funeral registries have nearly 200 signatures, several in juvenile handwriting. Some of the same kids who signed his school autograph book in September signed his funeral guest book in December. I tracked down two of them, then in their early 80s. “I remember being told he had died and his appendix had burst,” said Del Ross of California. “I was a very shy kid, and I don’t think either of us were chosen for any games of any kind. I was best friends with him, but only for a short time.” Martha Dake Palmer of Greenwood recalled another Rusie—my “very likeable” grandfather. But not Kenyon. Then I learned of a reunion of Kenyon’s class at Gray Bros. Cafeteria in Mooresville—perhaps my only chance to interview so many people together who knew him. The Mooresville High School Class of 1949 was a delightful bunch of sprightly octogenarians. But their memory of Kenyon ranged from slim to none. I shared an hour with them and made my exit, uplifted by their company but discouraged by the results. I wanted to believe that in a small class in a small school in a small town, the sudden demise of a 9-year-old, along with his funeral and burial, would have left an enduring impression on his schoolmates. But it was as if the winds of time had already worn his headstone smooth. Suddenly I was faced with the realization that I was running out of places to search for traces of my uncle’s abbreviated life. It was at this point in the journey that I found myself, far from the destination I’d hoped to reach but miles ahead of my starting point, where I’d spent half a century feeling serene about the family I thought I knew, the answers I thought I possessed, and the explanations I once believed. ____________________________________ T H E LAST DISPATCH from Uncle CONTINUED ON PAGE 93

Kenyon was

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ANGELO M. JULOVICH Trinity Dental 6857 W. Stonegate Dr., Ste. A, Zionsville 317-973-3020

TRENT KIRKWOOD Kirkwood Dentistry 101 N. State St., Greenfield 317-462-3456

PHILIP HOYT Indy Dental Group 9310 N. Meridian St., Ste. 200 317-846-6125 indydentalgroup.com

JAMES HUSEMAN Noble Creek Family Dentistry 485 Noble Creek Dr., Noblesville 317-770-1247 noblecreekfamilydentistry.com

RYAN C. JAY, DDS 12110 Pendleton Pike 317-826-1050

hollanderdentistry.com

ryanjaydds.com

ROBERT L. HOLLOWAY, DDS 1104 Conner St., Noblesville 317-672-0950

ROBERT JAYNES Westend Dental—West 3611 W. 16th St. 317-983-3500

roberthollowaydds.com

mywestenddental.com

ANDREY HORTON, DDS, PC 6148 N. College Ave. 317-251-3104

PAUL C. JOHNSON Johnson Family Dentistry 8240 Naab Rd., Ste. 365 317-872-3282

westfieldfamilydental.com

AILEEN HELTON Dentistry on 116 890 E. 116th St., Ste. 210, Carmel 317-575-8993 dentistryon116.com

drhortondentistry.com

MEGAN KECK Keck Family Dentistry 151 E. Bow St., Ste. 1, Thorntown 765-436-2433

GEORGE E. KIRTLEY Great Lakes Family Dental Group 7207 N. Shadeland Ave., Ste. A 463-300-5758

keckfamilydentistry.com

smilesbygeorge.com

JOHNATHAN KELLER Decatur Woods Dental 3715 Kentucky Ave., Ste. A 317-563-8325

PAUL A. KOLMAN Kolman Dental, PC 6112 N. College Ave. 317-255-8546

decaturwoodsdental.com

kolmandental.com

CRAIG KIMMEL McCordsville Family Dentistry 7397 N. 600 W, Ste. 400, McCordsville 317-335-3395

TIMOTHY O. KRAUSS, DDS 8307 W. 10th St. 317-271-3700

mccordsvillefamilydental.com

johnsonfamilydds.com

dockirkwood.com

drjulovich.com

WAYNE T. KINNEY Keystone Dentistry 2828 E. 96th St. 317-575-1120

findadentist.ada.org

SPENCER KRUSE Mishel Kruse Dental 6425 N. Keystone Ave. 317-255-2941 mishelkrusedental.com

keystonedentistry.com

INDIANAPOLIS DENTISTRY Indianapolis Dentistry is a holistic, family, and oral surgery practice located just north of Greenwood, Indiana. Ted Reese, DDS, MAGD, NMD, is an accomplished dentist with nearly 40 years of experience. Accredited and awarded, Dr. Reese and his associate, Dr. Nicole Quint, work hard to gain your confidence and trust. Indianapolis Dentistry provides all aspects of dental care in one convenient, comfortable office. We serve children and adults, from routine dentistry to specialized oral surgery, cosmetic services, orthodontics, holistic dental care, dental implants, and sleep, TMJ, and sedation needs. Why Choose Us? Selecting a dentist is an important and personal choice that we take seriously as committed health care providers. Our mission is to serve each patient with honesty, integrity, respect, and compassion. We help our patients take control of their dental health to help promote your systemic health and reduce or eliminate chronic illnesses. Dr. Reese is IV certified and an accredited diplomate specialist in implant care and restorations, as well as a fellow of the IAOMT. Dr. Quint has completed a yearlong general practice residency and is accredited by the IAOMT for SMART certification.

Dr. Nicole Quint

Dr. Ted Reese

EIGHT-YEAR WINNER

IM | DECEMBER 2023

7218 U.S. 31 S Indianapolis, IN 46227 317-882-0228 calmingfears.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

SANG H. KWON Traders Point Dental 8850 Zionsville Rd. 317-872-4746 tpdental.com

ALLISON LANE Creative Smiles 168 E. New Rd., Greenfield 317-489-3566 creativesmilesgreenfield.com

ELIZABETH B. LEWIS Indy Dental Group 12720 Meeting House Rd., Carmel 317-571-1900 indydentalgroup.com

MICHELLE LUMSDON Choice Dental Centre of Greenwood 8936 Southpointe Dr. 317-881-5200 choicedentalcentre.com

CLAIRE MACINTYRE Village Dental at Saxony 13390 Overview Dr., Fishers 317-565-4249 fishersindentist.com

DANIEL MADDIGAN, DDS 723 Main St., Beech Grove 317-787-1361

AMANDA MAIZE, DMD 5511 E. 82nd St., Ste. F 317-842-1903 maizesmiles.com

MATTHEW MARTIN Martin Dentistry 1724 Broad Ripple Ave. 317-576-3603 martindentists.com

STEPHANIE MARTIN Martin Dentistry 1724 Broad Ripple Ave. 317-576-3603 martindentists.com

GARY MARTINE Martine Dental 3410 W. 56th St. 317-291-2119 martinedentistry.com

NATALIE MERCHO Advanced Family Dentistry 135 S. 2nd St., Zionsville 317-751-5301 afd-zionsville.com

AMANDA F. MILLER Wolf Family Dentistry 8920 Southpoint Dr., Ste. A-1 317-881-8161 wolffamilydentistry.com

facebook.com/ danielmaddigandds

CHRISTOPHER R. MILLER Renew Dental Arts 2205 N. Delaware St., Ste. 103 317-602-8924

DON M. NEWMAN Newman Family Dentistry 3945 Eagle Creek Pkwy., Ste. A 317-293-3000

renewdentalarts.com

newmanfamilydentistry.com

JACK M. MILLER Indy Dental Group 12720 Meeting House Rd., Carmel 317-571-1900

MARC NEWMAN Newman Family Dentistry 3945 Eagle Creek Pkwy., Ste. A 317-293-3000

indydentalgroup.com

newmanfamilydentistry.com

ALEX MISHEL Mishel Kruse Dental 6425 N. Keystone Ave. 317-255-2941

MIKEL NEWMAN Newman Family Dentistry 3945 Eagle Creek Pkwy., Ste. A 317-293-3000

generationsindentistry.com

newmanfamilydentistry.com

JEFFREY PLATT Indiana University School of Dentistry 1121 W. Michigan St. 317-274-7433

misheldental.com

C. LEE MITCHELL, DDS, PC 2946 Waterfront Pkwy. W. Dr. 317-290-9466 cleemitchelldds.com

BEN MOHRMAN Affordable Dental East 4082 Pendleton Way 317-899-1100 indyaffordabledental.com

JOHN NEEB Cornerstone Dental Arts 920 N. State St., Greenfield 317-462-7696

MARIQUITA “KIT” PALANCA-BEVERIDGE Preferred Dental Care 8280 N. Michigan Rd., Ste. A 317-337-0233 myindydentist.com

FARHEEN PASHA SkyView Dental 350 Westfield Rd., Ste. 220, Noblesville 317-886-9500

KATHERINE PATTON, DDS 8355 Rockville Rd. 317-271-0094 katherinepattondds.com

GREGORY J. PEASE, DDS 310 W. 161st St., Westfield 317-867-2828 gregoryjpeasedds.org

DOUGLAS E. PEET Generations In Dentistry 13331 Illinois St., Carmel 317-573-4000 PAUL PETERSON, DDS 4809 N. Pennsylvania St. 317-283-5300

dentistry.iu.edu

W. MICHAEL PRINCELL Great Lakes Family Dental Group 7207 N. Shadeland Ave., Ste. A 463-300-5758 princelldentistry.com

skyview-dental.com

cornerstonedentalarts.com

KIRKWOOD DENTISTRY

Dr. Brian Kirkwood NINE-YEAR WINNER

Dr. Brian Kirkwood graduated from Indiana School of Dentistry in 1988. Dr. Kirkwood brings 30-plus years of dental experience into his practice. With this knowledge, he promotes eﬀective and long-lasting treatment options for his patients. Dr. Kirkwood provides a range of services, including crowns/bridges, implants, braces, extractions, dentures, root canal therapy, and more. He continues to serve the Central Indiana area through his philanthropy and quality dental care. Thank you to the many dental specialists who continue to show your conﬁdence in us by voting in support of our practice. Also a big thanks to IM for taking on the monumental task of organizing and tallying the votes.

Dr. Trent Kirkwood SECOND-YEAR WINNER

Dr. Trent Kirkwood graduated from Indiana School of Dentistry in 2018. He is a general dentist who sees patients of all ages. Dr. Trent oﬀers a variety of services, including crowns/bridges, extractions, dentures, root canal therapy, and more. Dr. Trent believes that quality dental treatment starts with patient education. He takes the time to listen to the needs of his patients, and to explain treatment options. Dr. Trent is accepting new patients and is happy to be advancing healthy smiles in his community.

101 N. State St., Greenﬁeld, IN 46140 (317) 462-3456 • dockirkwood.com DECEMBER 2023 | IM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

SCOTT PAPINEAU, DDS & ANNETTE FARTHING, DDS As pediatric dentists, Dr. Scott D. Papineau and Dr. Annette T. Farthing are specially trained to treat infants and children. They and their compassionate staff work to make each child’s dental visit a positive and rewarding experience. It is their goal to treat each child as if they were their own. Child-friendly language and techniques are used to walk each patient through their dental procedures. Nitrous oxide, general anesthesia, and sedation for anxious patients are also available when needed. Drs. Papineau and Farthing’s expertise allows them to provide excellent dental care and guidance for establishing a lifetime of good oral health. They are honored to have been selected as Top Dentists by their peers. Together, they will continue to offer quality dental care in a fun and welcoming atmosphere and invite you to make their office your child’s dental home.

FIFTEEN-YEAR WINNERS

Scott D. Papineau, PharmD, DDS Diplomate American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

Annette T. Farthing, DDS Diplomate American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

7725 S. Emerson Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46237 317-882-7694, www.pediatricdentistindianapolis.com

PREFERRED DENTAL CARE Dr. Kit Palanca-Beveridge is honored to be included in Indy Monthly’s 2023 Top Dentists list. Dr. Palanca-Beveridge graduated from IU School of Dentistry in 1992. She is grateful for the love and support of her friends and family, both at home and at Preferred Dental Care. At Preferred Dental Care, we welcome people from all walks of life and all ages to experience the warm family spirit and high standard of care that our patients keep coming back to. Many of our caring and skillful team members have been with us for over 20 years. OUR MISSION: Our goal is to help our patients achieve and maintain a beautiful healthy

smile for a long and joyful life, as well as to build lifelong meaningful relationships with our patients and team members.

Dr. Mariquita “Kit” Palanca-Beveridge

THREE-YEAR WINNER

Preferred Dental Care 8280 Michigan Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46268 317-337-0233 www.myindydentist.com

IM | DECEMBER 2023

OUR SERVICES: We conveniently oﬀer numerous services under one roof, including: FREE digital smile makeover (see your new smile before you buy); painless injections; invisible and conventional braces; Perio Protect (a nonsurgical treatment for periodontal disease); Kör Whitening; oral and IV sedations for highly anxious patients; anti-snore guards; same-day CEREC crowns and veneers; implants; Botox and ﬁller tx; and sleep apnea home study and treatment.

