Best of Indy - 2014 - NUVO by NUVO

TABLE OF CONTENTS

It’s time to come clean: We love NUVO’s Best Of Indy issue. We get the chance to check out new shops, hear new sounds and taste new flavors — or revisit some joints and yap with folks we haven’t seen in a while. We’re continually impressed by how this city has blossomed over the nearly 25 years that NUVO’s been in business, and we think that the Best Of Indy reflects that.

FOOD&DRINK ............................... 4 ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT............ 20 MUSIC&NIGHTLIFE ..................... 36 SHOPPING................................... 48

We changed up the nomination and voting processes this year, and while we’ll tweak it again, no doubt, we were pleased with the results. Another bit of private info: we really enjoyed watching the races in the individual categories, especially the close ones. And, boy, did we have fun writing about the winners. Our entire crew, Arts Editor Scott Shoger, Music Editor Kat Coplen, Food and Listings Editor Sarah Murrell, News Editor Rebecca Townsend, new Editorial Assistant Brian Weiss and yours truly all strove to make this nifty little tome you hold in your hands more than just a list. We wanted to make NUVO’s Best Of Indy especially entertaining and fun in 2014.

PUBLISHER: Kevin McKinney (kmckinney@nuvo.net) EDITOR: Ed Wenck (ewenck@nuvo.net) ARTS EDITOR: Scott Shoger (sshoger@nuvo.net) MUSIC EDITOR: Katherine Coplen (kcoplen@nuvo.net) NEWS EDITOR: Rebecca Townsend (rtownsend@nuvo.net) FOOD & LISTINGS EDITOR: Sarah Murrell (smurrell@nuvo.net) EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Brian Weiss (bweiss@nuvo.net) PHOTOGRAPHY: Michelle Craig, Mark A. Lee, Stacy Kagiwada, Angela Leisure, Jenn Goodman, Kristen Pugh PRODUCTION MANAGER & ART DIRECTOR: Dave Windisch (dwindisch@nuvo.net) SENIOR DESIGNER: Asha Patel (apatel@nuvo.net) GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Will McCarty (wmccarty@nuvo.net), Erica Wright (ewright@nuvo.net) DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Ryan McDuffee(rmcduffee@nuvo.net) MARKETING MANAGER: Melissa Hook (mhook@nuvo.net) MARKETING AND EVENTS COORDINATOR: Meaghan Banks (mbanks@nuvo.net) DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING: Mary Morgan (mmorgan@nuvo.net) BUSINESS MANAGER: Kathy Flahavin (kflahavin@nuvo.net) BEST OF INDY EVENT COORDINATOR: Meaghan Banks (mbanks@nuvo.net) MAILING ADDRESS:

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We’re having a party on Georgia Street to celebrate with our winners, and we hope you can join us on July 26 from 2 – 10 p.m. Food from Steer-In, Manley’s Irish Mutt, Bazbeaux Pizza, Yats and Mac Genie; libations from Sun King and music from Gene Deer, Five Year Mission, Bizarre Noir, The Gitmos, London Rose, Russ Baum & Huck Finn and DJ Matt Allen are all part of the party. Oh, and did we mention our old pal Jim Poyser, former Big Kahuna at NUVO and present Big Kahuna at Earth Charter Indiana will be the emcee? We can’t wait. Cheers, Ed Wenck Managing Editor NUVO

EDITORIAL POLICY: NUVO Newsweekly covers news, public issues, arts and entertainment. We publish views from across the political and social spectra. They TELEPHONE: (317) 254-2400 FAX: (317) 254-2405 do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher.

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HOOSIER FAVORITE?

FOOD & DRINK

WINE — AND A LOT MORE THAN CHEESE THE CORNER WINE BAR IS THIS YEAR’S WINNER FOR BEST WINE LIST

B Y SA RA H MU R R E L L SMURREL L@ N U VO . N ET

orner Wine Bar has long been a staple on the Broad Ripple food scene for — you guessed it — their exceptional wine list. This remains as true as always with another Best Of Indy win under their belt, but the Corner Wine Bar is an experience not just enhanced by the wine, but built around the experience of a great bottle of wine and all the flavors that compliment it. That doesn’t mean that the Corner Wine Bar doesn’t cater to the common man. One of their most popular promotions for going on a decade is the Manager’s Bin wine special, which owner Elizabeth Morse has taken from an easy way to get rid of wine with damaged labels into one of the main attractions. “We’ve got this group of wine and, as a customer, you can say whether you want red or white wine, and whether you want it to be sweet or dry, and then you get a discounted price on an awesome bottle, if you’re willing to take a chance and let us pick it for you.” For a while, the promotion was a weekly thing, but soon everyone wanted in on the deal. “It became so popular that we started getting people that would come in and they would be pissed if I didn’t have it. So I really had to start buying for it, and what I would do was sometimes look for the distributors [and] their closeout wines.” And the savings get passed right along to you. “Any wine that you buy was originally priced at $30 or higher, so you’re always gonna get at least a $10 deal. Very often they are much more expensive than that.” And to munch on while you tour

Corner Wine Bar: Best wine list and great food, too.

the wines of the world? The Corner Wine Bar has a full menu with popular items like the cheese crock appetizer or the Gemelli pesto, two items which are on “every menu, every day,” said Morse. But while their pepared foods are good, during our conversation, Morse made a bold statement of dairy confidence: “We probably have the best cheese list in the city.” It makes perfect sense, with a wine list that spans the globe and is consistently a city favorite, that the place would have their cheese game figured out. Sourcing from as close as Kokomo to across the country, Morse gets local produce and meats as often as possible as they become available. If we can buy it locally, we do.” That means the menu is always changing, and the variety within the small plates—which you can customize with as many different meats and cheeses as you like—is always there. Down in the basement, you can

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PHOTO BY MICHELLE CRAIG

usually hear some live, old-school bluegrass. Just like the Manager’s Bin, word about the pickin’ and stompin’ has gotten around. Now Morse is not surprised to see people have a meal and a bottle, and then head right down the stairs for the rest of the night. It wasn’t intended as a means to get customers to spend more money, but rather evolved from the band’s regular weekend appearances at the bar. And if you’ve got the munchies after a show, the Corner Wine Bar offers a make-your-own s’mores plate that you can share (or, if it’s been a roughe one, you don’t). So whether you’re keeping it classy with a refined plate of cheese and a high-end bottle, or you want to sit on the patio with a $20 bottle from the Manager’s Bin, you’ll find something delicious to drink and something to satisfy what you’re hungry for. n

BEST INDIANA BREWERY SUN KING BREWING COMPANY The fact that the top breweries in this categories are all excellent coupled with Sun King’s first place finish (by a wide margin) speaks to Indy’s love affair with the brand of beer that’s become nearly synonymous with the city. Sun King’s everywhere, and there’s a reason for their saturation in the Circle City: they make excellent beer. Start with the three regular offerings: Sunlight Cream Ale, Wee Mac Scottish and Osiris Pale Ale, mix in all their seasonal and specialty brews, package ‘em in distinctivelylogo’d growlers and environmentally-andIMS-friendly cans, and you’ve got one heck of an award-winning brewing dynasty. Hit their tasting room or buy the stuff at nearly any bar or liquor store. Congrats – again. 135 N. College Ave., 602-3702, sunkingbrewing.com 2nd: 3 Floyds Brewing Co. 3rd: Black Acre Brewing Co. BEST INDIANA BEER SUN KING SUNLIGHT CREAM ALE Yes, we separated “beer” and “brewery” into two separate categories since there are just so many styles of lagers and ales being cooked up by Hoosier hopmeisters. Sun King’s brew-for-all-seasons, the approachable and sessionable Sunlight Cream Ale took top honors, which is quite the feat in a craft-beer universe seemingly dominated by IPAs that value IBUs over all other qualities. Even more interesting: Cream Ale was a style that had all but disappeared from the American beer landscape when Sun King started brewing this pale offering of awesomeness. sunkingbrewing.com 2nd: Sun King Wee Mac Scottish Ale 3rd: 3 Floyds Zombie Dust BEST LOCAL BEER SELECTION TWENTY TAP OK, guys, you’re busted: there are WAY more than 20 taps in the place now. (38 beers are on tap at any given time.) Walk in and you’ll find patrons either in the bar or the dining room poring over the list, which informs quaffers of the brew’s style, location of the beer’s brewery, and alcohol content — some boozier offerings are only offered in 10 oz. pours. Indiana’s very well represented on the beer list, but drinkers will find labels from as far away as California. The joint’s friendly and inviting with the vibe of a true

BEST INDIANA WINE OLIVER SOFT RED OK, we ain’t Napa Valley. This is beer country. But Oliver Winery (SPOILER ALERT) has become as ubiquitous as Sun King (YEP, OLIVER WON WINERY, TOO), so it’s no surprise that this super-accessible, sweet Concord red would win out as the best Hoosier vino. You stopped by Oliver (AGAIN WITH THE SPOILER ALERTS) on your way back and forth from Indy, to I.U., didn’t you? And you stocked up on cases — with a discount — of this little ruby sweetheart, didn’t you? Sure you did. And not just because it’s around seven bucks a bottle. (By the way, the margin of victory here was one vote between first and second place.) 2nd: Oliver Riesling 3rd: Oliver Moscato oliverwinery.com

BEST INDIANA WINERY OLIVER WINERY IU law prof Bill Oliver founded his namesake winery in the 1960s, and, in addition to helping legalize the selling of at least some kind of booze on Sunday in this red state fulla blue laws, they make some pretty fine vino there just outside Bloomington. There’s more than the semi-sweet stuff available — Oliver even has a premium label called Creekbend that showcases grapes like the Hoosier-friendly chambourcin. The main tasting room is a big, plush space on Route 37 by their vineyards and there’s a wine bar in downtown Bloomington, too. Tasting room: 8024 N. State Road 37 (Bloomington), 812-876-5800, TOLL FREE 800-258-2783; Downtown: 105 N. College Ave., 812-822-0466; oliverwinery.com 2nd: Mallow Run Winery 3rd: New Day Meadery BEST LOCAL WINE LIST CORNER WINE BAR See our story on page 4. 6331 Guilford Ave., 255-5159, cornerwinebar.com 2nd: St. Elmo Steakhouse 3rd: Bluebeard

BEST LOCAL COFFEEHOUSE HUBBARD & CRAVENS There are enough Hubbard & Cravens around our city that you’re probably not that far from one at this moment. H&C is like a college coffee shop for adults, with cushy seating and a lot of soothing tan and chocolate tones. They have a seasonally rotating menu of drinks, or you can grab a no-nonsense cup of drip coffee or espresso. They also stock both their own brands of prepared foods and baked goods, plus additions from local producers like Trader’s Point Creamery yogurt and others. You really can’t go wrong with anything in the case, but their fresh-baked scones are addictive. You’ve been warned. 4930 N. Pennsylvania St., 251-5161, hubbardandcravens.com 2nd: Monon Coffee Company 3rd: Calvin Fletcher’s Coffee Company BEST LOCAL COFFEE ROASTER HUBBARD & CRAVENS Suck it, Starbucks! Our hometown roaster and coffee franchise sources globally and roasts locally, meaning H&C beans haven’t sat in sacks in massive warehouses for

months. That means each cup of coffee from those blessedly fresh beans is rich and smooth, whether you get it in the shop or take a pound of it home. H&C also sources teas from around the world and blends them into perfectly-balanced cups of whatever iteration of Camellia sinensis you’re after. Grab some either in sachets or loose, or head to one of the many locations in town to sample their featured variety of bean. hubbardandcravens.com 2nd: Bee Coffee Roasters 3rd: Darrin's Coffee Company BEST LOCAL CHINESE RESTAURANT NAISA PAN-ASIAN CAFÉ Bridesmaid no longer! After falling short in last year’s Best Of voting, Naisa Pan-Asian Café is back at the altar at #1, and it’s not their first time. An extensive dinner menu features food from several different Asian food cultures (as you might have gathered from the name); try the shrimp tempura or spicy basil curry, as well as your usual customers like chow mein or fried rice dishes. And if meat isn’t your thing, Naisa offers plenty of veggie options like veggie dumplings or the garden veggies steamer. By the

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neighborhood watering hole. Be on the lookout for tap takeovers and specialty releases, and be sure to sit outside in the warmer months. Oh, and the food is damn good to boot. 5406 N College Ave., 602-8840 twentytap.com 2nd: Ale Emporium 3rd: Scotty’s Brewhouse

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FILE PHOTO

Dave Colt and Clay Robinson hug their babies - sweet, sweet mini kegs of Sun King Brewery’s finest.

way, what’s Asian spelled backwards? 1025 Virginia Ave., 602-3708, naisacafe.com 2nd: Szechwan Garden 3rd: Egg Roll No. 1