“Wow, I love this place! They show such care, and you’re treated like family. You’re never treated as just a number. Missy is the best. She’s truly heaven-sent. Dr. Palanca is by far the best dentist I have ever gone to.” — E. LYNCH, PATIENT

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

VILLAGE DENTAL AT SAXONY At Village Dental at Saxony, we oﬀer a full suite of services to provide your family with comprehensive dentistry under one roof. Our team of skilled professionals is committed to delivering top-quality care for patients of all ages. For your convenience, we have a pediatric dentist, orthodontist, and general dentist all in one location! From routine check-ups and cleanings to braces and specialized care for kids, we’ve got all your dental needs covered. For those with dental anxiety, our IV sedation option ensures a relaxed and pain-free experience. Our stateof-the-art facility is ﬁlled with relaxing patient amenities and the latest dental technology to provide a truly exceptional level of care. Achieve a brighter, healthier smile with us today!

13390 Overview Dr., Fishers, IN 46037 317.676.4588 • ﬁshersindentist.com

TRILLIUM DENTAL CARE Dr. Jason Au-Yeung is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and Dental Implant Surgery and a triple board-certified specialist. He has provided periodontal and dental implant care in Central Indiana since 2009. He is also an adjunct professor at the IU School of Dentistry, as well as the current program director of coursework and training in local anesthesia and nitrous oxide sedation provided through the Continuing Education department. Dr. Jason also has a passion for medical esthetics and regenerative medicine and dentistry, providing cutting-edge treatments using platelet rich fibrin (PRF), lasers, and injectables such as Sculptra (PLLA) and neuromodulators (botulinum toxin) for therapeutic treatment of TMJ pain, headaches, migraines, and trigger points, as well as cosmetic smile enhancements. He is skilled at dermal filler injectables for lips, chin, marionette lines, cheek, and undereye support. He also developed the first medical esthetic cadaver dissection course in the Midwest with the IU School of Medicine Center for Anatomy and Physiology Education, focusing on anatomically based treatment for dermal filler and other injectables. Follow him on Instagram @golddontcrack for before and after photos.

Dr. Jason Au-Yeung

FIRST-YEAR WINNER

He also enjoys staying up to date with the ever-changing technology utilizing digital workﬂows, which includes 3D cone beam CT radiography, 3D digital intraoral scanners (instead of traditional wet impression materials), and 3D printing for more eﬃcient, improved, and predictable treatment outcomes for his patients. He believes that collaboration with his referring doctors is key to providing the best patient care and experience, and he is honored to have been voted by his peers for recognition as a Top Dentist. He looks forward to continuing to provide the highest level of care and serving Central Indiana.

8354 Little Eagle Ct., Ste. A, Indianapolis, IN 46234 317-209-3000 www.trilliumdentalcare.com DECEMBER 2023 | IM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

NANCY PRUETT Pruett Family Dentistry 4715 Statesmen Dr., Ste. G 317-284-1850

R. KEITH ROONEY TLC Family Dentistry 7625 S. Meridian St. 317-881-8271

CHRISTOPHER SCHULTZ, DDS 6068 N. Keystone Ave. 317-257-7198

drnancypruett.com

tlcfamily.dental

LYNNA C. SCOTT-DIGGS Scott Dentistry 5501 E. 71st St. 317-479-2340

MATTHEW RASKIN Eagle Creek Dental Associates 6920 Parkdale Pl., Ste. 111 317-325-8186

KURT A. RUPENTHAL Rupenthal Dentistry 5790 E. Main St., Ste. 110, Carmel 317-844-2810

eaglecreekdental.com

rupenthaldentistry.com

TONY L. RATLIFF Stony Creek Dentistry 17021 Clover Rd., Noblesville 317-776-8600

GRANT RYAN Fishers Family Dentistry 8410 E. 116th St., Fishers 317-576-0611 fishersfamilydentistry.com

stonycreekdentistry.com

KURUSH SAVABI Madison Ave. Dental 701 N. Madison Ave., Greenwood 317-881-4305

TED REESE Indianapolis Dentistry 7218 U.S. Highway 31 S. 317-953-5488

BRYAN SEYFERTH Glendale Family Dentistry 2620 E. 62nd St. 317-251-2371 makingpeoplesmile.com

CHRISTOPHER W. SHOREY Shorey Family Dental 8325 E. Southport Rd. 317-862-9800 facebook.com/ shoreyfamilydental

calmingfears.com

madisonavedentalcare.com

TORIE RICHARDSON Kluth-Richardson Family & Cosmetic Dentistry 16000 Prosperity Dr., Ste. 400, Noblesville 317-647-1303

TIM SCHAFER Post Road Family Dentistry 1527 N. Post Rd. 317-895-6713

kluthrichardsondental.com

docscott.com

BRYAN SIGG Cornerstone Family Dentistry 1201 N. Post Rd., Ste. 6 317-897-8970

postroaddental.com

cornerstonefamilydentistry .com

CANDICE SCHNEIDER Parkway Dental Care 7103 Whitestown Pkwy., Zionsville 317-343-4764

ADD SINCHAI Sinchai Family Dental 9860 Westpoint Dr., Ste. 200 317-849-3512

parkwaydentalcare.com

sinchaidental.com

MONA SINGH 86th Street Complete Dental 3810 W. 86th St. 317-872-3265 86thstreetdental.com

PREETI SINGH Eagle Creek Dentistry 5685 Lafayette Rd., Ste. 100 317-295-1000 eaglecreekdds.com

CHAD SLOAN Hadley Family Dentistry 5406 S. Emerson Ave., Ste. A 317-780-7777 hadleydentistry.com

HAROLD A. SMITH Dental Sleep Medicine of Indiana 5625 Castle Creek Pkwy. N. Dr. 317-585-0008 snoringindiana.com

MARY ELLEN SNYDER Snyder & Associates 70 E. 91st St., Ste. 103 317-844-6000 snyderdentalassociates.com

KATHERINE SO Mass Ave Family Dentistry 310 N. Delaware St. 317-456-5109 holisticdentistindianapolis .com

CAROLYNN SPANDAU Detail Dental 1030 Country Club Rd. 317-271-1488 detaildental.com

AARON SPRINGHETTI Springhetti Dentistry 10485 N. Michigan Rd., Ste. 150, Carmel 317-886-1304 springhettidentistry.com

JULIE STANTE, DDS, PC 9810 Westpoint Dr., Ste. 100 317-579-1875 juliestantedds.com

PAMELA A. STEED 8402 Harcourt Rd., Ste. 724 317-338-6464 pasteed.com

KRISTIN STEVENS Center Grove Family Dentistry 5873 State Rd. 135, Greenwood 317-762-9425 centergrovesmiles.com

WALKER-DIXON ORTHODONTICS Everyone deserves a smile that radiates self-conﬁdence and joy! For over 25 years, Dr. Walker and Dr. Dixon have made it their mission to provide their patients with the best quality care in orthodontics anywhere! Dr. Walker and Dr. Dixon recognize the importance of continuing their educations. They choose their techniques carefully and oﬀer the latest technology to improve the patient experience, from their 3D printing lab and digital scanners all the way down to the brackets and clear aligners they use. As premier providers of the Damon™ Braces System and Spark™ Clear Aligners, Dr. Walker and Dr. Dixon will tailor your treatment plan to your individual needs. Whether you are an adult or the parent of

a teen looking for a nearly invisible option or your young child wants braces like their friends, everyone can get the smile they have always wanted and deserved at our practice. Rest assured, your orthodontic treatment will be more comfortable, easier, and shorter than ever, no matter what age. When you choose Walker-Dixon Orthodontics for your smile, you will have the convenience of choosing between two oﬃce locations and the expertise of two orthodontists, who are joined by a knowledgeable team to provide you with the best orthodontic experience possible! Contact our practice for a complimentary consultation and discover the diﬀerence of a Walker-Dixon smile!

FISHERS

INDIANAPOLIS

11573 Cumberland Rd. Fishers, IN 46037 317-570-0011

7205 N. Shadeland Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46250 317-849-0110

IM | DECEMBER 2023

Dr. Marisa Walker and Dr. R. Bryan Dixon

FIFTEEN-YEAR WINNER

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

ALYSSA STICKLEY Danville Family Dentistry 23 S. County Rd. 200 E, Ste. B, Danville 317-745-4400 danvilledentalcare.com

MICHAEL TALBOTT Village Dental at Saxony 13390 Overview Dr., Fishers 317-565-4249 fishersindentist.com

DAVID TALER Advanced Family Dentistry 135 S. 2nd St., Zionsville 317-751-5301 afd-zionsville.com JUANITA R. TAYLOR CaringSmiles 4U 5339 Georgetown Rd. 317-968-9700 caringsmiles4u.com

WILLIAM C. TELLMAN Tellman Dentistry 5750 E. 91st St., Ste. A 317-849-3280 tellmandentistry.com

BENJAMIN TUROW Caring Dentists 8151 E. 21st St. 317-353-8505

DANE UHL German Church Road Family Dentistry 11020 E. 10th St., Ste. A 317-898-9231 gcrdentistry.com

TIMOTHY J. WILLIAMS Plainfield Family Dental 1620 Hawthorne Dr., Ste. 100, Plainfield 317-839-8684

JOHN WADAS IV Dental Care at Plainfield Crossing 2455 E. Main St., Ste. 104, Plainfield 317-483-1924

TRACEY TABOR WILLIAMS, DMD 303 N. Alabama St., Ste. 270 317-637-4636

dentalcareatplainfield crossing.com

DENNIS J. WALTKE Arlington Dental Group 7373 E. 21st St. 317-357-7373 arlington-dental.com

KEVIN D. WARD Fishers Dental Care 11959 Lakeside Dr., Fishers 317-647-5924 fishersdentalcare.com

NICOLE WEDDELL Weddell Pediatric Dentistry 3737 N. Meridian St., Ste. 100 317-924-5359

plainfieldfamilydental.com

drtraceywilliams.com

DAVID H. WOLF Wolf Family Dentistry 8920 Southpoint Dr., Ste. A-1 317-881-8161 wolffamilydentistry.com

GREGORY T. WRIGHT Bailey & Wright Dentistry 1035 N. Post Rd., Ste. A 317-897-6074 baileywrightdentistry.com

RUTA ZEKONIS Shelby Street Dentistry 4131 Shelby St. 317-784-2955

OR AL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY ROBERT P. ALDERMAN Northeast Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 9860 Westpoint Dr., Ste. 100 317-841-1100

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MARK W. ANDERSON Oral Surgeons of Indiana 8240 Naab Rd., Ste. 355 317-876-1095

CAMERON H. CONKIN, DDS 8101 S. Shelby St. 317-882-2595

oralsurgeonsin.com

drconkinoralsurgery.com

MICHAEL D. BENNETT Dental Implants and Oral Surgery of Indiana, LLC 3737 N. Meridian St. 317-931-3299

MATTHEW M. DAVIS Indiana Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates 8445 S. Emerson Ave., Ste. 100 317-882-1284

MATTHEW D. BOJRAB Indiana Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates 10972 Allisonville Rd., Ste. 100, Fishers 317-845-7878 iomsa.com

ourcaringdentists.com

iomsa.com

NATALIE MUIR EDEN Indiana Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates 10972 Allisonville Rd., Ste. 100, Fishers 317-845-7878 iomsa.com

SVETLANA BERMAN, DDS, MSD

704 Adams St., Ste. D Carmel, IN 46032 317-815-5552 www.BermanEndodontics.com

CHRISTOPHER A. BURNS Geist Oral & Facial Surgery 8170 Oaklandon Rd., Ste. B 317-823-4260

neomsindy.com

weddellpediatricdentistry.com

Dr. Berman is a Board of Endodontics eligible specialist, dedicated to providing high-quality and patient-centered endodontic care. Her practice is proud of its experienced, knowledgeable, and caring team and modern, state-of-the-art office. To confidently diagnose and comfortably treat the most complex conditions, the Berman Endodontics professionals use surgical microscopes, cone beam CT for 3D imaging, digital radiography, STA® computer–assisted local anesthesia, conscious sedation, and relaxing chair-side television. The latest technology in endodontics is used for the most successful and efficient root canal treatment, such as the GentleWave System® and the EdgePRO™ laser.

DESMON A. BROWN Clear Choice Dental Implant Center 8555 N. River Rd., Ste. 160 317-643-8593 clearchoice.com

CARMEL DENTAL GROUP Exceptional Quality Care and Comfort You Can Smile About!

FIFTEEN-YEAR WINNER EDUC AT ION:

IU School of Dentistry, DDS with high distinction IU School of Medicine, General Practice and Hospital Dentistry Residency IUSD Graduate Endodontics program MEMBER SHIP S A ND A FFILI AT IONS:

IUSD, part-time faculty member Member of the American Association of Endodontists, ADA, IDA, and IDDS: Leaders & Mentors Award 2021 OKU National Dental Honor Society Pierre Fauchard Academy Fellow Founder of the Pain Management and Sedation in Dentistry Study Club Fellow of the American College of Dentists

GentleWave Root Canal Treatment Authorized Provider

We would like to welcome you to our state-of-the-art practice serving patients of all ages. Carmel Dental Group is privately owned and operated by Dr. Cami L. Hovda, DDS, PC. Our practice is devoted to comprehensive and preventive patient care in a relaxed setting that will put you at ease. Active Member of the American Dental Society, American Academy of Facial Esthetics, Indiana Dental Association, Chicago Dental Society, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Indianapolis District Dental Society, Seattle Study Club and DOCS (Sedation Dentistry).

Cami L. Hovda, DDS, PC THIRTEEN-YEAR WINNER

DEN TA L SERV ICES INCLUDE:

Cosmetic, Restorative & Implant Dentistry Veneers & Tooth Whitening Crowns, Bridges & Dentures Root Canal Therapy Clear Braces Laser Dentistry Dentistry for the Whole Family Children’s Program

Digital X-Ray System Conscious Sedation Relaxing & Friendly Environment Botox Dermal Fillers Concierge Services In-house Insurance Plan

715 W. Carmel Dr., Ste. 103 Carmel, IN 46032 317-844-0022 www.carmeldentalgroup.com MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED AND FINANCING AVAILABLE

DECEMBER 2023 | IM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CATTON DENTISTRY

CHILDREN’S DENTAL CENTER

TWELVE-YEAR WINNER & THREE-YEAR WINNER Drs. Mark and Nick Catton are grateful for being named to Indianapolis Monthly’s Top Dentists. Dr. Mark Catton Patients have trusted our familyDr. Nick Catton owned and operated practice with their general dentistry needs 4809 N. Pennsylvania St. for nearly four decades. We are Indianapolis, IN 46205 welcoming new patients of all 317-923-2561 ages at our Meridian-Kessler and 14747 Oak Rd., Suite 400 Carmel locations. Call to make an Carmel, IN 46033 appointment today! 317-663-8957, cattondds.com

EAGLE CREEK DENTISTRY At Eagle Creek Dentistry, Dr. Preeti Singh’s commitment to patient education and to delivering stress-free care with a side of humor leaves patients comfortable and ready to improve and maintain their oral health. With over 30 years of experience in dentistry, Dr. Singh fosters long-lasting relationships built on trust and provides all aspects of general dentistry care, with an emphasis on cosmetics, extractions, implants, and gum health. Dr. Singh creates smiles that allow patients to feel like their most authentic and true selves.

IM | DECEMBER 2023

THIRTEEN-YEAR WINNER

Dr. Michelle H. Edwards is a specialist certiﬁed by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry with over 20 years of experience. She founded Children’s Dental Center with the mission to help families ﬁnd a lifelong dental home for their children. Dr. Edwards and her team’s multilevel accreditations and specialty training and skills allow them to provide each patient and their family with a comfortable and positive experience. Says Edwards, “My goal is to create a place where children, even if they come in with fears or a nervous feeling, can leave with a smile on their face and look forward to their next visit.”

9885 E. 116th St., Ste. 100 Fishers, IN 46037 317-842-8453 www.babytoothcenter.com

DR. TIM HOFTIEZER Dr. Tim Hoftiezer and his staﬀ at The Extra Smile excel at providing outstanding care! From your initial welcome through lifelong visits, our wonderful team listens while thoughtfully catering each appointment to best serve your needs.

Dr. Tim Hoftiezer ELEVEN-YEAR WINNER Dr. Preeti Singh

FIRST-YEAR WINNER 5685 Lafayette Rd., Ste. 100 Indianapolis, IN 46254 317-295-1000 www.eaglecreekdds.com

1610 E. Greyhound Pass, Ste. B Carmel, IN 46032 317-705-5800 TheExtraSmileByDrTim.com

Dr. Hoftiezer is an Indiana University School of Dentistry graduate. He completes at least 100 hours of continuing education per year, and is active in several local study clubs to provide the best in dental care with the latest technology. Please visit our website to see reviews from our happy patients!

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FISHERS PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

FALL CREEK DENTISTRY

Dr. Ana founded her private practice, Fishers Pediatric Dentistry, in 1996. She has served as a consultant for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Council on Clinical Aﬀairs and has furthered her education by obtaining a master’s in Business Administration from Northwestern University.

Dr. Angela Greenaway, a Top Dentist for over seven years, has made it her mission to serve Fishers and the surrounding area with high-quality, compassionate dental care. When she opened Fall Creek Dentistry 23 years ago, she made a commitment to provide patients with superior preventative and restorative treatments. Patients can expect a premium experience when they visit Fall Creek Dentistry, from the friendly, eﬃcient, highly skilled staﬀ members to the latest state-ofthe-art technology.

BOARD CERTIFICATION:

Dr. Angela Greenaway EIGHT-YEAR WINNER

Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:

ADA, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, Indiana Dental Association, Indiana Society of Pediatric Dentistry, IU Pediatric Dentistry Alumni, Chicago Dental Society

FIFTEEN-YEAR WINNER Ana Vázquez, DMD, MBA 9126 Technology Ln., Ste. 100 Fishers, IN 46038 317-598-9898 FishersPediatric.com

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS:

Ascension St. Vincent Fishers, Carmel Ambulatory Surgery Center, Community Surgery Center

10106 Brooks School Rd. Fishers, IN 46037 317-596-8000 fallcreekdentistry.com

FISHERS PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY Dr. Misti worked in private practice for ﬁve years prior to pursuing her passion of working with children and completing her pediatric residency. She began working as an associate for Fishers Pediatric Dentistry in 2014 and immediately knew she found her forever dental home. She became co-owner in July of 2016 and receives her biggest reward by providing compassionate and loving care to the families she serves. BOARD CERTIFICATION:

Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:

ADA, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, Indiana Dental Association, Indianapolis District Dental Society HOSPITAL AFFILIATION:

Ascension St. Vincent Fishers

FISHERS PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY Dr. Vinson has been practicing pediatric dentistry since 2004 and has been practicing with Fishers Pediatric Dentistry since 2005. She currently serves as a consultant on the Committee for Special Needs for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, as well as many other committees in national dental organizations. PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:

SEVEN-YEAR WINNER Misti Pratt, DDS 9126 Technology Ln., Ste. 100 Fishers, IN 46038 317-598-9898 FishersPediatric.com

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, American Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Association, Indiana Society of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Education Association HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS:

Riley Hospital for Children, Ascension St. Vincent Indianapolis and Carmel, Carmel Ambulatory Surgery Center, Community Hospital Surgery Center

FIVE-YEAR WINNER LaQuia A. Vinson, DDS, MPH 9126 Technology Ln., Ste. 100 Fishers, IN 46038 317-598-9898 FishersPediatric.com

PR ACTICE FOCUS:

Oral health of infants, children, adolescents, and individuals with special health care needs.

DECEMBER 2023 | IM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

LAWRENCE G. FALENDER Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center 1320 N. Post Rd. 317-900-4535 indianapolisoralsurgery.com

DENISE A. FLANAGAN Oral Surgeons of Indiana 8240 Naab Rd., Ste. 355 317-876-1095 oralsurgeonsin.com

BRENT T. GARRISON Northeast Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 9860 Westpoint Dr., Ste. 100 317-841-1100 neomsindy.com

BRUCE B. HORSWELL IU Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 550 University Blvd. 317-274-8300 iuhealth.org

GABRIEL DAVID HOSTALET Avon Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 6695 E. U.S. Hwy. 36, Avon 317-451-9328

CHRISTOPHER K. HOWARD Indiana University School of Dentistry 1121 W. Michigan St. 317-274-7433

MIKE KLUTH Kluth-Richardson Family & Cosmetic Dentistry 16000 Prosperity Dr., Ste. 400, Noblesville 317-785-1253

dentistry.iu.edu

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PATRICK S. KELLY Northeast Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 9860 Westpoint Dr., Ste. 100 317-841-1100

RAYMOND W. LEE Plainfield Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 803 Edwards Dr., Plainfield 317-527-0066

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CHRISTOPHER T. KIRKUP Indiana Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates 12036 N. Michigan Rd., Ste. 200, Zionsville 317-733-0926 iomsa.com

CARRIE ANN KLENE Klene Center Oral & Facial Surgery 715 W. Carmel Dr., Ste. 102, Carmel 317-208-5525

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MATTHEW C. MOLL East Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 300 E. Boyd Ave., Ste. 240, Greenfield 317-353-1320 PHILIP M. MONTEFALCO Indiana Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates 8445 S. Emerson Ave., Ste. 100 317-882-1284 iomsa.com

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DAVID M. MONTES Indiana Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates 10972 Allisonville Rd., Ste. 100, Fishers 317-845-7878

JOHN J. SCHIER Indiana Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates 12036 N. Michigan Rd., Ste. 200, Zionsville 317-733-0926

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CHRISTOPHER W. POTEE Noblesville Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 340 W. Logan St., Noblesville 317-776-0105

JARED M. SHELTON Avon Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 6695 E. U.S. Hwy. 36, Avon 317-451-9328

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TYLER J. POTTER Indiana Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates 1630 W. Smith Valley Rd., Greenwood 317-882-3370 iomsa.com

JOHN PRUITT Indiana Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates 1630 W. Smith Valley Rd., Greenwood 317-882-3370 iomsa.com

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ADD SINCHAI Sinchai Family Dental 9860 Westpoint Dr., Ste. 200 317-849-3512 sinchaidental.com

KEVIN T. STOCKTON Avon Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 6695 E. U.S. Hwy. 36, Avon 317-451-9328 avonoms.com

SAMUEL A. TANCREDI Indiana Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates 9240 N. Meridian St., Ste. 300 317-846-7377 iomsa.com

FISHERS FAMILY DENTISTRY At Fishers Family Dentistry, we oﬀer a wide variety of services focusing on your dental and overall health. While we practice conservatively and focus on preventive care, we are also conﬁdent and experienced in the treatment of major SEVEN-YEAR WINNER & cosmetic smile makeovers SECOND-YEAR WINNER and complicated treatment plans. We are patient-centered and go out of our way to provide the most comfortable dental experience.

GOVE FAMILY DENTISTRY

Raymond J.J.Gove Dr.Dr.Raymond Gove ELEVEN-YEAR WINNER TEN-YEAR WINNER

Gove Family Dentistry of Fishers and Noblesville are family-oriented practices that use the latest technology and techniques to maximize patient convenience, comfort, and satisfaction. This commitment means we are equipped to deliver every service you and your family may need from a dentist. From children to adults, we at Gove Family Dentistry treat our patients with the utmost care. Our mission is to build long-term relationships with our patients and treat you with a smile.

Dr. Scott Bassett is honored to be recognized as a Top Dentist for the past seven years, and Dr. Grant Ryan for his second!

Gove Family Dentistry Dr. Scott Bassett Dr. Grant Ryan

IM | DECEMBER 2023

8410 E. 116th St. Fishers, IN 46038 317-576-0611 FishersFamilyDentistry.com

Dr.Sarah Sarah M. Dr. M.Gove Gove ELEVEN-YEAR WINNER TEN-YEAR WINNER

14660 Herriman Blvd., Ste. 400 Noblesville, IN 46060 317-774-0600 11501 Cumberland Rd. Fishers, IN 46037 317-578-1414 GoveFamilyDentistry.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

DAVID D. TRIGG Southside Surgery Center 385 Meridian Parke Ln., Ste. A Greenwood 317-889-9000 drtrigg.com

ALEX KADEN WALKER Indy Oral Surgery 1103 E. 10th St. 317-295-2211 oralsurgeryindy.com

ORTHODONTICS M. JAYME ADELSPERGER Adelsperger Orthodontics 670 Patrick Pl., Brownsburg 317-858-4688 adelspergerortho.com

SARAH J. BAXTER Carmel Orthodontics 715 W. Carmel Dr., Ste. 201, Carmel 317-844-6284 carmelorthodontics.com

BRIAN W. BENEDICT Benedict Orthodontics 11780 Olio Rd., Ste. 300, Fishers 317-578-9500 benedictorthodontics.com

JEFFERY BIGGS Biggs-Hansen Orthodontics 9333 N. Meridian St., Ste. 301 317-316-0285

JASON K. BUNCH Gorman & Bunch Orthodontics 5594 E. 146 St., Ste. 220, Noblesville 317-815-9310 gormanbunch.com

PETER CHAPMAN Chapman Orthodontics 159 Dan Jones Rd., Plainfield 317-839-6533

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REBECCA P. BOLON Rebecca Bolon Orthodontic Care 9311 N. Meridian St., Ste. 200 317-846-6107

KAREN COTTINGHAM Cottingham Orthodontics 3916 Shore Dr. 317-299-0576

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MARYBETH BRANDT Associated Orthodontists of Indiana 370 Medical Dr., Ste. C, Carmel 317-844-4104 associatedorthoin.com

NICHOLAS C. BRASSARD Nicholson Orthodontics 95 E. Oak St., Zionsville 317-873-6927

BRYAN DIXON Walker-Dixon Orthodontics 7205 N. Shadeland Ave. 317-849-0110 walkerdixonortho.com