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BEST LOCAL JAPANESE/SUSHI RESTAURANT SAKURA Listen, kids: there was once a dark time in Indy when your Krogers and your Marshes SOLD NO SUSHI. We’re talking about the pre-decent-NFL-team era when big chunks of this city put the “nap” in “Naptown.” Before Indy started making every Top Ten list as “America’s Hidden Jewel!”, Sakura was already rolling out excellent rice and fish and other goodies. As greater numbers of Midwesterners started eating sushi, Sakura rose to the challenge of serving more discerning diners. Sure, you can get tempura, udon and teriyaki dishes at the same nowhere-near-Hipsterville location they’ve occupied for 20-odd years, but it’s those rolls that keep us coming back (and we can’t tell you how many Bob’s Rolls we’ve eaten). 7201 N. Keystone Ave., 259-4171, indysakura.com 2nd: Naked Tchopstix 3rd: Ichiban Sushi Bar & Sammy’s Asian Cuisine BEST LOCAL THAI RESTAURANT SIAM SQUARE This is a no-brainer to anyone who has

ever visited this Fountain Square hot spot for Thai cuisine. Siam Square offers the traditional dishes you’re used to like Pad Thai and curries, thom yum and fried noodles. But where they really shine is with unusual offerings like the Soft Shell Crab curry, where the crab is served whole on the plate (and is to die for). The location, just a few blocks from the center of all the Fountain Square action, is cleanly appointed but please be aware: there is a reason this place keeps on winning in this category, and the place is jam-packed on the weekends. Call ahead if you want a table. 936 Virginia Ave., 636-8424, siamsquareindy.com 2nd: Thai Spice 3rd: Honoree Sawasdee Thai Cuisine BEST LOCAL INDIAN RESTAURANT INDIA GARDEN Ah the sweet smell of victory, or is it the luscious, creamy curries offered daily at India Garden? Both actually. A reasonably priced lunch buffet with an endless variety of curries, that may be mild or spicy, is the reason why India Garden is taking home their 2nd consecutive Best Of award. A more extensive dinner menu offers a larger range of goodies like paneer naan (stuffed with homemade cheese) to the lamb palak (cooked in spices and spinach). Trust us, the Tandoor oven can do no wrong. Downtown: 207 N. Delaware St., 634-6060; Broad Ripple: 830 Broad Ripple Ave., 253-6060,

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indiagardenindy.com 2nd: Shalimar Restaurant 3rd: Amber Indian Restaurant BEST LOCAL ITALIAN RESTAURANT MAMA CAROLLA’S There’s been a discussion at NUVO about maybe creating a “Best of Hall of Fame.” If we follow through on that one, Mama’s gotta make the list. Housed in a 1920s-era model home built to entice Northsiders to go all stucco (and some around Meridian-Kessler actually did), Mama’s has been serving up consistently good Italian fare in her home by the Monon since 1997. Had a tough day? Try the rosemary chicken lasagna. We dare you to feel bad about anything after that dish. 1031 E. 54th St., 259-9412, mamacarollas.com 2nd: Iaria’s Italian 3rd: Milano Inn BEST LOCAL MEXICAN RESTAURANT LA HACIENDA The last time we hit La Hacienda, we went with the location just off Binford. The bad news: we went for lunch on a weekday, so, despite our temptations, we couldn’t order a pitcher of margaritas. The good news: we got a wildly

tasty enchilada/chalupa/refried bean/rice combo the size of a Hummer hubcap for six-and-ahalf bucks. The deck was full, so we ate inside on The Most Colorfully Carved and Painted Furniture Ever. The chow’s authentic, the vibe’s authentic and there was soccer on the TVs. 6825 Graham Road, 577-2689; 3874 Lafayette Road, 290-0755; 6429 E. Washington St., 357-8084; 10202 E. Washington St., 897-1530; 12237 N. Meridian St. (Carmel), 566-9563; 7481 E. US 36 (Avon), 272-6855 2nd: La Piedad 3rd: La Margarita BEST LOCAL GREEK RESTAURANT SANTORINI GREEK KITCHEN Santorini is a familiar face on the Best Of list, having been honored many times before this. But that’s because Santorini is the real Greek deal, and our readers know authentic international food when they taste it. For over a decade now, the Sawis have been serving lovingly-prepared Greek dishes. One if their most popular is the Lamb Lovers, which features lamb prepared three ways for the carnivore at the table. Of course, you can get lighter fare like the mixed grill

entree or something vegetarian. But why mess with that when you could eat flaming cheese and spiced meat on a stick? 1417 Prospect St., 917-1117, santorini-greek-kitchen.com 2nd: Greek Islands Restaurant 3rd: Canal Bistro BEST LOCAL MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT BOSPHORUS ISTANBUL CAFÉ A nice warm welcome by friendly owners is just the beginning of a fantastic Turkish experience at Bosphorus Istanbul Café. Winning the categories’ inaugural award, Bosphorus is a cozy place to enjoy a calming, international themed lunch. Freshly made hummus served with warm pita chips make for a perfect appetizer. Entrees are plentiful, from baba ganoush to doner kabob. And don’t forget desert where baklava is the only way to go. 935 S. East St., 974-1770, thebosphoruscafe.com 2nd: Canal Bistro 3rd: Istanbul Cafe BEST LOCAL AFRICAN RESTAURANT SAFFRON CAFE

Moroccan food is one of the most fascinating food cultures in the world, combining light coastal ingredients and flavors with the richness and spicing of North African and Middle Eastern cooking. And no one in town does it quite as well as Saffron Cafe, with antipasto plates to start, falafel in the middle and bastilla to end. It’s a menu with enough variety that you’ll find something everyone will like, plus plenty of options for your gluten-free and meatfree friends and family. They also offer cooking classes if you want to delve a little deeper into the art of Moroccan food on Sundays. Check out the website for all the info. 621 Fort Wayne Ave., 917-0131, saffroncafe-indy.com 2nd: Jiallo's African-Caribbean Cuisine 3rd: Major Restaurant BEST LOCAL BRITISH/ENGLISH/CELTIC RESTAURANT MACNIVEN'S RESTAURANT AND BAR MacNiven’s is as close as you’ll get to a day spent on the lochs, with Scotch eggs, haggis (yes, real haggis) and Roast Beef MacHattan. They also serve plenty of American food too if the Scottish fare doesn’t appeal, like

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Thank You

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VOTED BEST LOCAL MEXICAN RESTAURANT BY NUVO READERS! 6825 GRAHAM ROAD (317) 577-2689 5625 LAWTON LOOP EAST DRIVE (317) 405-9395

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BEST LOCAL CAJUN/CREOLE RESTAURANT YATS At this point, it seems almost silly to run voting for this category, since Yats has won so many years in a row. And why not? They’re the best damn creole food in the county, and we might say, this side of New Orleans. It’s a bold statement, but Yats serves up bold food. It’s spicy, rich, slow-cooked from the same basic roux style that defines creole and cajun food. They’ve got something for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, and if you’re shy about spicy or exotic foods, they’ll let you taste any-

PROVIDED IMAGE

Shapiro’s. ‘Nuff said.

thing you want before buying. Can’t decide? Yats will serve up a half-and-half plate, or take a few pints home to enjoy later. 5363 N. College Ave., 253-8817; 910 W. 10th St. (The Avenue) 602-8676; 885 Massachusetts Ave., 423-0518; 5650 W. 86th St., Suite 132 (Trader’s Point), 879-YATS; 8352 E. 96th St., (Fishers), 585-1792; 1280 US 31 (Greenwood), 865-9971; 12545 Old

Meridian St., Suite 130 (Carmel), 581-1881; yatscajuncreole.com 2nd: B's Po Boy 3rd: Papa Roux BEST LOCAL DELI/SANDWICH SHOP SHAPIRO’S DELI When you’ve got a business that’s older than the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, you’re doing something right. The first location — stand-

ing where the family’s original grocery store opened in 1905 — is set up like a classic cafeteria: grab a tray, some silver, glide it along the aluminum rails, and order a Reuben sandwich that’s big enough to feed about 14 people. This is deli food that’s indistinguishable from the best you’ll find in New Yawk or L.A. — potato pancakes and dill pickles and cakes and pies and so many choices of deliciousness that deciding might make you all verklempt. On our last visit we tried the PLT: pastrami, lettuce and tomato. You wish your bubbe cooked like this. 808 S. Meridian St., 631-4041; IND Airport, 241-0645; for catering call 690-3036, shapiros.com 2nd: Goose the Market 3rd: Ripple Bagel & Deli BEST LOCAL BURGERS BRU BURGER BAR BRU Burger has long been making a name for themselves as the undisputed champs of the Indianapolis burger scene (it’s a thing). There, you can find burgers with guacamole, exotic cheeses, and a menu that frequently rotates. They may be called a “burger bar,” but BRU serves all kinds of tasty dishes, from salads to nachos. Still, the reason you go is to get a pint

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MacNiven’s famously unusual flat angus burger: an enormous flat piece of angus beef grilled and then folded up onto the bun. Make sure you get a beer on draft and sit by the windows to enjoy the warm days. In the winter, it’s a great place to hide out from the cold and drink beers until the chill leaves your bones. Winter also makes it a great time to taste their rich, hearty steak pie. 339 Massachusetts Ave., 632-7268, macnivens.com 2nd: Chatham Tap 3rd: Red Lion Grog House

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and grab a juicy patty with all the toppings (or none of them, because they’ll do that, too) and enjoy the deck. It’s got one of the best outdoor spaces on Mass Ave, nestled right in the center of all the action. Start your night out there and have a burger before hitting the bars. 410 Massachusetts Ave., 635-4278, bruburger.com 2nd: Steer-In 3rd: Twenty Tap BEST LOCAL PIZZA BAZBEAUX PIZZA They claim to have been serving Indy’s best pie since 1986, and NUVO readers have agreed year after year. In fact, the staff here at NUVO has been known to order — WHO TOOK THE LAST SLICE OF MY COLOSSUS, DAMMIT? What? Oh, sorry. Sure, we love us some hightemp-fired thin-crust trendy stuff, but for a real Indy legend, Bazbeaux has a cr — SERIOUSLY? HAVEN’T YOU HAD LIKE TWO PLATES FULL ALREADY? Ahem. Alright. Look: It’s really good pie. And three locations, now, too, with one north in — I WILL STAB YOU WITH A FORK, SO HELP ME — Harrrrumph. Again, sorry. Just go there. 811 E. Westfield Blvd., 255-5711; 329

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Massachusetts Ave., 636-7662; 111 W. Main St. (Carmel), 848-4488; bazbeaux.com 2nd: Jockamo Upper Crust Pizza 3rd: Napolese BEST LOCAL WINGS ALE EMPORIUM Another hotly contested and defended category is the right to call your wings the Best in any city. Everyone in town picks their favorites, but the outright winner this year is the fine folks at Ale Emporium. The perfect wing is all about crispness-to-sauce ratio, and Ale Emporium’s variety of sauce options strike the perfect balance. Try it with one of many, many craft beers they offer, and make sure you taste the Herman sauce. You can get them boneless or jump style, which are served in two sizes: two pounds or four pounds. Oh yeah. 8617 Allisonville Road, 842-1333, ale-emporium.com 2nd: Chatham Tap 3rd: Wings Etc. BEST LOCAL PORK TENDERLOIN STEER-IN For a restaurant to be named Best Local

BEST LOCAL STEAK ST. ELMO STEAK HOUSE If ever you wonder if there is a benevolent force in the universe that wants us to be happy, remember that St. Elmo exists in our fair city. Once in a lifetime, every Indy resident owes it to themselves to indulge in the dry-aged, marbled perfection that comes to the table perfectly grilled and rested. This is the classic steakhouse, with white-glove-level service, stiff martinis, and lots of suited politicos and executives milling about. During the Super Bowl, it became the favored hangout for the who’s-who in town

for the big game, and continues to be a huge draw for steak lovers and power players alike. 127 S. Illinois St. #2, 635-0636, stelmos.com 2nd: Mesh on Mass 3rd: Peterson’s Restaurant BEST LOCAL SEAFOOD THE OCEANAIRE SEAFOOD ROOM The Oceanaire makes you feel like you’re on a high-end cruise and every table is the Captain’s table. From the beginning to the end of a meal here, the fruits of the ocean are treated with the utmost respect by the chef. It’s a traditional seafood house, with waiters in vests and lots of tiny, specialized utensils to really make an occasion out of digging fish away from the bones. The Oceanaire also serves up some delicious cocktails, and the staff is great at accommodating special events and parties. If you’re in the mood to spend a little coin on high-quality fish, put on your best tie and head to The Oceanaire. 30 S. Meridian St., 955-2277, theoceanaire.com 2nd: Kona Jack’s 3rd: Bluerbeard

Under New Ownership

HRS.

Thank you NUVO readers for voting us Indy’s BEST Local Restaurant for Late Night Munchies and one of the best places to Eat Cheap! Stop in after your late night out!

DAILY SPECIALS!

ONLY $10.95 Breakfast Steak & Eggs 1004 Virginia Ave. (Fountain Square) • 317-637-1158

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Tenderloin in a state where the crown for best huge, paddle-shaped sandwich is a hotly-contested battle in every town is no small feat. But it also makes perfect sense for a restaurant that has appeared on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. The longtime much-loved diner has all kinds of homestyle favorites, and every meal there tastes like it was prepared by your grandmother. Interestingly, Steer-In has also won in past years for best pizza, so no matter what you get there, you’ll get something you like. 5130 E. 10th St., 356-0996, steerin.net 2nd: Big Mike’s Cafe Americana 3rd: Edwards Drive-In

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Woof! Woof! Thanks for Voting Us Indy’s Best Local Pet Store! threedogindy.com Broad Ripple, Mass Ave & Hamilton Town Center

BEST LOCAL BREAKFAST/BRUNCH PLACE STEER-IN Not surprising that the be-all, end-all of local diners made it on this list for breakfast. If you haven’t yet visited the Steer-In, go and go now. To put it simply, that place is damn perfect. They’re already the winner for tenderloin, the Indiana state sandwich, so it seems logical that the kind of establishment that would serve the perfect fried pork sandwich would also know how to turn out the eggs and hashbrowns better than anyone else in town. 5130 E. 10th St., 356-0996, steerin.net 2nd: Cafe Patachou 3rd: Lincoln Square Pancake House BEST LOCAL VEGETARIAN/VEGAN JOINT THREE SISTERS Three Sisters has long been a favorite of the local vegetarian scene, with more meat-free breakfast, lunch, and brunch options than we have room for here. No matter where you land on the meat-consumption spectrum, you’ll fall out of your chair for their calico hashbrowns, a mix of sweet and regular potatoes that fills you up. It’s also a good way to recover after a tough weekend drinking up and down the Broad Ripple strip. This is certainly not Three

Steer-In Diner’s Pork Tenderloin

NUVO FILE PHOTO BY MARK A. LEE

Sisters first appearance on the Best Of list, and we look forward to a long future for this Broad Ripple veggie staple. 6360 Guilford Ave., 257-5556, 3sisterscafein.com 2nd: Yats 3rd: Duos

, y d n I , u o Thank y otes! v for your

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For reservations 317.616.6170 Open daily from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Indianapolis.hyatt.com 14 BESTOFINDY // 2014 // NUVO // 100% RECYCLED PAPER

Best Local Place to have a Romantic Dinner

BEST LOCAL PLACE TO EAT CHEAP YATS Got five bucks? Good news, friendo: you can have lunch at Yats. There’s not much that hasn’t been said about our good ol’ Yats, and all of it’s good. To add to the list of things to love about it, besides the rich goodness of all those creole stews, they’re also pretty cheap. The College Avenue location is cash-only, but don’t worry: They’ll write you an IOU if you forget. yatscajuncreole.com 2nd: Steer-In 3rd: Peppy Grill BEST LOCAL PLACE FOR UPSCALE DINING ST. ELMO STEAKHOUSE Celebs from Steven Tyler to Phil Simms

ate there prior to Indy’s Super Bowl. The restaurant was featured in NBC’s Parks and Rec as the place Hoosier men most want to hit before their bachelor party really gets rolling. Peyton Manning used to order up a New York Strip and a Bud Light after every home game. Jim Nantz always seems to give a shout-out to the place when he’s doing Colts’ play-by-play for CBS. (Jim’s lobbying for a discount, wethinks.) It’s a classic Midwestern steakhouse. It’s an Indy institution. Oh, and the fresh horseradish in the cocktail sauce will Make You a Man (Or Woman). 127 S. Illinois St., #2, 635-0636, stelmos.com 2nd: Bluebeard 3rd: Mesh on Mass

BEST LOCAL PLACE TO HAVE A ROMANTIC DINNER MAMA CAROLLA’S Mama Carolla’s è perfetto per un primo appuntamento, un anniversario, o qualsiasi altra occasione. Sicuramente, il cibo Italiano e romantico, ma servito accanto un caloroso caminetto in una casa mostra? Ordina una bella bottiglia di vino. Guarda il tuo amore nella luce della candela. Darvi da mangiare un po ‘di pasta. Bagnarvi nella calda luce di amore – e lasagna... 1031 E. 54th St., 259-9412, mamacarollas.com 2nd: The Eagle’s Nest 3rd: Bluebeard BEST NEW LOCAL RESTAURANT SHOEFLY PUBLIC HOUSE Shoefly had one of the best openings of any

Mama Carolla’s Old Italian Restaurant

Thank You! We would like to thank everyone who voted for us. You are the reason that we are able to continue doing what we love. We would also like to thank our hard working staff. Our staff is the most important part of our restaurant and we couldn’t do it without them. We at Mama’s strive to create an atmosphere where you can enjoy delicious Italian food and wine at reasonable prices. We are very proud and appreciative to have been voted #1.” Grazie, Mama

#1 Italian Restaurant #1 Romantic Restaurant

317.254.9412

1031 East 54th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46220 100% RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO // 2014 // BESTOFINDY 15

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BEST SMALL PLATE/TAPAS JOINT BARCELONA TAPAS BARcelona is the real deal. They offer a huge variety of tapas, so you can make a meal out of a whole bunch of ‘em or have a small bite with one or two. It’s the perfect way to eat a relaxing, meandering meal, and it makes a great first date place. To get the full effect, grab a pitcher of BARcelona’s fabulous sangria to accompany your meal. If you’re vegetarian, BARcelona’s got you covered with plenty of meat-free tapas options. 201 N. Delaware St., 638-8272, barcelonatapas.com 2nd: Bluebeard 3rd: Bakersfield Tacos, Tequilas and Whiskey Bar

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Open 7 days a week for lunch & dinner. $5 Lunch Specials Monday-Friday.

401 Market Plaza in Old Town Greenwood 5646 East Washington Street in historic Irvington

Craft Beers on tap, half-price bottles of wine on Monday in Irvington & Tuesday in Greenwood

BEST ST T PIZZA ZA A BEST ST T SERVICE

Thank you to our all customers and employees for your support and hard work!

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restaurant last year, and with good reason. They’ve put a new spin on pub food, with a menu that features small, lighter plates all the way up to full-size entrees. If you just want something to munch on while you have a pint of local craft beer or a glass of wine, you can keep yourself from getting overserved without feeling over full. The location is unique as well, offering one of few places where nearnorthsiders can walk to. If you’re headed downtown for a night out, consider stopping by Shoefly for a great pre-party meal. 122 E. 22nd St., 283-5007, shoeflypublichouse.com 2nd: Delicia 3rd: Thunderbird BEST LOCAL RESTAURANT FOR LATE NIGHT MUNCHIES PEPPY GRILL There are two kinds of people who frequent Peppy after 2 a.m.: the folks who are there every night at 2 a.m. and the very intoxicated. The place is open around the clock, always ready to serve up a perfectly greasy cheeseburger or a plate of biscuits and gravy. Not only can you eat here any time of day, you can almost always get really full on less than ten bucks. It’s a neighborhood

place that usually has a table full of coffeesippin’ locals, which is how you know it’s not only good but consistent. 1004 Virginia Ave., 637-1158 2nd: The Sinking Ship 3rd: Hot Box Pizza BEST SERVICE ST. ELMO STEAK HOUSE No surprise here that the best steak in town would be served with white glove-level attention to detail. There’s a reason why celebrities and political power players spend a lot of their evenings here: St. Elmo is by far the classiest joint in town, if you don’t mind us newspaper scrubs sayin’ so. It goes without saying that if you’ve got the scratch to drop on a meal here, they’ll hold up their end by doing everything but cut your steak for you (and they’d probably do that, too). 127 S. Illinois St., #2, 635-0636, stelmos.com 2nd: Jockamo Upper Crust Pizza 3rd: Bluebeard BEST OUTDOOR DINING FLATWATER RESTAURANT Stop by Flatwater to get a whole new

And wow, we would never say “cacao” to Scratch: no matter your order, every plain cardboard box that comes out of their red van contains edible treasures wrapped in checkered-flag paper. The bulgogi smelled as delicious as it tasted, and dang, those hand-cut fries are a treat by themselves. scratchtruck.com 2nd: DUOS 3rd: MacGenie

BEST FOOD TRUCK SCRATCH STREET FOOD On our last visit with Scratch, we bagged their awesome burger and went with the day’s special: a bulgogi cheesesteak. The average Philly-delphian would be mortified to find carrots on their hometown sandwich, but this is food inspired by what the owners found in Portland, not the East Coast.

BEST PLACE FOR A PICNIC INDIANAPOLIS MUSEUM OF ART This is why we love ya, Indy: you’re so damn classy. Of all the places you could’ve picked to dine outdoors, you chose to be surrounded by culture, by sculpture, by art. The grounds, the gardens, across the canal in 100 Acres — what’s your pleasure? Perhaps you’re bringing along a nosh to the summer movie series? Or simply camping out by Robert Indiana’s LOVE? Did you bike over? Whatever. We’re proud of you. 4000 Michigan Road, 923-1331, imamuseum.org 2nd: Holliday Park 3rd: Eagle Creek Park

THANK YOU NUVO READERS FOR VOTING US #1 Best Soccer Bar #2 Best Local British/ h// English/Celtic Restaurant #2 Best Local Wings #2 Best Sports Bar 8211 E 116th St | 845-1090 719 Massachusetts Ave | 917-8425

India Garden

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THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST LOCAL INDIAN RESTAURANT

For more information or to view our menu visit www.indiagardenindy.com To show our appreciation we offer the following coupons: (Broad Ripple location also accepts competitor’s coupons)

BROAD RIPPLE 830 Broad Ripple Ave. 253-6060 | DOWNTOWN 207 N Delaware St 634-6060 100% RECYCLED PAPER // NUVO // 2014 // BESTOFINDY 17

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view on the canal. The folks at Flatwater have built a gorgeous outdoor deck behind the restaurant (and a smaller one out front), where they feature tons of live music whenever weather permits. The patio really shines on Sunday when you can grab a pint or a build-your-own Bloody Mary (made with Hoosier Mama mix) and catch a few healing rays after a wild weekend out. Everything about Flatwater makes it feel like a marina bar in a coastal town: the water, the relaxed vibe, and the outdoor space that’s about double the indoor seating. Grab a plate of pork sliders and see for yourself. 832 E. Westfield Blvd., 257-5466, flatwaterbroadripple.com 2nd: BRU Burger Bar 3rd: Bluebeard

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Indianapolis, Thank you for voting us the Best Local Food Truck In Indy for 2013 & 2014! Sincerely, Scratchtruck FOLLOW US ON @scratchtruck and

317.721.3613 | scratchtruck.com

BEST OVERALL LOCAL RESTAURANT YATS This was a pretty close race this year, but once again, the plentiful, inexpensive and fantastically tasty Louisiana-inspired eats from Yats wins the day. The original location at 54th and College remains a no-booze, cash-only affair, but Joe’s other joints accept plastic, and some offer brewskis, too. We love Yats, and we only hope Joe’s franchise keeps growing. Original location: 5363 N. College Ave., 253-8817; ALSO: 910 W. 10th St. (The Avenue) 602-8676; 885 Massachusetts Ave., 423-0518; 5650 W. 86th St., Suite 132 (Trader’s Point), 879-YATS; 8352 E. 96th St. (Fishers), 585-1792; 1280 US 31 (Greenwood), 865-9971; 12545 Old Meridian St., Suite 130 (Carmel), 581-1881; see website for locations in Columbus, Avon, Noblesville, Valparaiso and yep, Cincy: yatscajuncreole.com 2nd: St. Elmo Steakhouse 3rd: Bluebeard BEST LOCAL CHEF YOU’D HIRE TO COOK FOR YOU FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE IF YOU COULD

18 BESTOFINDY // 2014 // NUVO // 100% RECYCLED PAPER

SUBMITTED PHOTO

In a heated Best Food Truck race, we raise a cup of fresh cut fries to the victors - Scratch Food Truck.

ABBI MERRIS — BLUEBEARD After training with the likes of Greg Hardesty — one of Indy’s biggest culinary rock stars — Abby Merris now finds herself dishing some of the best food the Hoosier state’s ever seen at Tom Batista’s Bluebeard. Whether she’s serving up a duck confit or grilled octopus or putting an insanely original spin on chicken wings or a King David dog, the care and craft that Merris exhibits is a wonder to behold. That kind of flexibility makes for a well-deserved win in the “cook for you for life” arena — we’re pretty sure Merris could find a way to make cereal

and milk somehow revelatory. Way to go, Abbi. 635 Virgina Ave., 686-1580, bluebeardindy.com 2nd: Neal Brown — Libertine, Pizzology 3rd: Greg Hardesty — Recess

Keep an eye on our Food & Drink coverage at NUVO.NET/ FOOD

HONOREE: BEST LOCAL FARM-TO-FORK GROCER/MERCHANT THANK YOU NUVO READERS

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ARTISAN-CRAFTED FOODS, RETAIL SHOPS, THE ORIGINAL FARMERS’ MARKET & HOME OF THE ONLY ALL-INDIANA CRAFT BEER BAR!