PAUL ELLIS Ellis Orthodontics 1678 Fry Rd., Ste. A, Greenwood 317-881-1161 greenwoodorthodontics.com

BRETT R. FINKELMEIER Finkelmeier Orthodontics 912 S. Rangeline Rd., Carmel 317-993-3789 finkortho.com

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DANIELLE N. GODLEY Godley Family Orthodontics 12036 N. Michigan Rd., Ste. 110, Zionsville 317-913-2828

JULIAN DAVILA Geist Orthodontics 8140 Oaklandon Rd. 317-823-8338 geistortho.com

JEFFREY A. DEAN Clark, Dean & Associates Children’s Dentistry 7830 Rockville Rd., Ste. A 317-271-9727 clarkdeanjones.com

VINCE HANSEN Biggs-Hansen Orthodontics 9333 N. Meridian St., Ste. 301 317-316-0285 indyortho.com

TODD A. HICKMAN Gorman & Bunch Orthodontics 8001 Shelby St. 317-888-7807 gormanbunch.com

JAY HUGHES Hughes Orthodontics 9106 N. Meridian St., Ste. 250 317-846-7001 hughes-ortho.com

ANTHONY IMBURGIA Imburgia Orthodontics 415 Dan Jones Rd., Ste. 108, Plainfield 317-203-5133

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TASHA EILEEN HALL Hallmark Orthodontics 13590-B N. Meridian St., Ste. 205, Carmel 317-574-0612

SERKIS C. ISIKBAY Apricot Orthodontics 2905 N. High School Rd. 317-292-9292

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HALLMARK ORTHODONTICS

IMPLANT DENTISTRY AND PERIODONTICS

Dr. Tasha Hall, Dr. Andrew Raber, and, and the team at Hallmark Orthodontics are proud to deliver the highest quality orthodontic care in a personable, positive, and professional environment. We utilize state-of-theart technology and maintain leadership roles in numerous professional organizations. Dr. Hall also serves as the director of Craniofacial Orthodontics at IU and Riley Children’s Hospital. FIRST-YEAR WINNERS

Dr. Michael D. Edwards ELEVEN-YEAR WINNER

With four convenient locations, Spanish-speaking assistance, and optional Saturday appointments, we are committed to building beautiful smiles!

Carmel • Noblesville Shelbyville • Elwood 317-574-0612 www.hallmarkorthodontics.com

Dr. Adam B. Christman FIRST-YEAR WINNER

As a team, Implant Dentistry and Periodontics has over 100 years of combined experience. Dr. Edwards and Dr. Christman specialize in dental implants and surgical treatment of gum disease. The clinical and administrative team maximize digital diagnostic technology to provide each patient with personalized treatment options, multilevel sedation dentistry, and precise dental implant placement. Dr. Edwards, Dr. Christman, and their staﬀ are dedicated to working closely with general and specialty dentists across Indiana to provide exceptional surgical care.

FISHERS INDIANAPOLIS 8801 N. Meridian St. 9885 E. 116th St. Ste. 103 Ste. 300 Indianapolis, IN Fishers, IN 317-574-0600 317-842-2273

DECEMBER 2023 | IM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

GREGORY A. JOHNSON Avon Orthodontics 8114 Kingston St., Avon 317-272-4755 avonortho.com

SAM JONES-DAVIS J. Orthodontics Inc. 8240 Naab Rd., Ste. 250 317-731-5203 jorthodonticsinc.com

DAVID L. JUDY Gorman & Bunch Orthodontics 617 N. River Dr., Marion 765-662-0018

RONALD L. MILLER Carmel Orthodontics 715 W. Carmel Dr., Ste. 201, Carmel 317-844-6284 carmelorthodontics.com

JAMES NICHOLSON Nicholson Orthodontics 95 E. Oak St., Zionsville 317-873-6927 drnicholson.com

JOHN C. PRITCHETT Pritchett Orthodontics 9602 E. Washington St. 317-898-9473

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JOHN KRULL Castleton Orthodontics 8140 Knue Rd., Ste. 115 317-842-8282

LINDSAY RESMER Resmer + Ryan Orthodontics 16000 Prosperity Dr., Ste. 500, Noblesville 317-774-8480

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ROB LARSON Larson-Holland Orthodontics 6070 N. Keystone Ave. 317-253-6784 larsonorthodontics.com

DANIEL S. MARTIN, DDS, MSD 1000 W. Jefferson St., Franklin 317-736-0607 martinorthosmiles.com

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KIRK RIPLEY Ripley Orthodontics 8849 S. Shelby St., Ste. C-2 317-881-3997 ripleyortho.com

JEFFERY A. ROBERTS Roberts Orthodontics 5955 S. Emerson Ave. 317-536-1365

BRIAN ROCHFORD Glander Rochford Orthodontics 8445 S. Emerson Ave., Ste. 102 317-888-2827

GREG A. WERNER Werner Orthodontics 9602 E. Washington St., Ste. B 317-898-7645 wernerortho.com

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CHARLES A. SADLER JR. Sadler Orthodontics 11921 Lakeside Dr., Fishers 317-594-0888

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MICHELLE L. WITTLER Wittler Orthodontics, PC 534 E. State Rd. 32, Westfield 317-896-3444 wittlerortho.com

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ROBERT STONER Kuzmic Orthodontics 8902 N. Meridian St., Ste. 137 317-846-4446

ARIEL WONG Ashcraft & Wong Orthodontics 1667 N. Lebanon St., Lebanon 765-482-2291

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MARK VAUGHN Chapman Orthodontics 159 Dan Jones Rd., Plainfield 317-839-6533

KEVIN BEADLE Kokomo Pediatric Dentistry 2350 S. Dixon Rd., Ste. 425, Kokomo 765-453-6000 JOHN BOZIC Pediatric Dentistry West 520 W Navajo St, West Lafayette, IN 47906 765-463-5437 bozicdds.com

ZACH BOZIC Pediatric Dentistry West 8930 W. 10th St. 317-271-6060 bozicdds.com

KATELYN BRAUER Kevin Spees Dentistry 2135 Parkway Dr., Zionsville 317-669-9934

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

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kevinspeesdentistry.com

MARISA WALKER Walker-Dixon Orthodontics 7205 N. Shadeland Ave. 317-849-0110

LESA ALLISON Park Pediatric Dentistry 1700 W. Smith Valley Rd., Ste. B1, Greenwood 317-300-8163

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SAM BULLARD Smiling Kids Pediatric Dentistry 9240 N Meridian St., Ste. 250 317-580-9199 smilingkidsindy.com

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DR. LAWRENCE G. FALENDER

JENNIFER R. KUGAR, DDS, MSD

At Indianapolis Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center, we work to ensure that each of our patients gets the highest quality care and the best customer experience.

THIRTEEN-YEAR WINNER

Dr. Falender, a board-certiﬁed oral and maxillofacial surgeon, has been practicing since 1987 with these goals in mind. He performs all types of oral surgery procedures, including wisdom teeth removal, dental implant placement, the All-on-4 procedures, and TMJ treatment. When you choose us, you will know you’re in the best hands.

1320 N. Post Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46219 317-898-2555 IndianapolisOralSurgery.com

IM | DECEMBER 2023

Dr. Kugar is certiﬁed by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She graduated from Butler University and Indiana University School of Dentistry and obtained a master’s in Pediatric Dentistry from the Indiana University Pediatric Dental Program. At Northeast Pediatric Dentistry, our goal is to have a lasting, positive impact on our patients. We serve our patients in a fun and safe environment. We want our patients to be comfortable and feel at ease with their care. In all our work, we try to provide a dental experience that helps kids understand from a very young age that the dentist’s oﬃce is a great place to go and that oral health is very important throughout their lifetime! 11501 Cumberland Rd., Ste. 600 Fishers, IN 46037 317-585-8055 www.smile4drkugar.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

JILL S. CARSON ALDRICH Aldrich Pediatric Dentistry 10373 E. County Rd. 100 N, 463-701-5437 aldrichpd.com

JANET C. CLARK Clark, Dean & Associate’s Children’s Dentistry 7830 Rockville Rd., Ste. A 317-271-9727 clarkdeanjones.com

KARA CZARKOWSKI Czarkowski Pediatric Dentistry 1927 Broad Ripple Ave. 317-964-0900 czarkowskipediatricdentistry .com

MICHELLE H. EDWARDS Children’s Dental Center 9885 E. 116th St., Ste. 100, Fishers 317-932-7086 babytoothcenter.com

MARK ELLIS Ellis Pediatric Dentistry 910 Averitt Rd., Greenwood 317-859-9450 ellispediatricdentistry.com

ANNETTE T. FARTHING Drs. Papineau and Farthing 7725 S. Emerson Ave. 317-882-7694 pediatricdentistindianapolis .com

CHARLES T. FUHRER III Pediatric Dentistry of Noblesville 106 Lakeview Dr., Noblesville 317-773-3617 noblesvilledentistry.com

LAURA GOODE Carmel Pediatric Dentistry 12174 N. Meridian St., Ste. 200, Carmel 317-846-3496 carmelpediatricdentistry.com

CHAD HAZELRIGG Pediatric Dentistry of Noblesville 106 Lakeview Dr., Noblesville 317-773-3617 noblesvilledentistry.com

AJAY P. JOSHI Hoosier Pediatric Dental Group 11876 Olio Rd., Ste. 300, Fishers 317-516-5184 hoosierpediatricdental.com

DIANA KOZLOWSKI Growing Grins Pediatric Dentistry 526 State Rd. 32 E, Westfield 317-896-9600

D. SCOTT MORGAN Pediatric Dentistry North 9002 N. Meridian St., Ste. 105 317-571-8000

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KATHERINE NICHOLS Carmel Pediatric Dentistry 12174 N. Meridian St., Ste. 200, Carmel 317-846-3496

JENNIFER KUGAR Northeast Pediatric Dentistry 11501 Cumberland Rd., Ste. 600, Fishers 317-585-8055

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SCOTT PAPINEAU Drs. Papineau and Farthing 7725 S. Emerson Ave. 317-882-7694

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KELLI R. LUCIA Weddell Pediatric Dentistry 3737 N. Meridian St., Ste. 100 317-924-5359

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MELISSA MCHENRY Zionsville Pediatric Dentistry 55 Brendon Way, Ste. 500, Zionsville 317-873-4186 zpd4kids.com

CAROL MCKOWN Village Dental at Saxony 13390 Overview Dr., Fishers 317-565-4249

ERIN PHILLIPS Pediatric Dentistry 8433 Harcourt Rd., Ste. 307 317-872-7272 indykidsdentist.com

MISTI PRATT Fishers Pediatric Dentistry 9126 Technology Ln., Ste. 100, Fishers 317-598-9898 fisherspediatric.com

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JULIE L. STANTE, DDS At Julie L. Stante, DDS, Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, the dentist-patient relationship is the most important part of our practice. We offer comprehensive dental care, on-time appointments, and the latest techniques, tools, and advanced technology so our patients receive the best possible experience. Serving the Indianapolis, Fishers, Geist, and Noblesville areas, our practice focus NINE-YEAR WINNER includes family dentistry, cosmetic and restorative dentistry, and TMJ therapy incorporating the use of Botox for myofascial pain. We firmly believe combining a personal approach with the latest dental technology provides the best long-term oral health for you and your family. Dr. Julie Stante completed her undergraduate degree at Butler University and earned her dental degree from the Indiana University School of Dentistry. Her commitment to exceptional dentistry is exemplified by her ongoing education and passion for providing the best patient care. 9810 Westpoint Dr., Ste 100 Indianapolis, IN 46256 317-579-1875 juliestantedds.com

pediatricdentistrynorth.com

BRIAN J. SANDERS Sanders Pediatric Dentistry 13590-B N. Meridian St., Ste. 202, Carmel 317-818-2200 sanderspediatricdentist.com

JENNIFER SATTERFIELDSIEGEL Special Smiles Pediatric Dentistry 10801 N. Michigan Rd., Ste. 210, Zionsville 317-873-3448 specialsmilesdentistry.com

SWATI SINGH Smiling Kids Pediatric Dentistry 9669 E. 146th St., Ste. 260, Noblesville 317-773-5437 smilingkidsindy.com

JAIME L. STEELE Steele Pediatric Dentistry 9602 E. Washington St., Ste. C 317-899-5437 eastindypediatricdentist.com

KIRA STOCKTON Pediatric Dentistry 8433 Harcourt Rd., Ste. 307 317-872-7272 indykidsdentist.com

TRACEY TABOR WILLIAMS, DMD

FIFTEEN-YEAR WINNER

We are honored to be selected as a Top Dentist for the 15th consecutive year. We are grateful for the continued loyalty and trust of our peers and patients. Many things have changed over the years, but our commitment to delivering safe, compassionate, personalized dental care has remained the same.