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CAN ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN FIGHT CRIME?

THE IRVINGTON SIGNAL BOXES: 2014 WINNER FOR BEST NEW PUBLIC ART

BY SC O TT SH O G E R SSHOGER@N U VO . N ET

hen we wrote this January about Irvington non-profit Foundation East and their project that turned 19 traffic signal boxes into works of art, the founders of Foundation East, Aaron Story and Vishant Shah, met us with their collection plates, as it were. (You’ll forgive the wordplay; Story also happens to be a pastor at Indy Metro Church.) They were trying to raise funds so that they might clean the boxes, freshen up their colors — and perhaps most importantly, apply a layer of clear-coat finish so that the boxes might be better protected against vandalism and the gradual ravages of weather. They weren’t just playing it safe: A few of the paintings were defaced in the early morning of Dec. 31, 2013. And as it would happen, one of the artists, Rita Spalding, found it easier to restore her still life because she had protected it with a clear-coat layer. The good news? Foundation East raised those funds, and as of July 8, could declare repair and maintenance work complete. Shah says that, all told, Irvington businesses, community groups and residents donated “almost $4,000” for the project. That’s not all: Shah says “up to 45 boxes have been identified in the communities of the Near Eastside” as candidates for the signal box projects. In addition, Foundation East is partnering with five neighborhoods to wrap “up to 15 boxes” with a design printed on vinyl. But let’s take a step back. Inspiration for the project came from IMPD officer Shane Foley,

Irvington signal boxes.

who was preaching to anyone who would listen the gospel of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, which holds that improving the built environment, from landscaping to lighting design, can deter criminals. Eight boxes were painted during 2012’s Great Indy Cleanup, with volunteers executing designs by artists. Then the artists themselves painted 11 more in 2013. Shah says he “had no idea how strongly neighbors felt about the boxes” before the community showed its support after they were

20 BESTOFINDY // 2014 // NUVO // 100% RECYCLED PAPER

PHOTOS BY HEIDI UNGER

defaced. “Residents now use the boxes as markers to navigate their neighborhood. It helps people not get lost or give directions.” Bookmamas owner Kathleen Angelone counts herself as a supporter of the project. “I think public art is vital to any community because it makes it beautiful. It denominates where the community is and gives it character,” she told NUVO in January. “I want to live in a civilized community where people are interested in art and music and learning, not just their day-today jobs.” n

BEST LOCAL MUSEUM THE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF INDIANAPOLIS You, the NUVO reader, are decidedly not alone in your love for the Children's Museum. NASA's a fan. They gave the museum $675,000 last year to fund an upcoming International Space Station-themed exhibit. Elton John digs it. Remember when he played a 2010 benefit for the museum to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Ryan White's passing? Also madly in love: glass artist Dale Chihuly, Wikipedia's Jimmy Wales and dinosaurs. Plus, kids. They cannot get enough of the world's largest children's museum. And now even adults can check it out, unaccompanied by minors, during occasional Adult Swim events. 3000 N. Meridian St., 334-4000, childrensmuseum.org 2nd: Indianapolis Museum of Art 3rd: Indiana State Museum BEST LOCAL ART GALLERY INDIANAPOLIS ART CENTER Yes, you may know it as the place where you spend all summer trying to make a decent ceramic vase/teapot/ornamental phallus. But look beyond the Indianapolis Art Center's massive lineup of classes, beyond its annual art fair, even beyond its community outreach program. Yes, look over there, into that room down the hall, or along those walls as you run to the restroom. You're bearing witness to the latest exhibitions at the Center, which hosts a new selection of work, typically sourced from Midwestern artists, each season. At the Center now is a typically diverse and thought-provoking lineup of six exhibitions, including a new sculpture in the ArtsPark that's been added to the Center's permanent collection. 820 E. 67th St., 255-2464, indplsartcenter.org 2nd: Harrison Center for the Arts 3rd: Art Bank Gallery BEST LOCAL PERFORMING ARTS GROUP INDIANAPOLIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA It was a good season for the ISO: ticket sales were up 18 percent, with even bigger gains in new season subscribers and student tickets. And not to dwell on any unpleasantness, but we're only two years out from a month-long lockout that saw the ISO musicians playing their own shows, making this bounceback all the more impressive. Whom can we credit for this

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Indinapolis Symphony Orchestra music director Krzysztof Urbanski.

success? Music director Krzysztof Urbanski, who signed an extension last year that'll keep him here through 2018? Time for Three, the ISO's ensemble-in-residence which has regularly headlined Happy Hour programs? New CEO Gary Ginstling? All of the above, we figure, not to mention all of you actually buying those tickets. 32 E. Washington St., Ste. 600, 639-4300, indianapolissymphony.org 2nd: Dance Kaleidoscope 3rd: Indianapolis Children's Choir BEST LOCAL COMEDY VENUE OR GROUP CRACKERS COMEDY CLUBS There are two locations for Crackers, the room downtown and the stage in Broad Ripple. The northern location seems more venerated: It’s got the classic brick wall behind the comedians, the bizarro painting in the lobby, the regular open-mic nights and a stage that’s seen Really Big Acts before they became Really Big Acts. (Check out all the headshots that grace the lobby.) Crackers has been an institution since 1980, and the folks who own the clubs managed to keep both joints afloat during the Great Recession. Check the upcoming acts, order a beer, get ready to laugh and tip your server — or push ‘em all the way over. (Ba-dum-thump.) 247 S. Meridian St., 631-3536; 6281 N. College Ave., 255-4211; crackerscomedy.com 2nd: ComedySportz 3rd: White Rabbit Cabaret 22 BESTOFINDY // 2014 // NUVO // 100% RECYCLED PAPER

FILE PHOTO

BEST LOCAL LIVE THEATRE INDIANA REPERTORY THEATRE There's something to be said for stability. And excellence, too. You can expect top-of-the-line stage design, lighting, performances, etc. at just about every IRT show. And if everything on the season doesn't grab you, that's because it's a repertory theater for all of Indiana — and there are a bunch of different constituencies out there. On the calendar for next year: a play about abstract painter Mark Rothko (Red), adaptations of YA sci-fi novel The Giver and Arthur Conan Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles and a piece about 1973 Atlanta in the wake of the election of its first black mayor (What I Learned in Paris). 140 W. Washington St., 635-5252, irtlive.com 2nd: Q Artistry 3rd: Phoenix Theatre BEST LOCALLY PRODUCED PLAY THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (FOOTLITE MUSICALS AT HEDBACK COMMUNITY THEATRE) Two old favorites combined to win in this category, which is making its first Best of Indy appearance this year. Footlite has been doing its thing since 1956, and has been at its location on Alabama Street (once home to Civic Theatre) since 1974. It's an all-volunteer organization, shows are cast from open auditions and the season is chosen by a general committee. Call it true community theater. And that other

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Sure, they’re sexy, but they’re also really, REALLY funny — Angel Burlesque — Best Local Burlesque Troupe.

old favorite? Why, the Rocky Horror Show, which remains charming and raunchy all these years later, surviving many, many imitations. 1847 Alabama St., 926-6630, footlite.org 2nd: The Color Purple (The Cupboard at Athenaeum Theatre) 3rd: ZirkusGrimm (Q Artistry at Irvington Lodge) BEST LOCAL BURLESQUE TROUPE ANGEL BURLESQUE Yes, they’re sexy; yes, all body types are represented; yes, there are dudes in the troupe; and yes, they do a ton of benefit work. But beyond all of that, they’re really, REALLY funny. Some notable founding members have come and gone, alas, but the nucleus of nuttiness remains, including the woman who cooked the whole thing up at the outset: Katie Angel, a performer who’s not afraid to wear a Klingon headpiece with her pasties. (We’re serious.) Her partner, Jeff Angel, is an excellent emcee, and they’ve taken their act to an ever broader variety of venues this past year. They keep winning NUVO’s Best Of polls because they’re so very good at the art of the tease. Also, boobies. angelburlesque.com 2nd: Rocket Doll Revue 3rd: Crème de la Femmes BEST LOCAL DRAG KING OR QUEEN ASIA LABOUCHE This is a new category to NUVO’s Best Of Indy, and it makes sense that one of the city's most well-tenured drag queens picked up the win.

The alter ego of Doug Mellinger, Asia LaBouche got her start in the mid-'80s at an open-stage event sponsored by the now-shuttered Club Cabaret. Since then, LaBouche has become a fixture at Talbott Street, one of their “Ladies of Legends” who perform just about every Friday night without fail. She's also a longtime supporter of Spotlight (the phenomenally successful annual AIDS fundraiser). LaBouche has earned your accolades before: She won Miss Gay Indiana in 2006. 2nd: Rachel Yoder 3rd: Alanna Steele BEST LOCAL FILM FESTIVAL HEARTLAND FILM FESTIVAL What's new at Heartland, which won best Local Film Fest this year by a healthy margin? Hopefully you stopped by their new summer program, Summer Rewind, a weeklong minifest revisiting films that went over big during its annual fall festival, coming up Oct. 16-25. Summer Rewind was a chance for Heartland to really make use of the Fountain Square neighborhood (where Hearland Film, the Fest's parent organization, has its offices), by screening movies in both Heartland's office screening room and at the Wheeler Arts Community, with time for a party at nearby concert venue The Hi-Fi. 1043 Virginia Ave., Ste. 2, 464-9405, heartlandfilm.org 2nd: Gen Con Film Fest 3rd: Indianapolis LGBT Film Fest

BEST LOCAL AUTHOR JOHN GREEN What can we tell you about John Green that you haven't heard before? Well, he loves wearing makeup, according to a recent story in The Huffington Post. There's going to be a Bollywood adaptation of The Fault in Our Stars, if you believe some industry Indian film sites. And he won a NUVO Cultural Vision Award this year and accepted via a pre-taped video, which makes sense for Green, because he's traveling the world doing press for TFIOS and he does a lot of videos, but was a first for our humble awards ceremony. johngreenbooks.com 2nd: Dan Wakefield 3rd: Hans Cummings/ Luke Austin Daugherty BEST NEW PUBLIC ART IRVINGTON SIGNAL BOXES (VARIOUS ARTISTS) See story on page 20. irvingtondevelopment.org 2nd: Sundial Flatland (Andrew Severns, Fletcher Park) 3rd: NOTICE: A Flock of Signs (Kim Beck, 100 Acres) BEST LOCAL PUBLIC PARK OR GREENSPACE THE VIRGINIA B. FAIRBANKS ART & NATURE PARK: 100 ACRES Why do we love the IMA’s public space across the canal from the museum proper? This ain’t your granny’s sculpture garden. Although

some installations can be somber (Park of the Laments, Alfredo Jaar), the majority seem playful, most notably the hoops-inspired Free Basket by Los Carpinteros. The park is art-asimmersion at its best: a viewing pier, benches, swing sets, the visitor’s pavillion and concession stand are all intriguing works in their own right. And Atelier Van Lieshout’s Funky Bones even makes a cameo in John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars. Whether you bike in on the canal or walk over from IMA, the property around the IMA’s 35-acre lake has come a long way from the bike paths and gravel access roads northsiders remember from decades past. 4000 Michigan Road, 923-1331, imamuseum.org/visit/100acres 2nd: Eagle Creek Park 3rd: Holliday Park

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BEST LOCAL POET/SPOKEN WORD ARTIST LUKE AUSTIN DAUGHERTY These past few years have been transformative for poet, songwriter, author, former preacher, Internet video maker, visual artist, etc. Luke Austin Daugherty. Case in point is his 2013 album Friendly Atheist. Half of the songs on the album were written while he was a practicing Christian, the other half while he was a practicing (?) atheist. Not that his music or poetry was narrowly Christian before. Characteristic of his slice-of-life storytelling approach is his Chicago Bus Stop Diaries, which tells the “short history of eighteen people, at one Chicago bus stop, on one morning on the Spring of 2011.” lukeaustindaugherty.com 2nd: Tasha Jones 3rd: Tony Styxx