Dr. Williams strives to mix artistry and dental knowledge to restore and enhance the dental health of all our patients. In our practice, each patient gets customized treatment well beyond X-rays and a simple diagnosis, which we tailor to their expectations. Our expertise in restoration ranges from complex cosmetic cases to routine maintenance, with the common factor being a devotion to excellent outcomes. Each of our talented team members is devoted to making you feel comfortable, well-informed, and cared for each and every time you walk into our oﬃce. We are here to answer your questions, demonstrate proper techniques, and give you further education that will help you take care of your smile in every way. Whether you are looking for a dental home for your regular checkups or for a doctor who can give you a total smile makeover, you have found the dental practice with the advanced equipment, knowledge, and compassion to 303 N. Alabama St., Ste. 270 better serve you. For more inIndianapolis, IN 46204 formation, please call our oﬃce drtraceywilliams.com at 317-637-4636 or visit our web317-637-4636 site at drtraceywilliams.com.

DOWNTOWN INDY

DECEMBER 2023 | IM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

ANA H. VAZQUEZ Fishers Pediatric Dentistry 9126 Technology Ln., Ste. 100, Fishers 317-598-9898 fisherspediatric.com

LAQUIA A. VINSON Fishers Pediatric Dentistry 9126 Technology Ln., Ste. 100, Fishers 317-598-9898 fisherspediatric.com

JAMES WEDDELL Weddell Pediatric Dentistry 3737 N. Meridian St., Ste. 100 317-924-5359 weddellpediatricdentistry.com

LAUREN S. WEDDELL Weddell Pediatric Dentistry 3737 N. Meridian St., Ste. 100 317-924-5359 weddellpediatricdentistry.com

NICOLE WEDDELL Weddell Pediatric Dentistry 3737 N. Meridian St., Ste. 100 317-924-5359 weddellpediatricdentistry.com

DANIEL GOMES Central Indiana Periodontics 8235 Country Village Dr. 317-299-4731 centralinperio.com

ANAND PATEL Periodontal & Dental Implant Associates 5594 E. 146th St., Ste. 100, Noblesville 317-680-7201 indyperiodontal.com

PERIODONTICS

MICHAEL K. GOSSWEILER, DDS 7537 38th St. 317-329-9291

JASON AU-YEUNG Trillium Dental Care 8354 Little Eagle Ct., Ste. A 317-209-3000

SARAH HERD Perio Indy 4725 Statesmen Dr., Ste. F 317-436-7162

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ADAM CHRISTMAN Implant Dentistry and Periodontics 8801 N. Meridian St., Ste. 103 317-343-4331

RYAN JACKSON Indiana Periodontics & Dental Implants 45 N. Madison Ave., Greenwood 317-887-3180

indyimplants.com

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JULIE L. COMBS Greenfield Periodontics and Implant Dentistry 120 W. McKenzie Rd., Ste. J, Greenfield 317-477-3000

VANCHIT JOHN Indiana University School of Dentistry 1121 W. Michigan St. 317-274-7433

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BRITTANY LANE Indy East Periodontics 115 N. Shortridge Rd., Ste. 100 317-357-2235

MICHAEL D. EDWARDS Implant Dentistry and Periodontics 9885 E. 116th St., Ste. 100, Fishers 317-842-2273 indyimplants.com

dentistry.iu.edu

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KRITHIKA RAJKUMAR Periodontal Specialists of Indiana 9660 E. 146th St., Ste. 500, Noblesville 317-774-0716

BRUCE B. WILAND IndyPerio 5162 E. Stop 11 Rd., Ste. 2 317-888-3322 indyperio.com

JAMES WOLFE Periodontal Specialists of Indiana 9660 E. 146th St., Ste. 500, Noblesville 317-774-0716

PROSTHODONTICS

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DANIEL SHIN Indiana University School of Dentistry 1121 W. Michigan St. 317-274-7433 dentistry.iu.edu

STEPHEN B. TOWNS Sonrisa: A Periodental Spa 508 Indiana Ave. 317-269-0402 sonrisadental.com

KURT VANWINKLE, DDS, MSD, PC 8902 N. Meridian St., Ste. 138 317-844-2792 vanwinkleperio.com

SAVITHRI “SAVI” ABEY Prosthodontics of Central Indiana 11405 N. Pennsylvania St., Ste. 110, Carmel 317-574-0866 prosthodonticsin.com

FIDEL BARBOSA Clear Choice Dental Implant Center 8555 N. River Rd., Ste. 160 317-643-8593 clearchoice.com

CHRISTINE BISHOP Prosthodontics of Central Indiana 11405 N. Pennsylvania St., Ste. 110, Carmel 317-574-0866 prosthodonticsin.com

IM | DECEMBER 2023

dentistry.iu.edu

AMMAR LOULY Louly Dentistry 11530 E. Washington St. 317-869-0000 snorenomoreindiana.com

indiana-perio.com

BRYAN J. ROY, DDS, MSD, PC 6825 Parkdale Pl., Ste. A 317-293-7171

MICHELE KIRKUP Indiana University School of Dentistry 1121 W. Michigan St. 317-274-7433

GENE MARGIOTTI, DDS 385 Meridian Parke Ln., Ste. B, Greenwood 317-859-8100 findadentist.ada.org

JOHN R. PHELPS, DDS, MSD 8902 N. Meridian St., Ste. 139 317-818-9858 johnrphelpsdds.com

KELLIE SCHAUB Dental Center 8445 S. Emerson Ave., Ste. 101 317-884-8633 indianapolisdentistks.com

RICHARD J. STUART JR., DDS, PC 3021 E. 98th St., Ste. 240 317-846-0509 richardstuartdds.com

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 71

THE UNCLE I NEVER KNEW written on October 14, 1940, my mother’s fifth birthday. It was the final one she’d celebrate with her big brother, who had 72 days left to live. The Kenyon on this day is the one I relate to the most: spunky, sassy, satirical, and a bit rebellious as he scrawled a self-effacing original poem in his own school autograph book. “To Kenyon, Your as little as you are big but when you eat you look like a pig. Your twin brother, Kenyon.” I, too, have used poetry to express my skewed sense of humor. I once turned an English class assignment about the Squire in Canterbury Tales—who “tried to train his hair to curliness”—into a poetic parody with rhymes such as, “He must have drawn a lot of stares / When he wore curlers in his hair.” So I feel a kinship, literally and figuratively, with the 9-year-old author who declared himself as little as he was big. What kind of creative connection might

we have made if Uncle Kenyon had lived to see me become a writer? ____________________________________ I NE E D TO K NOW one more thing. Did Kenyon die because the hospital neglected his drain tube? That’s the family story I grew up hearing, and I have no medical records to prove its validity. But could it be true? I posed the question to Dr. Brian Gray, pediatric surgeon at Riley Children’s Health, and his answer intrigued me. If my family’s account is accurate, then yes, the ignored drain tube could have contributed to Kenyon’s death, especially if it were one of multiple adverse factors, including perhaps sepsis and the lack of antibiotics in 1940. (Penicillin was first used in 1941). ____________________________________ “OH V E RY YOUNG, what will you

leave us this time?” 1970s folk rocker Cat Stevens once sang. “You’re only dancin’ on this Earth for a short while.” Uncle Kenyon never lived the life he deserved, and his death was a tragedy. But his memory doesn’t have to be. In bringing his story to light and to life,

perhaps I’ve given him one last opportunity to dance on this Earth again, if only for a short while. I can never know what an adult Uncle Kenyon would have added to my life, but at least I got a glimpse of the younger version. Whenever I think of Kenyon today, I no longer see a two-dimensional image frozen in time. I see my grandmother, younger and happier, pushing a stroller carrying the prettiest baby in town. I see a boy and his dad with fishing poles, savoring the special bond shared between fathers and sons. I see myself in the kid who couldn’t just pass around his school autograph book and play it straight. Maybe Kenyon’s self-description was accurate after all. Had he been twice as old, he might have fought in World War II. Had he lived three more months, he’d have celebrated his first double-digit birthday. But Forest Kenyon Rusie will never turn 18, or 10, or any other age beyond 9. It is there he returns and there he remains, forever a fourth-grader, halfway between birth and manhood. As little as he is big.

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12 2023

R E S TAU R A N T S

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Classic and creative are what’s on the drink menu at Nowhere Special, p. 97

P h o t o b y T O N Y VA L A I N I S

DOWNTOWN

though the pimento cheeseburger with pickled green tomato is hard to beat. But more uptown offerings, such as ricotta gnocchi with seasonal garnishes or a lunchtime bulgogi noodle bowl, showcase how cider brings out the flavors in world cuisines as deliciously as fine wines. Save room for cider doughnut holes lavished with caramel sauce. 1301 E. Washington St., 317-6003164, ashandelmcider.com V $$

INCLUDES Fletcher Place, Fountain Square, Mass Ave, Mile Square

Agave & Rye + TACOS High-concept tortilla concoctions with names like the Filthy Fajita, Swipe Right, and the Spicy Kitty add to the party atmosphere at this vibrant chain awash in neon, chandeliers, performance wallpaper, and pops of graffiti. A la carte tacos get backup from starters in the form of either Big Munchies (such as Birria Irish Nachos and Mac N Cheese Beignets) or Little Munchies (including elotes plated half off the cob). Tequila and bourbon dominate the house cocktails mixed behind a bar festooned with colors and lights, and the desserts are portioned for sharing. 336 Delaware St., 463-257-8226, agaveandrye.com V $$$

potatoes). Coffee drinkers can get an espresso or cappuccino, and those avoiding caffeine can go for a spice-infused golden latte, mango lassi, or minty pineapple lemonade. The colorful storefront spot with plenty of original art is as comfy in the morning as in the evening, when Indians tend to prefer their chai. 1028 Shelby St., 317-998-4463, acupofchai.us $

Don Juan Peruvian Sandwiches + Bluebeard +++ CONTEMPORARY Bluebeard opened in 2012,

and crowds still roll in for chef Abbi Merriss’ take on seasonal comfort food. Start with the bread baked next door at Amelia’s—it’s especially delicious slathered with anchovy butter—and build your meal from the everchanging menu of small and large dishes. Fried morels may show up on a spring picnic plate, while winter nights call for a comforting butcher shop Bolognese. 653 Virginia Ave., 317-686-1580, bluebeardindy.com V $$

Aroma ++

Cafe Patachou +

INDIAN Familiar tandoori and tikka masala

staples mingle with heartier, more elevated offerings at this elegant pan-Indian spot. Lunchtime lamb and chicken rolls in crispy flatbread wrappers stand out, as do hearty chaat dishes dressed up with yellow peas, yogurt, and chutneys. An impressive lamb shank is the highlight of the chef’s specialties and easily feeds two. A full bar and an artful array of desserts help round out a special occasion meal. 501 Virginia Ave., 317-602-7117, aromaindy.com V $$

CAFE The original Meridian-Kessler “student union for adults” continues to draw in the morning crowds and has inspired citywide offshoots, such as this sleek downtown location, a huge hit with the business and weekend hordes alike. The cinnamon toast remains as thick as a brick; the produce is still locally sourced; the massive omelets continue to have cheeky names; and the broken-yolk sandwiches are a perennial lunch favorite. 225 W. Washington St., 317V $$ 632-0765, cafepatachou.com

Ash & Elm Cider Co. ++

A Cup of Chai +

CIDERY Ash & Elm’s array of complex and

TEAHOUSE Punjab native Pravy Nijjar’s cozy,

quaffable ciders gets broader all the time, with funky cocktails demonstrating a flavor profile well beyond sweet apples in the vibrant tasting room at the former Ford Assembly Plant on Washington Street. The food pairs beautifully with the drinks, from the now legendary elote fritters made with Indiana corn and cilantro crema to the crispy fried Brussels sprouts flavored with, of course, cider vinaigrette. A thick-cut Cuban and an Italian hoagie with all the meats are great choices among sandwiches,

funky teahouse, which opened in July of 2023 on a secluded section of Shelby Street in Fountain Square, offers a true taste of Indian-style chai with several different spice profiles. For the genuine article, go for the masala chai, a dairy-forward drink that features ginger, cardamom, fennel, and cloves, equally good hot or iced. Pair that with one of Nijjar’s street-food inspired snacks, such as golden, aromatic samosas or tasty kati rolls (tender paratha stuffed with spiced chicken, paneer, or

PERUVIAN Crisp-crusted fresh bread made by a local baker and finished on-site surrounds tempting meats at this darling sandwich shop tucked behind a secluded strip mall at Raymond Street and Sherman Drive. Favorites include the lomo saltado with tender strips of beef tenderloin, and the lechon, a South American take on a Hoosier tenderloin featuring breaded pork roast topped with an onion “salsa criolla.” A fried-fish sandwich and creamy chicken salad get a boost of flavor from the tasty mild green sauce served at the table. 3720 E. Raymond St., 317-377-4677 $

The Fountain Room ++ UPSCALE Restaurateur Blake Fogelsong filled this two-story showstopper with tufted leather chairs, glamorous clamshell booths, marble bar tops, and cascading chandeliers as a tribute to the Art Deco splendor of the restored Bottleworks Hotel next door. Meanwhile, the big-shouldered menu covers everything from fine-tuned steaks and seafood to wild-card winners like a 20-ounce Circle City Cut slab of prime rib, a noble old-school relish tray, utterly decadent French onion soup, and the best Coca-Cola barbecue ribs in town. 830 Massachusetts Ave., 463$$$ 238-3800, thefountainroom.com

Futuro ++ PIZZA Fans of this downtown-ish charmer don’t crave pizza. They crave Futuro. That’s one way to distinguish a standout joint from the places that merely provide a fix. When it opened mid-pandemic, Futuro immediately grabbed attention with Detroit-style pies. It’s a rare purveyor of thick, pan-cooked slabs characterized by a cheesy exoskeleton and sauce spooned over the toppings so it

key NORTHWEST p. 103

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DOWNTOWN p. 96 Fletcher Place Fountain Square Mass Ave Mile Square

Carmel Fishers Noblesville Westﬁeld Zionsville

NORTH SUBURBAN p. 101

NORTHEAST p. 99

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SOUTH SUBURBAN p. 103 Bargersville Greenwood

IM | DECEMBER 2023

70 31

Beech Grove Irvington Windsor Park

SYMBOLS Brunch Outdoor seating Reservations V Vegetarian friendly

$$$$ $30 and up $$$ $20–$30 $$ $10–$20 $ Under $10

+++ Excellent ++ Very Good + Good

NEW

Recently opened establishment.