BEST LOCAL RADIO STATION 90.1 WFYI We always find this interesting: although NUVO readers dig them some laughs in morning drive, there’s clearly a genuine love for the public radio outlet in the Circle City. Local programming has found a home on our local NPR transmitter, too: John Krull’s No Limits invites thoughtful conversation and Sound Medicine has found an audience beyond central Indiana. Plus, we’re absolutely thrilled that WFYI’s HD2 channel has picked up NUVO’s Kyle-Long-produced A Cultural Manifesto. Also of note: the place and show horses in this category are identical to 2013. wfyi.org 2nd: 92.3 WTTS 3rd: 99.5 WZPL BEST LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITIES THE SMILEY MORNING SHOW (99.5 WZPL) After three years with Bob and Tom leading the voting, there’s a new sheriff in town: Dave Smiley and his crew on 99.5 WZPL have toppled the nationally-syndicated B&T laughathon in our voting. The cast — Dave, sidekick K.J., producer Will, Toni and meteorologist Paul Poteet — do a terrific job walking the line between “morning-show fun” and “abject chaos.” Radio ain’t rocket science, but wrangling a morning show is much harder than it sounds (trust us, the hours alone can kill you) — and Smiley’s been in Indy for over a decade, which is an amazing run in the world of broadcasting. wzpl.com 2nd: The Bob and Tom Show (94.7 WFBQ — Q95) 3rd: Matthew Socey (90.1 WFYI)

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BEST LOCAL RADIO NEWSCASTER SHARON ALSETH (FORMERLY OF 90.1 WFYI) Talk about going out on top. After six years serving up the news during the local breaks on NPR’s Morning Edition, Sharon Alseth left the station for an admin assistant gig at WGU Indiana just as voting for NUVO’s Best Of Indy got rolling. Alseth also handled producer duties for the local public radio talk show No Limits, hosted by John Krull. Before her public radio gig, she spent a decade on WIBC, wrangling news director duties there as well. Godspeed! Also of note: bronze medalist Steve Simpson didn’t have his contract renewed after 22 years on WIBC. Central Indiana will miss Steve’s expertise when the weather turns deadly. wfyi.org 2nd: Ray Steele (93.1 WIBC) 3rd: Steve Simpson (Formerly of 93.1 WIBC) BEST LOCAL TV STATION 13 WTHR Here’s what happens: when NUVO readers really like your (SPOILER ALERT) news anchors, sportscasters and weatherpeople, odds are good they’ll dig your TV station as a whole. And let’s be honest: these results are more about local TV news (take THAT, Wes Mantooth!) than whatever NBC’s rolling out to try and win the key demographic of six-year-olds-with-trust-fund-income or whoever they’re trying to attract. Although an Indianapolis dude winning The Voice probably didn’t hurt, we’re guessing the 26 BESTOFINDY // 2014 // NUVO // 100% RECYCLED PAPER

PHOTO BY MICHELLE CRAIG

Buchman/Morehead/Calabro (wait, that’s not a law firm?) combo platter meant luck for 13. (FOX59 was a very close second.) wthr.com 2nd: FOX59 3rd: WISH-TV 8 BEST LOCAL TV ANCHOR OR REPORTER ANDREA MOREHEAD (13 WTHR) Flawless delivery, great camera presence, credibility: this Anderson native has it all. It’s no wonder she’s won this category yet again. The co-anchor (with John Stehr) of Eyewitness News at 5 and 11 p.m. weeknights, Morehead’s been picking up Emmys since she arrived at WTHR in 1999. Morehead’s covered NBA Championships, Summer and Winter Olympics and Final Fours while picking up plenty of regional Emmys. She’s a member of the Indianapolis Association of Black Journalists and serves on the boards of the Indianapolis Press Club, the IUPUI University Library and Noble of Indiana. (BOTH members of FOX 59’s morning duo round out this category.) wthr.com 2nd: Angela Ganote (FOX 59) 3rd: Ray Cortopassi (FOX 59) BEST LOCAL SPORTSCASTER (RADIO OR TV) DAVE CALABRO (13 WTHR) This one wasn’t even close. Is it the hair? Hearing his voice on the PA at the Speedway? The Operation Football and Basketball chop-

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per bits? The constant presence on WTHR — even on the weekends? The shots when Dave’s drowned out by high school fans and/ or cheerleaders? The unrelenting earnestness? We’re not sure, but how can you NOT watch a guy who seems to be rooting for the hometown squads even though he never states it expressly? Seriously, Calabro knows his stuff — and the hair is pretty spectacular, too. wthr.com 2nd: Anthony Calhoun (WISH-TV 8) 3rd: JMV (1070 The Fan) BEST LOCAL WEATHERPERSON ANGELA BUCHMAN (13 WTHR) If we’ve learned anything from Channel 13’s ratings, it’s that Central Indiana prefers to have its Regularly Scheduled Programming interrupted for severe weather coverage by Ms. Buchman. After spending years on WISH-TV, Buchman made a much-publicized jump to WTHR, riding out a non-compete clause in her contract between gigs. The money 13 spent on Buchman appears to have been worth it: WTHR saw double-digit ratings spikes when Buchman made the trip south to her new home in 13’s studios on Meridian. Ironically, the 8-to-13 hop was a move that paralleled her weather colleague Chris Wright — who ultimately left WTHR shortly before Buchman’s arrival. This category’s a sweep for the green-screens at WTHR: Buchman’s joined by her colleagues in second and third place. wthr.com 2nd: Nicole Misencik (13 WTHR) 3rd: Chuck Lofton (13 WTHR)

BEST LOCAL WEBSITE DO317.COM This one was close. Really close. And we here at NUVO, while accepting defeat at the hands of another worthy online locale that includes info on what to see and do in Indy, offer these results as absolute, undeniable proof that our Best of Indy voting results are way more honest than the average Chicago election. Well played, Do317.com, well played. do317.com 2nd: NUVO.net 3rd: historicindianapolis.com BEST TWITTER FEED @PATMCAFEESHOW (PAT MCAFEE) The Colts’ punter/Bob and Tom Show regular/ charity rep/product endorser/regular guy has over 197,000 followers on Twitter, last we checked. He Tweets photos, videos, critiques of sports, reality TV and livin’ in Indy — but it might be the inside-the-locker-room stuff that his followers really dig the most. For example: I dressed like an athletic trainer & attempted 2 tape some rookie's ankle 2day @ Rookie mini camp … Ah the perks of not looking like an NFLer Thanks, Numero Uno! twitter.com/PatMcAfeeShow 2nd: @historicindiana 3rd: @rustymk2 (Rusty Redenbacher) BEST INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT HERSTORYINDY Tiffany Benedict Berkson, the “Chief Inspiration Officer” at historicindianapolis.com, has an

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eye for Indy's most photogenic spots, from the familiar but sometimes overlooked (say, the American Legion National Headquarters) to unsung neighborhood treasures (Old Northside Victorian homes are particular faves; Berkson is, after all, a member of the Victorian Society in America). She was an Instagram early adopter, with posts dating to May 2011, and her current follower count is 2,675 users, some of whom can be heard chiming in when she posts an unidentified facade (e.g., that's the Marsh building on Alabama, right?) It's all part of her mission to encourage people to fall just as hard for Indy as she has. instagram.com/herstoryindy 2nd: SALON6 3rd: CRIMSONTATE BEST LOCAL AMATEUR OR COLLEGIATE SPORTS TEAM NAPTOWN ROLLER GIRLS (WOMEN’S ROLLER DERBY) That’s right: the NRG skaters don’t get paid — not even a scholarship. They do it for the love of the jammin’. If you’ve never been, put a bout on your Things To Do list and sit next to someone who knows the rules and the scoring. There are three tiers of skaters: the Tornado Sirens are at the top of the heap, followed by the Warning Belles and the Third Alarm. If the action wasn’t enough, the punk-rock vibe and outfits coupled with the aliases of the athletes (Mother Noose? Deadie Page? Katie Crackernuts, anyone?) make for a sporting event quite unlike any you’ve ever seen. naptownrollergirls.com 2nd: Butler Bulldogs (Men’s D1 NCAA Basketball) 3rd: IU Hoosiers (Men’s D1 NCAA Basketball) BEST PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TEAM THE INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (NFL) ESPN’s Colin Cowherd once remarked that America has two sports seasons: football season and WAITING for football season. It appears that even the hoops-mad Hoosier state has at least partially succumbed. Winning a Super Bowl, hosting a Super Bowl, Andrew Luck effectively following Peyton Manning — these are just a few of the reasons central Indiana loves the NFL, and more specifically, the Blue and White. Lucas Oil Stadium’s a great place to see a game, and most members of the Colts organization seem to dodge the negative 30 BESTOFINDY // 2014 // NUVO // 100% RECYCLED PAPER

FILE PHOTO BY STACY KAGIWADA

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headlines that dog the league — with the exception of the team’s owner, that is. colts.com 2nd: Indiana Pacers (NBA) 3rd: Indianapolis Indians (ILB — AAA baseball) BEST LOCAL BIKE TRAIL THE MONON TRAIL AND GREENWAY Take the roughly 10-and-a-half mile Monon Trail from 10th Street north, add the five-plus miles that stretch into Carmel, mix in a pinch of Westfield north of 146th St., sprinkle with access points, parking, scenic bridges and the occasional tunnel, spice with nifty neighborhoods, shopping areas, leafy stretches of lovely green canopy and a café or brewery here and there, and you’ve got an award-winning rail-to-trail conversion. The trail/greenway connects with many other trails in Indy and points north. NOTE: When the weekend weather turns warm, there are walkers, inline skaters, mellow skateboarders and lots of families with little kids and dogs — this is NOT the place to be setting land speed records on your carbon-fiber racing bike. Don’t be a dick. indy.gov/eGov/City/DPR/Greenways/ Pages/Monon%20Trail.aspx 2nd: Indianapolis Cultural Trail 3rd: Fall Creek Trail BEST LOCAL PLACE TO VOLUNTEER THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF INDIANAPOLIS Foster care for pets. Service projects. Manning the shelter. Why? Because PUPPIES AND

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KITTENS, that’s why. (And terrific older critters needing homes, too.) There are volunteer programs designed for kids as young as 10, programs built specifically for high school students, even programs made to help scouts achieve their desired goals. Add the insanely popular Mutt Strut event — in which humans and their canine pals get to stroll around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway — and you’ve got a group that allows animal lovers to help ‘em out in more ways than you can count. 7929 N. Michigan Road, 872-5650, indyhumane.org 2nd: Second Helpings 3rd: Big Brothers Big Sisters BEST LOCAL CHARITABLE EVENT HUMANE SOCIETY OF INDIANAPOLIS MUTT STRUT This was another category in which the voting was INSANELY close. While we don’t give out vote totals, we will tell you that walking your animal companions around the track juuuuuust edged out watching nearly naked dudes (and women, too). The concept behind the Humane Society’s annual benefit is simple: take your pup for a leisurely trip around a place usually reserved for speeds in the 180+ mph range. The second-place finisher here was a big benefit cooked up by Angel Burlesque to benefit Indiana Equality Action. indyhumane.org 2nd: Miss Honey B’s Bourbon Boylesque 3rd: Zoobiliation BEST LOCAL OUTDOOR FESTIVAL CIRCLE CITY IN PRIDE FESTIVAL The numbers are in for this year's IN Pride Festival. We'll start with the biggest one: 95,000 people attended the June 14 outdoor festival, which featured 16 main stage performers (plus drag queens) and 280 vendor and sponsor booths. Now to the parade, which drew 40,000 spectators to watch 3,041 walkers, 16 floats and two miniature, rainbowcolored ponies. And that's just the closing day's festivities; we don't have space to mention all the events earlier in the week, like Pet Pride (1,200 humans, 650 dogs, 12 cats, two lizards). One caveat: Some of the eight-day festival is held indoors (like the Girl Pride concert and Bag Lady show), though, as mentioned, the biggest draw remains the annual outdoor festival. circlecityinpride.org 2nd: Indiana Microbrewers Festival 3rd: Broad Ripple Art Fair 32 BESTOFINDY // 2014 // NUVO // 100% RECYCLED PAPER

NUVO FILE PHOTO BY KRISTEN PUGH

Veseria celebrates Fountain Square’s win as Best up and Coming Neighborhood.

BEST LOCAL EVENT YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED TO GO TO BUT HAVEN’T. WHY HAVEN’T YOU DONE THAT? GO DO THAT! AN ANGEL BURLESQUE SHOW (Bawk-bawk-bawk CHICKEN bawk-bawk.) C’mon. Log on to their website. Find an upcoming gig. Take your SO. You’ll have a good time. Trust us. It’s all about sexy fun and empowerment. And boobies. (Yes, we said “boobies” again.) angelburlesque.com 2nd: GenCon 3rd: Zoobilation BEST UP AND COMING NEIGHBORHOOD FOUNTAIN SQUARE Let’s get this out of the way immediately: YES, WE KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FLETCHER PLACE AND FOUNTAIN SQUARE. Having said that, we know there’s mighty confusion about where one ends and the other begins. So we’re taking the liberty of offering this term as a catch-all (even though we might catch hell) for every bit of the grooviness that follows Virginia Ave. and its side streets on both sides of the bridge over the south split, from Bluebeard to New Day Meadery, from ROOK to Fountain Square Brewing and Thunderbird. Please don’t yell at us, oh Historic Fletcher Place Neighborhood peeps. Please. 2nd: Little Flower 3rd: Irvington

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LolaPalooza of the Indy Bag Ladies — overwhelmed with emotion to see Circle City IN Pride named as Best Local Outdoor Festival.