ADDED

Open for more than ﬁve months but making its ﬁrst appearance in the guide.

UPDATED

Recently revisited and reevaluated.

Restaurants included in this guide are selected at the discretion of the Indianapolis Monthly editorial staff based on food quality, innovation, atmosphere, service, value, and consistency. IM does not accept advertising or other compensation in exchange for dining coverage. Price symbols indicate the average cost of a meal per person (without tax, tip, or alcohol). Due to limited space, this list does not cover every evaluated restaurant. For a more comprehensive guide to Indianapolis dining, visit IndianapolisMonthly.com/Dining. Feedback? Please email TheDish@IndianapolisMonthly.com.

doesn’t make the airy, porous dough soggy. Followers quickly learned to make a play for the corners for maximum crispy-crust payoff, though the single-sided squares are hardly a compromise thanks to the quality of Futuro’s house-made ingredients, like ground pepperoni and chicken-and-ranch fixings. In fact, you don’t even need all that dough. The thinner tavern-style and gluten-free pizzas are just as impressive and generously loaded. Pre-order a special featuring Smoking Goose or Half Liter BBQ collaborations, add on the big, knobby breadsticks, and dine in (the upstairs patio is the best spot) to take advantage of the deep beer list. The expansion of the plucky storefront, tucked away on an alley just east of downtown, testifies to Futuro’s popularity and embodies the pizzeria’s attitude—big, fun, and original. 19 Cruse St., 317-360-4725, futuroindy.com V $$

sending out plate after plate of contemporary Latin-inspired fare. Favorites have included a salad tucked inside a folded manchego crisp, meltingly tender steak fanned over a block of polenta, and a silky tres leches cake that is to die for. Snag a spot on the upperlevel deck for a real treat. 720 N. College Ave., 317-383-0330, livery-restaurant.com $$

Panamanian cobia served Oscar-style, and whole fried fish rising off of the plate at this high-end chain inside a section of the former L.S. Ayres department store, an Art Deco gem. Even if you just stop in for oysters and martinis at the bar, the Baked Alaska makes for a spectacular finish. 30 S. Meridian St., 317-955-2277, theoceanaire.com $$$$

Love Handle ++

St. Elmo Steak House ++

SANDWICHES Daily lunch and brunch features

STEAKHOUSE Since 1902, this stately house of red meat has served as the unofficial ambassador of downtown Indianapolis—the walls carry decades’ worth of celebrity photos, the burnished bar hearkens to an earlier era, and the servers remain starched and bow-tied. The drill remains the same, as well: a generous martini, a shrimp cocktail with that notoriously hot sauce, the bean soup or tomato juice, the wedge, and one of the legendary steaks. 127 S. Illinois St., 317-635-0636, stelmos.com $$$$

such as schnitzel and waffles and a pulledchicken Hot Brown are the main draw at Chris and Ally Benedyk’s cheeky sandwich shop. The chalkboard menu also offers side options in the form of braised greens and potato salad with roasted tomatoes. 877 Massachusetts Ave., 317-384-1102 $$

Milktooth +++ Gallery Pastry Bar ++

BRUNCH This diner-style cafe has a playfully

CONTEMPORARY The second location for

gritty vibe. The early morning counter service featuring pastries and coffee gives way to a full-service brunch menu with daytime craft cocktails. 534 Virginia Ave., V $$ 317-986-5131, milktoothindy.com

the popular Broad Ripple bakery and brunch spot specializes in Europeaninspired pastries, brunch, dinner, and cocktails. 110 S. Pennsylvania St., 317-820$$ 5526, bar.gallerypastry.com

Modita ++ The Hulman ++

ASIAN-INSPIRED The lavish restaurant in

CONTEMPORARY With its sleek midcentury-

Bottleworks District’s showpiece slot gets extra style points for its gorgeous industrial-sleek decor that is equal parts silk wallpaper and factory-grade doors. Sip a Singha or a citrusy Tokyo Exchange Rate under the glow of dangling pendants and soak up the thoughtfully preserved vintage vibe. 850 Massachusetts Ave., 317-316-0470, modita.com $$$

modern decor, the street-level restaurant inside downtown’s Hotel Indy pays tribute to the VIP Indianapolis Motor Speedway experience. The pared-down seasonal menu supplies some fittingly elegant dishes, like short rib spaccatelli with horseradish sugo and a fancy Alaskan king crab bisque presentation. High-concept desserts (such as a candied-almond churro curled around banana gelato) are a must, as are signature craft cocktails. 141 E. Washington St., V $$$ 317-735-2586, thehulmanindy.com

King Dough ++ PIZZA Chewy and with just the right flop in the middle, the pizzas here are bona fide craft, from the dough to the quality toppings. A standout is the Stinky Pete with wild mushrooms, gorgonzola, and plenty of garlic and herbs. Burgers, including one made from chorizo and topped with manchego cheese, play surprisingly close second fiddles to the pies. Cocktails concocted from boutique liqueurs and aromatics are reason enough to drop in, and they make for perfect sippers while you wait for your pie on the patio. 452 N. Highland Ave., 317602-7960, kingdoughpizzas.com V $$

Leviathan Bakehouse ++ BAKERY Pastry chef Pete Schmutte’s patisserie and lunch cafe near Chatham Arch is a welcome addition to the downtown bakery scene. Schmutte draws on his talented staff’s specialties to produce earthy artisan breads, ultra-flaky French-style laminated pastries, and elegant financiers. If you oversleep the day’s breakfast sandwich with creamy, soft eggs, grab a chimichurri roast beef sandwich with apple-fennel chutney and brie on porridge bread. 1101 N. College Ave., 317-493-1879, leviathanbakehouse.com V $$

Nesso ++ ITALIAN Highly stylized seafood and meats paired with small pasta courses and shared a la carte sides add up to a sumptuous dining experience inside The Alexander hotel. Pass around a plate of prosciutto-wrapped prunes or crab arancini, but keep the tortelloni and sea bass all to yourself. 339 S. Delaware St., 317-643-7400, nesso-italia.com $$$

Nowhere Special ++ COCKTAIL BITES Opened in the NEW

erstwhile subterranean home of The Libertine on Mass Ave in late June of 2023, Dan Cage’s funky cocktail lounge and small bites spot is far from its all-too-modest name. Sleek banquettes in earthy greens and brushed brass tabletops provide an elegant backdrop to classic pours and a host of new elixirs created by the talented bar staff. Try the light and fruity Love Island with passion fruit liqueur, tangy citrus cordial, and bubbles. Surprisingly generous small plates include a bright, crunchy Asian-inspired smashed cucumber salad and an earthy wood ear mushroom salad that’s meaty and satisfying. Hearty beef dumplings with chili crisps and a soy dipping sauce are a highlight, as is the luxe mushroom butter on the bread plate. A nicely restrained bread pudding with a good hit of salt in a warm caramel sauce is a knockout of a finale that won’t weigh you down on a night of barhopping— or bar-staying. 608 Massachusetts Ave. $$

Livery ++

Tinker Street ++ NEW AMERICAN Reservations are a must, so snag whatever date you can get and hope for a warm night and a seat on the twinkling patio. Then settle in for small plates such as surprisingly light and flavorful chickpea ravioli with vegan ricotta and a host of colorful garnishes. Or try one of the vegan soups or a seasonal salad, such as a refreshing mix of greens with asparagus, pickled rhubarb, and tangy blue cheese. 402 E. 16th St., 317-925V $$$ 5000, tinkerstreetrestaurant.com

Vicino ++ ITALIAN More than filling the need for a bona

fide Italian restaurant on Mass Ave, this modern, colorful trattoria from the owners of The Oakmont measures up to some of the best Mediterranean spots anywhere in the city. New seating and light fixtures add a brighter palette to the sleek former Hedge Row location, and a nicely edited menu offers familiar classics with a few twists for the more daring. Starters are a must, with generous sweet and meaty garlic shrimp and mushroom-studded arancini starring on the short list. Pizzas are a solid bet, with a nice char from the in-house brick oven, and pastas are solid, with little additions such as a raw egg yolk and truffle oil in the not-too-unorthodox carbonara. But crispy, al dente fried gnocchi with pulled chicken and pesto are a standout, as is the branzino with a golden sear and thick slices of eggplant and zucchini topped with a tangy tomato chutney. Well-mixed cocktails are no surprise given the restaurant’s pedigree. And tiramisu lovers will enjoy the creamy, restrained version here, spiked with spiced rum and topped with playful coffee caviar, though orange zest–dusted Bombolini with Nutella are hard to top. 350 Massachusetts Ave., 317-798-2492, $$$ vicinoindy.com

EAST INCLUDES Beech Grove, Irvington, Windsor Park

10th Street Diner ++

LATIN This place feels like a hidden urban

The Oceanaire Seafood Room ++

treasure, especially when the mezcal cocktails are flowing and the partially open kitchen is

SEAFOOD Luxury dining takes the form

of stuffed trout in tomato-chive butter,

VEGAN Surprisingly familiar and hearty plantbased takes on diner classics occupy the entire menu at this rehab of a former pawn shop, a

DECEMBER 2023 | IM

FUELING A NEW ERA

IN SUPPORT OF INDIANA UNIVERSITY HEALTH | HOSTED AT THE INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY

comfy backdrop for enjoying such tasty fakeouts as a gooey seitan Reuben, a “chicken” pot pie, and chili that rivals your favorite con carne version. 3301 E. 10th St., 463-221-1255 V $$

Baan Thai Bistro ++ THAI Roxanna Williams’ cozy Thai eatery, which she opened in a former house and hair salon in late spring of 2023, is a welcome addition to Wanamaker’s dining offerings, bringing aromatic flavors and artful presentations to dishes like the lightly breaded and fried Son-in-Law Eggs (Kai Look Keuy), which is drizzled with earthy-sweet tamarind sauce, and generous summer rolls that come with a trio of tangy dipping sauces. Less expected shareable starters include rich and flavorful Isan Thai Sausage with just the right amount of spice, served with a not-too-hot dipping sauce and a darling bamboo basket of sticky rice; a Crispy Rice Salad that crackles and pops; and airy steamed dumplings. Hearty Boat Noodle Soup and Crispy Pork Belly Ramen with a light mushroom-scented broth are good bets for main dishes, as are the kicky Crying Tiger Steak and more typical curries and noodle dishes. Adventurous diners will want to try one of three fish dishes redolent of ginger and basil, and a funky mix of whole chicken drumsticks and sweet curry noodles make for a comforting supper. 8705 Southeastern Ave., 317-759-8424, baanthaibistro V $$ .com NEW

Kan-Kan Cinema and Brasserie + UPSCALE CASUAL Dinner and a movie has never

been as local or as luxe as it is at this cinematic and culinary collaboration in Windsor Park. First-run indie and classic films play on the screen in the cinema while snacks and expert cocktails from the bar nod to movie culture, including the Hollywood Boulevard(ier) and the 35MM with dry gin, orgeat, and lime. 1258 Windsor St., 317-800-7099, kankanindy.com V $$$

Landlocked Baking Company + CAFE What began life as a production bakery along Irvington’s tucked-away Audubon Road has expanded into a full-service daytime spot serving sandwiches and plated entrees. The menu keeps things brief, with a special focus on fresh-baked carbs abd stuff croissants. 120 S. Audubon Rd., 317-207-2127, V $$ landlockedbakingco.com

Natural State Provisions ++ CASUAL Customers order at the counter and find a table inside this former microbrewery reinvented as an endearingly kitschy eatdrinkery. The food is rooted in homestyle Arkansas cooking from co-owner Adam Sweet’s native state, heavy on the deep frying and sweet tea brining. Order a Sling Blade cocktail, get a side of collard greens with your fried bologna sandwich, and don’t miss the daily soft serve ice cream flavor. j414 Dorman St., 317-4929887, naturalstateprovisions.com $$

Beholder +++ CONTEMPORARY You never know what to expect from restaurateur Jonathan Brooks’ Windsor Park kitchen, aside from one of the most innovative and well-executed meals in town. The menu is difficult to track, mainly because Brooks builds his dishes around seasonal ingredients that are fresh and of-the-moment. Impeccable servers will guide you through the evening’s offerings, which start small at the top of the menu (fresh oysters, perhaps, or pork rinds with kimchi and chicken liver mousse) and bulk up toward the bottom (think wild boar Bolognese or a massive pork Wellington for two). Finish with the most exotic flavor of house-made ice cream. 1844 E. 10th St., V $$$$ 317-419-3471, beholderindy.com

Chopped Cheese Boys + DELI FOOD New York’s beloved bodega snack

is the eponymous specialty at this no-frills Irvington convenience store and takeout deli. True to form, well-seasoned ground beef gets chopped on a sizzling flattop then pressed into a sub sandwich roll and topped with plenty of gooey cheese and mayo, which makes for a rich and flavorful mashup of the smashburger and a Philly cheesesteak. Equally good are crispy fries on the side, especially when seasoned with a shake of lemon pepper. But be sure to dip into the eye-popping menu of wings, chicken tenders, fried fish, and another Big Apple food cart favorite, chicken over rice—tender grilled chicken breast meat with a signature white sauce slathered over rice. Try it with lamb, as well, or go meatless with falafel. Fresh fruit smoothies are a must, such as the thick and not-too-sweet Red Storm with strawberries, raspberries, and mango nectar. Check this out for street vibes and smoothies, sammies and sauce, N. Arlington Ave., 317-377-4951, choppedcheese-boys.business.site $$

Open Kitchen + NEW AMERICAN Breakfast specialties such as light-as-air French toast, biscuits and gravy, and eggs Benedict lavished with crab and avocado are stars on the menu at the new location of Dexter and Toni Smith’s cheery eatery in the former Jailbird location near the University of Indianapolis. But lunch and dinner are equally respectable, especially a generous shrimp po’ boy or a crispy chicken sandwich with peppered bacon, onion rings, and barbecue sauce with your choice of spice level. More substantial entrees include a grilled pork chop with apple chutney or salmon with wild rice and sauteed broccoli, with elevated touches owing to Dexter Smith’s Chef’s Academy pedigree. After operating mainly as a carryout spot on North Sherman and later in Little Flower, this location comes with a full bar, which means cocktails—such as the creamy, floral Respect Your Elders with bourbon, elderflower, and lemon—are a must. 4022 Shelby St., 317- 974-9032, opennkitchen.org $$

NORTHEAST INCLUDES Broad Ripple, Meridian-Kessler

or a root beer float. 115 E. 49th St., 317-426-5001, apocalypseburger.com V $$

Baby’s + BURGERS This playful, family-friendly joint limits its menu to smashburgers, broasted chicken, milkshakes (spiked or not), and cocktails. Housed in a former drag-show bar, it also has fun with the building’s artsy legacy— the house burger is called a Strut Burger, and all of the cocktail names come straight from the RuPaul meme factory. Sip a Tongue Pop or a Sashay Away as you polish off the last of the Talbott Street Style fries dressed with bacon, cheese sauce, white barbecue sauce, and pickled jalapeño. 2147 N. Talbott St., 317-600-3559, V $$ babysindy.com

Blupoint Oyster House ++ SEAFOOD A blue dining room draped in rattan

pendant lights and subtly nautical decor sets the scene for Gino Pizzi’s ode to coastal Italian fare. The scaled-down menu focuses on heartfelt dishes like squid-ink tonnarelli in lemon-cream sauce, misto mare, and pan-roasted salmon. Fresh oysters are shucked to order. 5858 N. College Ave., 317-559-3259, blupointindy.com $$

Broad Ripple Brewpub + PUB GRUB We love the mainstays at Indiana’s oldest operating microbrewery: a creamy beer cheese crock, Scotch eggs, and crunchy fish and chips. Vegan and vegetarian options abound. Depending on the season, you will want to grab a spot next to the fireplace or outside on the see-and-be-seen patio. 840 E. 65th St., 317-253-2739, broadripplebrewpub.com V $$

Chicken Scratch ++ SOUL FOOD Chef Tia Harrison’s second, mostly carryout spot on Keystone Avenue streamlines the menu to the bestsellers from her original Chef Tia and Co. location on West Washington Street. Meaty, tender wings with a variety of sauces and spice levels, as well as earthy, dressed-up fries, cover most of the menu here. But that’s more than enough for a delectable Cajun-inflected feast. Signature honey hot wings, either naked or breaded for extra crunch, come customized with the amount of sauce you want. And fries are available with a simple toss of truffle seasoning and parmesan or dressed up to entree status with chipotle steak or shrimp and Alfredo sauce. Sandwiches such as a “scratch” burger, as well as a few salads and pastas, complete the offerings. 5308 N. Keystone Ave., 317-426-3457, chickenscratchindy.com $$

Diavola + PIZZA Pies emerge expertly bubbly and charred from a centerpiece brick oven. Ingredients are simple but top-shelf, including homemade meatballs, spicy sopressata, smooth clumps of fior di latte, and torn basil. 1134 E. 54th St., 317820-5100, diavola.net V $$

Apocalypse Burger ++ BURGERS The Patachou crew repurposed its shuttered Crispy Bird location into this modernday diner. The focus is on a handful of burger variations and clever greasy-spoon sides like Old Major bacon–loaded fries, blocks of fried macaroni and cheese, and a variety of smash burgers washed down with canned wine. For dessert, it’s a toss-up between Ding Dong cake

Fernando’s ++ MEXICAN / BRAZILIAN With their combined Mexican and Brazilian backgrounds, the couple that runs this cozy restaurant in the heart of Broad Ripple set out to provide a rare, authentic taste of each cuisine. Their effort pays off in traditional comfort dishes such as feijoada (a meaty bean stew served with steamed

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rice, orange slices, and a sprinkle of farofa), a layered escondidinho de frango reminiscent of shepherd’s pie, and fragrant carne asada served with Mexican onions and guacamole. Dishes are served with both Mexican and Brazilian hot sauces, each with their own brand of afterburn. Gorgeously jiggly flan is the star of the dessert course. 834 E. 64th St., 317-377-4779 $$

Festiva ++ MEXICAN This lively Latin spot on the east

bottled or cocktail form. Even the family-style fried chicken dinner (offered on Wednesday nights only, with mashed potatoes, buttered peas, and a salad for the table) involves a pretty white bucket embellished with a pink Petite Chou logo. Whether you opt for the knife-and-fork burger or the duck confit, start with the steak tartare and end with the ice cream–stuffed profiteroles under chocolate syrup poured tableside. 823 E. Westfield Blvd., $$$ 317-259-0765, petitechoubistro.com

1933 Lounge ++

Cheeky Bastards ++

STEAK AND COCKTAILS This clubby cocktail

lounge offers a younger, sexier take on its fine dining parent, St. Elmo Steak House. The twist here is that the black-vested servers deliver the oysters Rockefeller and 45-day dry-aged ribeyes to diners tucked into noir-lit corners where no one can see their faces melt into a brief ugly-cry at that first bite of incendiary shrimp cocktail. The Yard at Fishers District, $$$ 317-758-1933, 1933lounge.com/fishers

ENGLISH Co-owners Michael Rypel and chef Robert Carmack fell in love with British culture and cuisine during travels abroad. Their Geist restaurant is a true tribute to the food, serving not only a classic full English breakfast and sausage rolls made with imported meat, but also a very convincing fish and chips featuring crispy planks and hand-cut potatoes. 11210 Fall Creek Rd., 317288-9739, cheekybastardsrestaurant.com $$

Anthony’s Chophouse ++

Field Brewing ++

STEAKHOUSE The interior of this swanky

BREWPUB This Westfield addition to the local

heavy hitter along Carmel’s Main Street has the polished gleam of a new Vegas hotel, with an upper-level lounge containing the salvaged mahogany bar from The Glass Chimney, another fine-dining legend. The food has equal flourish. Lobster bisque with a hunk of tempura-fried meat begins a meal that might include a cowgirl ribeye, a flight of filets, or a domestic wagyu burger. Black-suited servers and well-composed cocktails keep the high-dollar meal running smoothly. 201 W. Main St., Carmel, 317-740$$$$ 0900, anthonyschophouse.com

craft brewery scene would be dazzling enough for its mod fixtures and bocce ball court that spans the family-friendly outdoor space, but the menu is as daring as it is easy to pair with the house brews. The kitchen skillfully prepares standout dishes such as tender lamb ribs with chimichurri and deeply caramelized Brussels sprouts with hunks of bacon that are some of the best in town. 303 E. Main St., Westfield, 317V $$$ 804-9780, fieldbrewing.com

His Place Eatery +

INCLUDES Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield, Zionsville

Hollyhock Hill + FAMILY DINING Hollyhock Hill sticks with what’s worked since it opened in 1928: comfort in the form of chicken. Among the frilly tables, servers dole out platters of skillet-fried goodness paired with mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, and buttermilk biscuits. 8110 N. College Ave., 317-251-2294, hollyhockhill.com $$$

Late Harvest Kitchen ++ CONTEMPORARY A luscious comfort-food menu

delivers top-shelf versions of family-table dishes, such as chunked kielbasa (on a base of mustard spaetzle browned in dill butter) and braised short ribs. 8605 River Crossing Blvd., 317-663V $$$ 8063, lateharvestkitchen.com

Nicole-Taylor’s Pasta + Market + Backroom Eatery ++ MEDITERRANEAN Since taking over Tony and

Rosa Hanslits’ beloved SoBro pasta market, lunch cafe, and private dining spot in July of 2023, chef Erin Kem and partner Logan McMahan have brought their deep affection for Mediterranean flavors to a lunchtime menu that features an assortment of house pastas with seasonal additions. Creative sandwiches and salads draw on McMahan’s talent with plantbased cuisine, which, along with the market’s egg-free pasta, have made the shop a bona fide vegan destination. An ever-changing selection of ready-to-eat, deli, and gourmet options make this a great spot to stop for quick supper ideas. And Kem brings her years of experience in the kitchens of local restaurants and in the thick of private events to the market’s highly in-demand small group dinners. 1134 E. 54th St., 317-257-7374, nicoletaylorpasta.com V $$

Petite Chou + BISTRO Tucked into one of Broad Ripple’s most iconic backstreet parcels, this French cousin of Cafe Patachou keeps its menu brief but fancy. Diners might enjoy onion soup gratinée and butter lettuce salad before the evening’s dinner rush, when côte de porc and lobster and frites are served with champagne in

DELI Food truck veteran Tom Race NEW

BISTRO In a snug cafe off Noblesville’s town square, owners Samir Mohammad and Rachel Firestone Mohammad create meals worth lingering over, from a lamb shank slow-smoked to buttery tenderness and served on top of fresh pappardelle to a house-made burrata that makes several appearances on the menu. The rotating Fried Thing of the Day (from tofu to artichoke hearts) should not be missed. 56 S. 9th St., Noblesville, 317-774-5065, 9thstbistro.com $$$

NORTH SUBURBAN

shatter of a crust. The fried bologna sandwich can be upgraded to a coleslaw-topped beauty called The Experience. The smoked meats span the barbecue spectrum, from rib tips to brisket. Whatever you pick, order a side of cooked cabbage, a glass of The Uptown (a lemonadeheavy Arnold Palmer), and a cup of peach cobbler to go. 6916 E. 30th St., 317-545-4890, hisplaceeatery.com $$

Bearded Bagel ++ opened this brick-and-mortar bagel deli on Indy’s northeast side in late 2021, featuring his signature steamed bagel sandwiches with dozens of topping combinations. Breakfast versions, such as the Slammin Sammy with bacon, egg, and American cheese or the Hangover Helper with spicy cream cheese, bacon, egg, and three slices of cheese are a no-brainer. But whimsical tributes to fast-food favorites, such as the R-Bee’s with roast beef and extra cheddar, are great lunch choices. Vegetarians can opt for the Urban Farmer with “all the veggies,” avocado, and cheese, and traditionalists can sink into a cream cheese–schmeared bagel with lox, tomato, capers, onions, and cucumbers. Puffy, sweet cinnamon rolls, hearty biscuits and gravy, and loaded tater tots with sausage gravy, bacon, cheese, and eggs complete the menu, along with Nutella and peanut butter bagels and a short list of cookies and brownies. Watch for Race’s other food truck concept, Bearded Burger, at neighborhood events, farmers markets, and festivals. 7305 E. 96th St, 317-516-5938, beardedbagel.com V $

side puts a gourmet flourish on south-of-theborder fare. The menu includes tacos, plus an old favorite: poblanos stuffed with chorizo and queso. 1217 E. 16th St., 317-635-4444, festivaindy V $$ .com