BEST ESTABLISHED NEIGHBORHOOD BROAD RIPPLE The funky cottages, the old apartment buildings here and there, the park and the bars, bars, bars. Youth shall be served along the Avenue (and served often, judging by the damaged souls brunching on Sunday at various eateries), but there’s lots more to BRV besides syrupy booze served in plastic cups. Indy CD and Vinyl. Pitaya. La Chinita Poblana. Broad Ripple Vintage. Brugge. The Bagel Deli. 10 01. We could go on and on, but we’ll leave it here: have you ever biked the Monon just so you had an excuse to cool off with a pint at Broad Ripple Brewpub — which just happens to be Indy’s oldest craft brewery? (By the way, how cool is it that Irvington came up in the top three as both an “up and coming” and “established” neighborhood?) 2nd: Irvington 3rd: Meridian Kessler BEST REASON TO VISIT SPEEDWAY BESIDES A RACE LONG’S BAKERY BEST. DAMN. DONUTS. EVER. 1453 N. Tremont St., 632-3741 2nd: Mug ‘n’ Bun 3rd: The Humane Society’s Mutt Strut Charity Event BEST PLACE TO BRING YOUR RUGRATS THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM In addition to being lauded as one of the best such museums in the nation, the DINOSAURS

34 BESTOFINDY // 2014 // NUVO // 100% RECYCLED PAPER

Children’s Museum has such a broad array of DINOSAURS events, exhibits and programs that DINOSAURS membership could be regarded as DINOSAURS a kind of an inespensive extracurricular ed tuition for your DINOSAURS little ones. Add to that the museum’s affordable DINOSAURS Starpoint Camp and its initiative to improve its mid-north neighborhood in Indy DINOSAURS and you’ve got a nearly 90-yearold institution that’s only DINOSAURS improving with age. Plus, all the dinosaurs around the building are cool. Also, DINOSAURS. 3000 N. Meridian St., 334-4000, childrensmuseum.org 2nd: Indianapolis Zoo 3rd: Holliday Park BEST DOG PARK BROAD RIPPLE BARK PARK This dog part, situated right off the Broad Ripple main drag inside Broad Ripple Park, has long been a favorite to fur parents in the area. Few other spots in town offer as much room to run for your best buddies, plus there are shady spots under trees for those sweltering July days and a picnic table (which is generally more of a King of the Mountain spot for dogs rather than human picnics). Stop by the Broad Ripple Park administrative offices with your pup’s recent vaccination paperwork to get a fob. 1550 Broad Ripple Ave., 327-7161 2nd: Humane Society of Indianapolis Dog Park 3rd: Eagle Creek Bark Park

BEST LOCAL PERSONALITY YOU’D WANT AT YOUR NEXT DINNER PARTY PAT MCAFEE The Colts punter would be able to regale your dinner guests with tales of his derring-do on the field of play, his self-deprecating nature, his intimate knowledge of the Bob and Tom show personalities both on and off the air,

and generally entertain your fellow foodies with his rapier wit and everyman charm. @PatMcAfeeShow twitter.com/@PatMcAfeeShow 2nd: Nora Spitznogle 3rd: Rupert Boneham BEST LOCAL PERSONALITY YOU’D WANT AT YOUR NEXT KEGGER PAT MCAFEE The Colts punter would be able to give your drunken buddies awesome play-by-plays of actual NFL tackles, bust his own chops, clue you in on how the Q95 morning dudes act off the air, and crack up your bros with all the funny shit he’s heard in the locker room. @PatMcAfeeShow twitter.com/PatMcAfeeShow 2nd: Angela Buchman (Dude, you wish.) 3rd: Dave Smiley BEST LOCAL POLITICAL ACTIVISTS FREEDOM INDIANA Back in June, we handed Freedom Indiana a NUVO Cultural Vision Award. Why? From our press release: “In 2014, Freedom Indiana was instrumental in fighting the adoption of discriminatory language in to the Indiana

State Constitution by working to keep HJR 3 off November's ballot. Launched in August 2013 as a bipartisan organization working to ensure liberty for all Hoosiers, Freedom Indiana brought together a diverse group of citizens with a common goal: defeating HJR 3, the proposed constitutional amendment to the Indiana Constitution that sought to deem invalid any marriage other than a union between a man and woman.” (A note: we were thrilled that former NUVO Managing Editor and present head of Earth Charter Indiana Jim Poyser wound up on this podium.) 2nd: Zach Adamson 3rd: Jim Poyser BEST CONSERVATIVE LAWMAKER OR PERSONALITY MAYOR GREG BALLARD This is interesting: there are a number of the Mayor’s colleagues on the right who think that the Republican military vet who upset Bart Peterson back in 2007 has left the fold. Ballard’s big on bike commuting, has a profound distaste for fossil fuels imported from countries that don’t like ‘Murica much and OK’d domestic partner benefits for city workers. But if one thinks about it, stopping the “brain drain” and saving a bit of energy are … well, what’s

the root of the word “conservative,” anyway? 2nd: Former Ind. Gov. Mitch Daniels 3rd: Radio personality, pundit and columnist Abdul Hakim-Shabazz BEST PROGRESSIVE LAWMAKER OR PERSONALITY AT-LARGE CITY-COUNTY COUNCILOR ZACH ADAMSON City-County Councilor Adamson and his same-sex partner Christian Mosburg flew to D.C. in October of 2013 to get hitched. The ceremony picked up quite a bit of coverage, as did the celebration here in Indy that followed. He’s a proponent of public transportation and fostering communities on the neighborhood level, but his and all the at-large seats on the council were 86’d by the state legislature in 2013 in a move the Dems called a GOP power grab, since all those at-large chairs were held by Democrats. 2nd: US Rep. Andre Carson 3rd: Ind State Rep. Justin Moed Keep an eye on our Arts & Entertainment coverage at NUVO.NET/ ARTS

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BEST GROCERY STORE FOR SINGLES O’MALIA’S / MARSH This particular contest is less about food (of which O’Malias has an enormous variety) and more about location and demographics. Its Mass Ave location is smack-dab in the center of one of the city’s most vibrant cultural districts, making it the go-to grocery spot for the hip kind of young professionals who can afford a place on Mass Ave. We have to admit, a recent trip by one editorial staff member turned up an unusually high number of good-looking, well-dressed singles, even in the middle of the day. Besides, what better way to make a lasting connection than by bonding over your love of butterkase? 320 N. New Jersey St., 262-4888 2nd: Pogue's Run Grocer 3rd: Broad Ripple Kroger

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NEWBIE STAR LONDON ROSE SWEEPS THREE CATEGORIES FOR BEST MUSIC 2014 B Y K A TH ER INE C O P L E N KCOPL EN@ N U VO . N ET

“I

am from Central Indiana, and have picked up the Best Of issue many times,” singer London Rose says when I reach her to talk about her Best of Indy wins. “So to be nominated, and to be a winner is just so awesome.” She’s not just a winner. She’s a winner three times over (Best Soul/ R&B, Best Music Video, Best New Album), and her former band Living Proof, came out on top too. “I performed with Living Proof for many years, so to go out on my own was a tough decision to make.,” Rose says. Living Proof is an Indy-based cover band that also does plenty of originals; during her time with the band, which she joined when she was still attending Noblesville High School and left to go solo a few years ago, Rose went by her given name Jessica Patterson. “I love all the guys in the band and the fans that support it, so it was hard to walk away. Ultimately though, I want to be a songwriter, travel, meet new people and just experience life.” Her originals are showcased on Kick Drum, her debut solo EP, which was funded in large part through a PledgeMusic campaign she organized last year. “I spent a good portion of last summer in New York City writing and producing the EP with some talented musicians and producers,” Rose says. “I got the chance to work with Greg Camp [Smash Mouth] and Jeff Franzel [Grammy-winning singer-songwriter] as well as a team of producers based in NYC called EMW Music Group.” She spent plenty of time in the studio there, but also worked with Camp and Franzel in their homes, and sometimes, while traveling, would send voice memos and emails with notes before their time in the studio. She also dropped into the Lodge in Indy, recording some vocals and then sending them to her

London Rose: 2014’s winner for Best Soul/R&B, Video and Album.

producer team. What resulted, Kick Drum, is a sixtrack, straight-ahead pop EP with a slick finish. The lead, self-titled single took top honors in the Best New Music Video category. It was directed by Owen Thomas [The Elms]. “The inspiration for the video came from an idea that Owen had about using a huge projector to get a high stimulus, fast-paced visual that could mirror the energy of the song,” she says. “He was awesome to work with and is one of the most creative and talented people I know.” She has plans for another album and is mulling over a move to the West Coast where her family is, but right now, she’s got her eyes on the charts. “Currently the “Kick Drum (Remix)” by Dave Aude is climbing on the Billboard Dance Club Chart,” Rose says. “I would love to see it break into

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SUBMITTED PHOTO

the Top 10, but honestly, just being on the chart is pretty great. Before the end of the year, I’d like to release another single as a follow up and potentially start working on another CD next year. In general, my goal is to get on stage more and continue to get in front of new audiences over the coming months and years.” That’s where she really loves to be, after all. “[I love that moment] when you can tell that everyone is truly listening,” Rose says, of her live performances. “Not just passively listening, but really listening and having fun. That is the absolute best. And recently, with the CD being released now, [I love] being able to look out into the audience and see people sing along to the songs. It’s pretty humbling and exciting, all in one.”n

BEST LOCAL OVERALL ARTIST/GROUP RUSS BAUM & HUCK FINN Out of all the bands, all the solo artists, all the collectives, you picked Russ Baum and Huck Finn as your favorite artists in all of Indianapolis. Good job, Indianapolis! You picked a hardworking pair that puts in major stage time, works on building intimate connections with their (large) fanbase, and has coined their very own genre: “folk energy and mayhem.” Come out to a show and meet silent third member Jim Danglebones … and maybe they’ll give you the Key of Mayhem. Don’t understand? You will as soon as you hit up a Russ Baum and Huck Finn show. russbaumandhuckfinn.com 2nd: Jennie DeVoe 3rd: Pragmatic BEST LOCAL FOLK/COUNTRY REVEREND PEYTON'S BIG DAMN BAND Washboard in hand, this fast-churning throwback blues group whips their crowds into a frenzy. They sell out venues and festival stages both in our city and across the country. They're a perennial Best of Indy favorite (even though they now make their home in Nashville, Ind.). The Rev, Breezy and Bird Dog Bussell are always on the move, but they’ll be back soon enough — no matter how many European stages they sell out, they always come back to good ol’ Indiana (and don’t miss their annual Vogue Thanksgiving show — it’s a blast). bigdamnband.com 2nd: Jennie DeVoe 3rd: Cari Ray BEST LOCAL PUNK/HARDCORE THE GITMOS The Gitmos fill every stage they play with absolutely contagious punk nonsense — but nonsense with a point. They started off as a group that organized movies screenings of political documentaries (among others), to facilitate political discussion. That, as many things often do, morphed into a rock band. They’ve been playing ever since the night before the 2008 election, and now, they’re Indy’s favorite punk band. thegitmos.com 2nd: Mr. Clit & The Pink Cigarettes 3rd: Fiber

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BEST LOCAL METAL BIZARRE NOIR Not just metal, but creepy-ass horror metal, born out of love for suspenseful movies, books and music. Bizarre Noir is currently “focusing on a themed album that tells the story of a husband driven insane after murdering his wife and her lover.” There is nothing NUVO loves more than thematic, dramatic metal — and apparently Indy agrees! facebook.com/BizarreNoir 2nd: Devil to Pay 3rd: Coffinworm BEST LOCAL JAZZ ROB DIXON Indy's all right, if you like saxophones. And Indy really likes this particular saxophone player, Best of Indy jazz winner, Rob Dixon. A David Baker acolyte, Dixon's been associated with some of the best modern players of our time. He performs both contemporary and straight-ahead jazz, playing with the BuselliWallarab Jazz Orchestra, leading Trilogy+1 and gigging regularly at the Jazz Kitchen and Chatterbox. Dixon also performed often with the recently passed B-3 organist Melvin Rhyne. We gave their 2008 album