SOUTHERN The chicken wings have a light

showered with herbs and toasted almonds also impress. 175 S. Main St., Zionsville, 317$$$ 733-8755, auberge-restaurant.com

9th Street Bistro +++

Auberge + FRENCH Brick Street Inn’s classic French

bistro installed talented chef Toby Moreno (The Loft at Traders Point Creamery, Plow & Anchor) in early 2022 and immediately sent him to Paris, where he trained in the kitchens of famed chef Alain Ducasse. Moreno has added that continental know-how to the vintage dishes he makes fresh with as much local produce, meats, and cheeses as he can. That translates to an impressive plate of buttery escargot topped with croutons, seasonal salads, and a deeply flavorful French onion soup with a rich broth. Seafood shines among the entrees, especially crispy-skinned roasted cod, though diver scallops with asparagus puree

The HC Tavern + Kitchen ++ CONTEMPORARY The term “tavern” hardly

captures this swank addition to the Huse Culinary Group/St. Elmo family. A hit among starters is the lobster “Cargot” with lumps of lobster meat in garlic butter and melted havarti. Chops include the supper club darling steak Diane with mushroom cream sauce and horseradish mashed potatoes, though equally regal is the wagyu meatloaf enriched with pork and veal, sauced with a truffle mushroom demi-glace. The Yard at Fishers $$$ District, 317-530-4242, atthehc.com

The Monk’s + INDOCHINESE Popularized during the British

Empire in Calcutta, the aromatic fusion cuisine known as Indochinese food takes the stage at this stylish Houston-based franchise that DECEMBER 2023 | IM

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of the

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opened in the summer of 2023 just off Main Street in Carmel. Starters, such as paneerstuffed steamed dumplings, juicy chicken drumsticks, samosas, and spring rolls, are a must. For the true experience, try one of the wok-cooked dishes labeled Chinese, or go for delicate Hakka noodles or fried rice with either burnt garlic or masala. House-made desserts include a small case of pastries and a version of the popular gulab jamun with rose preserves. Most dishes start at medium, so be sure to ask for your preferred spice level. 13080 Grand Blvd., Carmel, 317-564-8266, monkscarmel.com V $$

Trax BBQ ++ BARBECUE Owner Andrew Klein, who has

a background in high-end steakhouses, oversees the tender headliners at this no-frills barbecue joint that sits beside the train tracks in McCordsville. You can taste his expertise in the essential meats: brisket hacked into fatty hunks, pulled pork that melts in the mouth, and ribs by the rack, all prepared in a smoker that customers walk past just before they hit the front door. Fans of smoked meats order off a menu that covers traditional carnivore territory as well as some creative upgrades, including a heap of pulled pork nachos and The Willie brisket sandwich topped with hot liquid cheese and slaw on a toasted brioche bun. 7724 Depot St., McCordsville, 317-335-7675, traxbbq.com $$

SOUTH SUBURBAN

WEST

INCLUDES Bargersville, Greenwood

INCLUDES Brownsburg, Eagle Creek

Antilogy +

Big Woods Speedway

BRUNCH AND COCKTAILS This snug corner

BREW PUB Main Street Speedway reboot

spot divides its energy between the morning meal and evening libations. Early birds can choose from thoughtful combinations of fat biscuits, sunny eggs, bourbon-candied bacon, and Belgian waffles, with plenty of Bovaconti Coffee–based lattes and mochas to kick-start the day. In the evening, the menu shifts to shareable plates, such as a panko-crusted crispy burrata, parmesan truffle fries, and a molten spinach-Gruyère dip. 5867 N. State Rd. 135, Greenwood, 317-530-5312, antilogycg.com $$

of the Brown County fave. While pizzas and street tacos get the most attention on the menu, ribs and chicken may be the best bets. 1002 W. Main St., Speedway, 317757-3250, bigwoodsrestaurants.com V $$

Mr. Patakon + COLOMBIAN The name of Diana Moreno and

INCLUDES College Park, Lafayette Square

Brenda Sánchez’s festive, authentic Southside Colombian eatery comes from the popular Latin and South American dish patacones— flattened, fried plantains filled with everything from shredded barbecue chicken criollo to cheese, corn, and shredded beef. But more familiar fare includes colorfully conceived hot dogs like the Super Perro, which is topped with every meat in the kitchen, quail eggs, and a special house sauce. Mazorcada (heaps of sweet corn topped with meats, cheeses, and potato sticks) is a delectably novel side dish. Fruit drinks and desserts, especially obleas (wafer cookies filled with dulce de leche and cheese), are worth the extra calories for a flavor experience like no other in the city. 7415 U.S. 31, 317-692-9829, mrpatakon.com $$

Amara ++

Revery ++

INDIAN Innovative restaurateur and Aroma

CONTEMPORARY This bistro in Old Greenwood

owner Vinita Singh converted the popular northside tavern Smee’s Place to her third Indian eatery in late 2022, offering an ambitious and artfully executed menu of dishes from around South Asia. Starters are where the menu truly shines, with crispy eggplant and kale fritters, deeply aromatic Chicken 65, and true-to-their name Juicy Drums of Heaven. Less-known dishes, such as chettinad—equally good with chicken, seafood, or lamb—are good bets. Breads are a must here, especially chewy, crisp garlic naan. These dishes fall somewhere between flavors of India and from farther east. A full menu of wines and cocktails pair nicely with the spicy, aromatic dishes on offer. 1454 W. 86th St., 317-884-6982, amaraindy.com $$

offers approachable fine dining, with a workingman’s bar on the historic building’s back end. Small plates have included beets with whipped goat cheese and wasabi and cheese curds fried in chorizo oil. 299 W. Main St., Greenwood, 317-215V $$$ 4164, reverygreenwood.com

NORTHWEST

Bob’s Indian Kitchen ++ INDIAN A surprisingly spacious and airy counter

service location in a new mini-strip houses Bhavesh “Bob” Patel’s ode to home-cooked Indian cuisine. Entry-level cream cheese bhajia and dreamy butter chicken get just as much respect as the crispy pani puri filled with tamarind water, the goat biryani, and the mini section of Indian pizzas. 618 E. Main St., Brownsburg, 317983-0225, bobsindian.square.site V $$

Che Chori + ARGENTINEAN Marcos Perera-Blasco’s colorful

drive-thru restaurant offers a delectable introduction to Argentinean street food. A selection of traditional butterflied-sausage sandwiches and warm empanadas filled with seasoned meats are the focus of the menu. Don’t overlook the cook-at-home sausages, from Spanish-style chorizo to rich Argentinean black sausage. 3124 W. 16th St., 317-737-2012, chechori. com $$

Hoosier Roots + COMFORT Blink and you might miss this gem

The Loft Restaurant + FINE DINING With its pastoral setting on the

grounds of an artisanal dairy farm, Traders Point Creamery’s farmstead restaurant (housed in one of several restored historic barns) feels like a working model for farmto-table dining. Some of the ingredients on executive chef Jon Warner’s menu are grown on-site, and it would be a shame to pass on the charcuterie board, an appetizer featuring the creamery’s award-winning cheeses and locally- cured meats. Niman Ranch steaks, seasonal fish, and house-made yeast rolls are always solid choices, as is the burger made with 100-percent grass-fed beef. For dessert, go a la mode. 9101 Moore Rd., Zionsville, 317-733V $$$ 1700, traderspointcreamery.com

serving family-style mains and side dishes in a roadhouse setting. Chef and owner Greg Stellar runs the tiny kitchen, with shareable portions of house-smoked salmon, herb-crusted roast beef, beer can chicken, and other rib-sticking classics. 26 E. Main St., Pittsboro, 317-892-0071, hoosierrootscatering.com $$

Rick’s Cafe Boatyard + SEAFOOD You don’t have to be a Parrothead

Our Table + + CONTEMPORARY The location is suitably cozy

and out of the way for Bargersville’s newest fine-dining destination. Chef and owner Joe Miller focuses on gorgeous, rustic plates of steak, seafood, and Old World lasagna made with fresh pasta and generous layers of beef Bolognese, mozzarella, and creamy ricotta. The $2 brioche sliders (buttermilk fried chicken or beef tenderloin with crispy onions and horseradish creme fraiche) are little bites of heaven. 5080 State Rd. 135, Bargersville, 317-847-4920, ourtablerestaurant.com $$$

SmockTown Brewery + BREWERY Brother-in-law duo Mark Sublette

and Ken Johnson’s Old Town Greenwood brewery and Attic Hardware walk-up speakeasy do double duty for day drinking ambers and porters or sipping old fashioneds on the secondstory veranda. Hot Pink Pepper Catering adds some beer-worthy eats, including snackable fried pickle spears with a kicky dipping sauce, Everything pretzel bites with Scottish-ale beer cheese, and a meaty flatbread. 223 W. Main St., Greenwood, 317-215-4836 $$

to appreciate the pontoon-life allure of Eagle Creek’s waterside restaurant, with its breezy dining room on stilts over the Dandy Trail boat slips. The menu gets creative with all of the casual dining tropes, mixing smoked salmon nachos and chicken cordon bleu fingers in with the jumbo shrimp martinis. 4050 Dandy Trail, 317-290-9300, ricksboatyard.com $$$

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DECEMBER 2023 | IM

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Pass the Potatoes HOLIDAY DINNERS ARE JOYOUS GATHERINGS— UNLESS YOU HAVE ONE TOO MANY GLASS BOWLS AT THE TABLE. BY P H I L I P G U L L E Y

FOR T H E PAST 25 years, my wife and I have celebrated Christmas at our home in Danville where we raised our sons. My brothers and sister visit on Christmas Eve, and we sit in the living room and make fun of one another like we did when we were kids. When we’re done agitating each other over little things, we bicker about politics. One of us likes Donald Trump, while the rest of us think he belongs in prison. We quarrel about that until my wife calls us to the table, the household demilitarized zone, where no arguing is permitted. Though we clash over politics, we’ve all agreed to let no politician, Democrat or Republican, keep us from eating. With Trump facing possible imprisonment, this promises to be a festive season. But then, I’m happy whenever Americans affirm that we are a nation of laws, not of men, and that no title or position exempts the powerful and privileged among us from accountability. Our family member who likes Trump 104

IM | DECEMBER 2023

I l l u s t r a t i o n b y RYA N S NO O K

believes sending a president to Trump news era. jail is something a politically At some point, someone unstable nation might do, but at the dinner table will say I believe the opposite, that something outrageous, and equal justice before the law in the interest of integrity is the hallmark of a healthy and patriotism, you’ll feel democracy. I am far sadder if a compelled to correct him. (For president breaks the law than some reason, it’s almost always I am if he is held accountable a “him.”) Remind yourself that for it. our republic will not be saved As a pastor, I’m privy to the just because you corrected your struggles of others, chief among boneheaded relative. Instead, them the political divisions smile and offer them more that roil so many families mashed potatoes. The more these days, making many they eat, the less they talk. family gatherings a veritable It helps to remember that minefield. One misstep, and some people derive joy from the family tree is blasted to annoying others. My mother splinters. In the interest of had a word for people like that, peace, I thought I’d offer a little which I won’t repeat, other advice to help neutralize any than to say it rhymed with red zones you might navigate “glass bowl.” this holiday season. “Oh, look at that glass bowl,” I’ll begin with the most she’d say. “The one with the obvious counsel: If you’re easily mashed potatoes. Pete, you agitated and prone to speaking seem to be enjoying those.” your mind, it might be wise to This Pete was a real person, keep your yap shut for the six married to my aunt and a hours you’ll be with family. certified, grade A, number It’s not like your family doesn’t one glass bowl. I saw him six already know how you feel hours a year, every year— about Donald Trump, one way three hours at Christmas and or the other. Besides, after eight three hours at Easter. It was years on the public stage, none agonizing, almost enough to of us is undecided about him make me regret the birth and or open to reconsidering our resurrection of Jesus. Still, he opinions, so do everyone a favor taught me a valuable lesson— and zip it. that it is entirely permissible, If you can’t keep quiet, at and at times advisable, to skip least make the effort to support family gatherings altogether if your view with verifiable facts. they cause you more hurt than Just to be clear, not all political happiness. commentators and news outlets In her lovely little book, are reliable. Some have made Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott a lot of money stoking partisan wrote, “You own everything fires and aren’t at risk of that happened to you. Tell impartiality anytime your stories. If people soon. It never pays wanted you to write Philip Gulley is to take the word of warmly about them, a Quaker pastor, someone who profits they should have author, and from lies, whether behaved better.” humorist. Back Home Again it’s a politician, a I feel the same chronicles his car salesman, or a way about family views on life in preacher. As my gatherings. If people Indiana. mother used to say, want you there, they “Lies are never made need to behave better. truer by volume or repetition.” If they decide to be a glass bowl, Actually, I just made that up, you can decide to stay home. but my mother would have said Just a little advice from your it had she been alive during the pastor. Happy holidays!

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