ReInvention a spot on our 100 Best Hoosier albums ever list, too. We once called him our Musical Mayor — the name still fits! reverbnation.com/robdixon 2nd: Tonos Triad 3rd: Cathy Morris BEST LOCAL HIP-HOP MC RUSTY REDENBACHER The people love Rusty Redenbacher. And Rusty loves them right back. And he’s more than just an emcee — Slim dominates stages all over Indy, emceeing, DJing, playing with his new supergroup Last IV, hosting, or just hanging out. He put in time with The Mudkids, Tornado Alley, Birdmen of Alcatraz and Lazarus; he’s making music now as The Tinkerer, but don’t expect that to stick around forever. Redenbacher’s a man on the move, shifting styles and personas, but always coming out on top. #ATFU rustyredenbacher.com 2nd: Oreo Jones 3rd: Ricky Freezer BEST LOCAL BLUES GENE DEER The heart of a bluesman and the shredding of

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a rocker, Gene Deer is a bluesman for the 21st century. He’s a fixture at the Noodle and The Rathskeller, but he gigs all over town. He’s also a fixture in this category, which he won for nine straight years in the late ‘90s. If you’ve somehow missed seeing this soulful blues guitarist, remedy that. Remedy that, man. facebook.com/genedeerband 2nd: Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band 3rd: Carson Diersing BEST LOCAL ROCK FIVE YEAR MISSION Guys. Guys. Guys. How smart are you to pick this amazing tribute to Star Trek as your favorite rock band? The only thing better than rock and roll is conceptual nerd rock and roll! But you know that, which is why you nominated and then voted in Five Year Mission as your number one. This tribute band is trying to write one song for every episode of the original Star Trek series, resulting in such gems like “The Trouble with Tribbles,” and “Happy Birthday George Takei” on albums Year One, Year Two and Year Three. Five Year Mission is sci-fi meets pop-powered rock and roll plus convention excitement and high levels of musicianship. They’ll release Year Four and

Year Five at Starbase Indy — and maybe get the chance to open for William Shatner again. fiveyearmission.net 2nd: Recoil 3rd: Veseria BEST LOCAL SOUL/RB LONDON ROSE See our feature on London Rose on page 36. facebook.com/londonrosemusic 2nd: Jennie DeVoe 3rd: The Vallures, Bashiri Asad BEST LOCAL VOCALIST JOSH KAUFMAN The vast majority of the country knows Josh Kaufman through his appearances on 2013’s season of the Voice, where he was mentored by Usher and eventually crowned winner. But in Indy, we go way back with Kaufman. He was one of our “30 Under 30” back in the early aughts, and kept up frequent jazz club appearances with his band The New Etiquette before that fateful NBC audition that rocketed him to the top of the iTunes charts (and straight into Usher’s heart). But the last time we talked to Josh, he said he was going to try and stay in Indianapolis. So,

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Indy, your best local vocalist is more like best national vocalist — but he’s here to stay. iamjoshkaufman.com 2nd: Jennie DeVoe 3rd: London Rose BEST COVER BAND LIVING PROOF No surprise Living Proof is your favorite cover band (again!); they’re already a decade into performing both originals and covers. They play almost every weekend (almost 125 shows per year), receive all sorts of award, and members spin off into other projects — multiple Best Of winner London Rose (then known as Jessica Patterson) was their singer for many years. She’s still married to the founder of living proof, Leonard Patterson. Having a wedding? A birthday? A funeral (sure)? Call up Living Proof. They’ll get your guests dancing. livingproofmusic.com 2nd: Recoil 3rd: Zanna-Doo! BEST INSTRUMENT/GEAR SHOP SAM ASH Here’s the exception: Yeah, we know it’s not local, but the selection’s really, really broad —

BEST NEW ALBUM (AFTER JAN 2013) LONDON ROSE - KICK DRUM See our story on London Rose on page 36. facebook.com/londonrosemusic 2nd: Veseria - Voyager 3rd: Margot and The Nuclear So and So’s - Sling Shot To Heaven

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and you’re bound to run into a Central Indiana musician trying to make ends meet by working the counters in the daylight hours. They offer workshops, lessons and repair, and you’re allowed to play “Stairway.” 8284 Center Run Dr., 577-3006, samashmusic.com 2nd: Arthur’s 3rd: Guitarworks

BEST NEW LOCAL MUSIC VIDEO (AFTER JAN 2013) LONDON ROSE - "KICK DRUM" See our story on London Rose on page 36. facebook.com/londonrosemusic 2nd: Five Year Mission “The Trouble with Tribbles” 3rd: Shadeland - “Into Obscurity” BEST LOCAL RECORDING STUDIO WES DEBOY RECORDING Whenever a Wes DeBoy-recorded track shows up in our mailbox (either actual, physical mailbox, or electronic mail box), we know it’s going to be good. He’s worked with all sorts of local acts, including Rodeo Ruby Love, No Coast, Faux Paw, Laura K. Balke and more. And now he runs your favorite local studio, too. Keep your eyes out for that DeBoy credit. That’s how

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BEST LOCAL FESTIVAL INDY JAZZ FEST We sigh a big, satisfied sigh that you picked Indy Jazz Fest as best local festival. After all, it is one of Indianapolis’ premiere cultural events, bringing legends to the same stages that locals play over more than ten days. Last year, NUVO jazz correspondent Rita Kohn noted that one of the most touching moments was when Everett Green invited Brenda Williams back on stage and the two improvised an endearing duet. This year’s Jazz Fest features another chance to see Josh Kaufman, Maceo Parker, Grace Kelly Quartet and many more. jazzfest.firebellymarketing.com 2nd: WARMfest 3rd: Fountain Square Music Festival BEST LOCAL DJ MATT ALLEN Previously holding down a residency at Tru, Matt Allen has moved his electro-mashup night Downtown, to 247 Sky Bar, where he rocks out

every Saturday night with a crowd of revelers tossing back mixed drinks and dominating the (many) dance floors. Allen, who says he was introduced to the now-exploded EDM scene over 10 years ago, has toured regionally and represented national labels. You voted him as your favorite last year, and again this year -— we bet he’ll dominate the dance floors into 2015, too. facebook.com/MattAllenDJ 2nd: Charbonneau 3rd: Action Jackson

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you know you’ve got a good record on. 765-437-4762, wesdeboy.com 2nd: Grizzly Music Company 3rd: Minor Prophet Studios

BEST LOCAL LABEL JOYFUL NOISE RECORDINGS In a world of MP3s, Indy label Joyful Noise Recordings happily sends us back to basics: Cassettes, vinyl, even flexi-discs, are lovingly produced and sold in small batches to an eager crowd. But their basics aren’t that basic: with gorgeously rendered vinyl, innovative packaging and high-quality, limited releases, Joyful Noise Recordings navigates the re-surging analog market with savvy. The performance spacecum-office-cum-record store opened a few years ago; the label schedules shows at least monthly, with revolving exhibits by local artists. Shoppers can also dip into the building during

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the week to purchase new releases. They’re a world class operation in our own city, a jewel in Indy’s arts crown. 1043 Virginia Ave., Ste 207, 632-3220, joyfulnoiserecordings.com 2nd: Rad Summer, Durtimyndz Entertainment 3rd: Gloryhole Records

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BEST SMALL VENUE FOR LIVE MUSIC RADIO RADIO Not too long ago, Radio Radio owner Tufty Clough opened a new Fountain Square Venue, the Dia De Los Muertos-themed taco joint La Revolucion, but it would be tough to top his first club, the non-smoking, well-booked, and spacious Radio Radio. It’s got a first-class sound system and a beautiful interior, and they’re consistently hosting awesome new local artists along with a rotation of regional and national musicians, and it’s truly one of the best places to see a show in Indy. Well-mixed sound and strong drinks make this club a huge part of why Fountain Square remains one of the coolest places in town. 1119 E. Prospect St., 955-0995, futureshock.net 2nd: Slippery Noodle Inn 3rd: Melody Inn BEST BIG VENUE FOR LIVE MUSIC THE LAWN AT WHITE RIVER STATE PARK There’s no better place to see a show in the summer: wedged between White River, the Indiana State Museum and Victory Field, The Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn is the perfect place for a rain-or-shine outdoor event. The stage is enormous, and the gorgeous lawn is large enough to accommodate thousands of music enthusiasts. You’ll feel like you’re at a music festival at this beautiful outdoor space, and big-name bands come from all

NUVO FILE PHOTO BY JENN GOODMAN

White Denim plays a 2013 show at the Best Big Venue for Live Music / Best All-Ages Venue The Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn at White River State Park.

over the country to play on this expansive stage. Concertgoers can rent folding chairs or stand and dance. Either way, summer is better at the Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn. 801 W. Washington St., (800) 665-9056, inwhiteriver.com 2nd: Old National Centre (Murat Theatre/Egyptian Room/Deluxe) 3rd: The Vogue BEST ALL-AGES VENUE THE LAWN AT WHITE RIVER STATE PARK Not only is the outdoor stage the perfect place for a summer show with a festival-feel, but the shows are all ages at the White River Farm

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BEST FESTIVAL TO TRAVEL TO SXSW Austin’s, Texas’ South by Southwest (SXSW) Music Festival is one of the largest and most anticipated music festivals in the United States. Over 2,000 acts representing 55 countries play at over 100 venues over six days, and almost as many place at non-official shows hosted all over the city. There’s the tech, movies and comedy to talk about too (plus newbie topic, environmentalism), but the star of South By will always and forever be, the music. sxsw.com 2nd: Austin City Limits 3rd: Coachella

BEST OPEN-MIC NIGHT SLIPPERY NOODLE INN The Slippery Noodle is racking up the Best of Indy Awards: They can now claim over 30 consecutive wins. They’ve earned more than a dozen as the city’s Best Open Mic Night, and 18 consecutive wins in the now-retired Best Blues Club category. If you like live blues performed by the best local and touring artists around, this is the place for you. Additionally, as the oldest bar in Indianapolis, it’s a mustvisit. And if you’re an artist looking for a place to show off, you can’t do much better than the legendary Noodle stage. 372 S. Meridian St., 631-6974, slipperynoodle.com 2nd: The Mousetrap 3rd: Sabbatical

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Bureau Insurance Lawn! There’s nothing worse than missing your favorite band because you’re not 21, but you’ll never have to worry about that at this unbeatable concert location. Bring your blanket and spread out — it’s gonna be a good night. 801 W. Washington St., (800) 665-9056, inwhiteriver.com 2nd: Old National Centre (Murat Theatre/Egyptian Room/Deluxe) 3rd: Klipsch Music Center

BEST KARAOKE BAR MONKEY'S TALE Ever wanted to twirl around in a fabulous costume while singing your favorite song in front of a live audience? Make your dream come true at Monkey’s Tale, a New Orleans-style music bar in Broad Ripple. They have Kostume Karaoke on Wednesday and Open Karaoke on Thursday with Tom and Tammy of T.N.T.

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Dynamite Karaoke, and even a Monkey Idol Karaoke competition on Tuesdays! Who is the next Monkey’s Idol? It could be you. Or you could be the really off-pitch drunk guy singing “You Outta Know.” Either way, you’ll have fun. 925 E. Westfield Blvd., 253-2883, themonkeystale.net 2nd: Living Room Lounge 3rd: Metro Nightclub & Restaurant BEST TEQUILA BAR BAKERSFIELD Whether you’re there for the tequila or the tacos, you can’t go wrong at Bakersfield on Mass Ave. Try the famous fish tacos or the award winning guacamole, and make the tough choice between whiskey and tequila. There’s a poster of Johnny Cash with a glass of whiskey, if that helps push drinkers one way or the other. They’ve got $3 shots every night, along with $2 PBR, so no matter what you’re drinking, you can do it with delicious food and fair prices. Now, head out for shots, shots, shots, shots! 334 Massachusetts Ave., 635-6962, bakersfieldmassave.com 2nd: La Margarita 3rd: Revolucion BEST CIGAR/HOOKAH BAR NICKY BLAINE'S Former winner of the “Best Bar for Suits” in the Best of Indy categories, Nicky Blaine’s is the coolest martini and cigar bar in town. This upscale bar just off Monument Circle has an amazing drink selection and a fun environment. Show off your most fashionable gear while sipping on their famed martinis or smoking one of their top-drawer selection of cigars. Back in the day, Best of Indy had a Best Martini category. Guess who always won? 20 N. Meridian St., 638-5588, nickyblaines.com

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2nd: Egyptian Cafe 3rd: Lava Lounge BEST SOCCER BAR CHATHAM TAP This great Downtown hangout is the perfect place to have a beer if you’re into sports — especially Indy’s, hippest new team, Indy Eleven. Chatham Tap is truly soccer fan central. This is the place to be for the English Premier League, the UEFA Champions League, the European Championships and more. Soccer enthusiasts hang here, so this is a great place to engage in a heated sports discussion. Pull up a stool, grab a pint and get rowdy (and get nachos!). 719 Massachusetts Ave., 917-8425, chathamtap.com 2nd: Union Jack Pub 3rd: Brugge Brasserie

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BEST PUB FOOD MANLEY’S IRISH MUTT … the tenderloin sandwich, which, by his account, is a favorite of the regulars. The breading’s just spicy enough and the pork within is juicy. A side of slaw is delicious, too, and judging by the other folks at the bar, Manley’s is as much about the food as it is the Guinness. Don’t be mistaken, though, this is a “bar,” not an “eatery,” and dark enough so that … (CONTINUED IN NEXT CATEGORY) 7041 E. 10th St., 351-0009 2nd: Chatham Tap 3rd: Twenty Tap BEST SPORTS BAR MANLEY’S IRISH MUTT … the TV screens that are seemingly everywhere are properly visible. We’re visiting during the height of World Cup action, but we can’t imagine a better environment to watch a Notre Dame football game if you’re a fan of the Fighting Irish. It’s not a corporate wing-joint, which we think is a plus, since … (CONTINUED IN NEXT CATEGORY) 7041 E. 10th St., 351-0009

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BEST BARTENDERS MANLEY’S IRISH MUTT This Eastside joint is absolutely unassuming, the true definition of a neighborhood bar. From the Notre Dame flags to the coats-ofarms of hundreds of Irish families to the nods to the cops and firefighters with emeraldisle roots that adorn the cinderblock walls, Manley’s lives up to its heritage. And because no one’s a stranger in a friendly place like this, our excellent and attentive barkeep recommends … (CONTINUED IN NEXT CATEGORY) 7041 E. 10th St., 351-0009 2nd: The Ball and Biscuit 3rd: The Mousetrap

BEST BAR FOR NON-IRONIC NONHIPSTER CONSUMPTION OF PBR MANLEY’S IRISH MUTT … we’re sitting next to regulars, some clearly pushing 80, maybe 90, who have enjoyed the same brand of suds since before anyone even thought to stick the prefix “macro” in front of “brew.” There are no frat-bros here, no blenders and no pre-prohibition drink recipes. Manley’s is a throwback to a time when the urban watering hole was where friendships were cemented and ideas were exchanged, where neighborhood news was shared long before the arrival of the World Wide Web. That’s probably why they’ve won four categories this year. 7041 E. 10th St., 351-0009 2nd: Melody Inn 3rd: The Mousetrap BEST BAR FOR MAKING BUSINESS DEALS OVER MARTINIS NICKY BLAINE’S There was a certain Downtown Media Company whose employees once started a group called “The 4:02 Club.” 4:02 was the earliest time that The Boss of Said Company could reasonably expect to have his Grey Goose on the rocks handed to him by one of the barkeeps at this Downtown staple. The Holy Trinity at Nicky’s are martinis (this was Indy’s FIRST martini bar), scotch (single malt and blends) and cigars (hey! They’re gluten free!). Look around once your eyeballs adjust to the dim lighting: those folks in power suits really might be the Masters of the Universe. 20 N. Meridian St., 638-5588, nickyblaines.com 2nd: The bar at St. Elmo’s 3rd: Ball and Biscuit

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BEST BAR FOR GETTING YOUR PUNK ROCK ON MELODY INN Good luck finding a place better suited to local punks than the Melody Inn. Every Saturday, they host Punk Rock night, and for many, many years in a row, NUVO readers have named it their favorite. The stage setup is great for getting close to the bands, and the small bar scene is full of music mementos and wacky decorations. Melody Inn’s commitment to the local music scene and self-expression draws a non-conformist crowd that likes to hang here, and recently a few old-school/soul dance nights have been added to the week’s lineup. And even those are still somehow punk. 3826 N. Illinois St., 923-4707, melodyindy.com 2nd: Alley Cat Lounge 3rd: The Sinking Ship BEST BAR FOR DROWNING YOUR SORROWS BEFORE THE WEEKEND THE RED KEY TAVERN Everything about this midweek watering hole screams “throwback Thursday” — that neon sign whose musical notes carry the tune to “How Dry I Am,” the model aircraft

suspended from the ceiling, the jukebox, the stories about how your buddy got yelled at by Russ Settle for hanging his coat on your stool and not the rack. Even though Russ has passed, his spirit — and his infamous list of rules — lives on in this nod to a time when every American neighborhood seemed to have a corner bar that served beer, burgers and the occasional shot of bourbon. Settle’s joint, in addition to honoring Russ’s time as a WW II flier, also served as backdrop for Dan Wakefield’s novel Going All the Way. Don’t curse, don’t argue with the barkeep, just take off your hat, order a cold beer and a hamburg or a tenderloin. You won’t be disappointed. 5170 N. College Ave., 283-4601 2nd: The Brass Ring 3rd: Dorman Street Saloon BEST BAR FOR HIPSTERS THE SINKING SHIP Hipsters unite! But seriously, whether or not you’re a hipster, you’ve got to check out the Sinking Ship. This punk bar has an incredible menu, from regular bar food to more exotic dishes, and each day there’s a new drink/food special offered. Vegans, take note: they cater specially to you. You may enjoy the fenceenclosed patio out the back door for a quieter

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BEST BAR FOR HIPPIES THE MOUSETRAP You insist, Indy. You beautiful hippies love to party at the Mousetrap. Perhaps no other venue in Indianapolis is better suited to jam bands, the smell of patchouli and a bunch of people just interested in grooving to some tunes and hanging out with friends than eight-time winner of this category, The Mousetrap Bar and Grill. With a good dose of live, mostly local, music as well as pool tables, big screens, darts and a dance floor that occasionally gets pretty crowded, the Mousetrap dominates this category for good reason. It's the kind of place where everyone is made to feel welcome and quickly make friends (or at least a friendly acquaintance). Say hi to the Indy Mojo crew, who hosts

Altered Thurzdaze weekly and a variety of other events regularly. Dreads not required. 5565 N. Keystone Ave., 255-3189, themousetrapbar.com 2nd: Alley Cat Lounge 3rd: Twenty Tap

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BEST ULTRA-LOUNGE THE BALL & BISCUIT What really is an ultra-lounge, anymore? The days of sleek, modern and luxurious nightclubs with private rooms and bottle service have waned since the early 2000s (miss you, aughts), and we’re now thoroughly in the age of Prohibition-style throwback bars like the Ball and Biscuit. This Mass Ave staple is cozy for a midweek drink and exciting during the weekend rush. Indulge your nostalgia for another time at the Ball & Biscuit, a bar with a unique vintage style. Some of the featured drinks? Sidecar, Manhattan, and Aviation are popular classics among the top-shelf, small-batch alcohol offered. Don’t forget to inquire about those lesser-known, off-the-menu options. 331 Massachusetts Ave., 636-0539, ballandbiscuit.com 2nd: Nicky Blaine’s 3rd: Blu

isn’t a category.

ALL

DAY EVERY DAY

America’s diner is always open.

#2 BEST LOCAL SMOKE/HEAD SHOP

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LOCAL FOOD & DRINK • ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT • MUSIC • SHOPPING

outdoor experience. Alas, they’ve removed the stage (once used for rollicking live shows and rip-roaring comedy shows), but they still put hockey games on the big screen and offer all sorts of local brews. Check out the nerdycool art that lines the walls, too (somebody’s a big fan of Star Wars). 4923 N. College Ave., 920-7999, 2nd: The Brass Ring Lounge 3rd: White Rabbit Cabaret

LOCAL FOOD & DRINK • ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT • MUSIC • SHOPPING

Liquid For Leukemia Cocktail contest winners

Thalooknkforwyarod uto ! We ain participating ag ! ar ye next

1st: Steve Simon Tavern Tea Ingredients: 1.5 oz

Jägermeister, .5 oz Gomme Syrup, .5 oz lime juice, .5 oz Cointreau, .5 oz Green Chartreuse (1/2 in cocktail, 1/2 in inverted lime half) and 3 dashes orange bitters Ignite lime and serve. Steve can be found at 745 Broad Ripple Ave

2nd: Frankie Mora Trinidad & Tabago Ingredients: 1 oz Jäger,

1 oz Bourbon, 1 oz lemon juice, 1/2 oz orgreat and 1 dash of angostura bitters. Shake ingredients and double strain into a martini glass. Garnish is a thick lemon peel wrapped around a maraschino cherry. Frankie can be found at 717 Massachusetts Ave.

3rd: Wayne Bigbee Sexy German Ingredients: 1 1/4 Jäger,

1 1/4 Honey Vodka, OJ and Splash of Sprite Shake-serve as shot/ cocktail.

Wayne can be found at 401 E. Michigan St.

DRINK RESPONSIBLY |

JAGERUSA

Jagermeister® Liqueur 35% Alc./Vol. Imported by Sidney Frank Importing Co., Inc. New Rochelle, NY

BEST LGBTQ CLUB/BAR TALBOTT STREET Talbott Street has been one of the city’s most popular same-sex bars for years, and it’s also one of the oldest and best dance clubs in the city. Doesn’t matter if you’re gay, straight, or anywhere in between. All are welcome. The DJs are amazing, and the live drag show is an absolute must-see. Come out on a Thursday for the most action in a night, including big-name DJs and touring music acts. 2145 N. Talbott St., 931-1343, talbottstreet.com 2nd: Metro Nightclub & Restaurant 3rd: 501 Eagle BEST TRIVIA NIGHT RED LION GROG HOUSE They offer the very best in Ole’ English cuisine and live entertainment at The Red Lion Grog House. Don’t miss the trivia nights on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and they’ve got an open stage on Wednesday hosted by Chris McShay. And in case you were wondering, the word “grog” means a drink comprised of watered beer and rum. And yes, they’re on the menu. 1043 Virginia Ave., #6, 822-4764, redliongroghouse.com 2nd: Black Acre Brewing Company 3rd: The Mousetrap BEST PLACE FOR DRUNKEN STRANGER MAKEOUT SESSIONS ALLEY CAT LOUNGE Looking for some face-on-face action after a late night show at the Vogue, or some dirty dancing at Indiana Jones’ reggae night at Casba? You’re looking for the Alley Cat, well known for its — let’s call them erotic — charms. Bend someone over a pool table, split a burger, cuddle up in a corner high-top table, get loaded on strong drinks and put some Billy Idol on the jukebox. You’ll find someone special — just brush your teeth before you go. 6267 Carrollton Ave., 257-4036 2nd: Rock Lobster 3rd: Ike and Jonsey’s BEST PLACE FOR DANCING TALBOTT STREET Not only is Talbott Street the city's most popular club for same-sex couples or those looking to do some same-sex coupling — it also happens to be one of the oldest, and still one of the best, dance clubs in Indianapolis. The DJs are amazing, and the house music is always great, making this

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NUVO FILE PHOTO BY KRISTEN PUGH

Mousetrap took multiple titles including Best Bar for Hippies and Best Place to Act a Fool.

the perfect place to tear it up on the dance floor by yourself or with your friends. 2145 N. Talbott St., 931-1343, talbottstreet.com 2nd: The Vogue 3rd: Ike and Jonesy’s PLACE FOR A LAP DANCE PT’S SHOWCLUB What more can we say about a gentleman’s club that offers DREAMGIRL OIL WRESTLING ON FRIDAY AND MIDGET WRESTLING ON SATURDAY! according to a recent ad? The DJs are solid, the dancers are terrific and previous NUVO reviews have described the joint as “swanky.” That’s good enough for us. Bring your singles. 7916 Pendleton Pike, 545-5777, ptsshowclubindy.com 2nd: Brad’s Brass Flamingo 3rd: The Red Garter BEST PLACE TO ACT A FOOL THE MOUSETRAP We’re not sure exactly what sort of fool we’re exactly talk about when we created this category, but if you’re looking to act like all manner of fool — drunk fool, dancing fool, altered fool, handbanging fool, Dead Head-y fool, beer geek fool, etc., etc. — you can find fellow fools at the Mousetrap. They’re big winners in

all kinds of categories because of their diverse musical offerings and welcoming atmosphere. So, get thy foolish self up to Keystone for a night of tomfoolery at the ‘Trap. 5565 N. Keystone Ave., 255-3189, themousetrapbar.com 2nd: Talbott Street 3rd: Melody Inn BEST CAB COMPANY IN TOWN UBER All heed the rise of Uber, the sleek and techy way to be shuffled about town. Looking for a quick’n’easy way to get Downtown to do some carousing? Uber. Need to get to the airport? Uber. Too hungover to drive yourself to church? Uber. You voted newbie — but not as new as second place winner Lyft — “crowdsourced” taxi giant Uber as your favorite cab company. To use, download the app and find a driver in your area. uber.com 2nd: Lyft 3rd: Yellow Cab

Keep an eye on our Music & NIghtlife coverage at NUVO.NET/ MUSIC

melodyindy.com &

/melodyinn

LIVE MUSIC SPECIALIZING IN

ORIGINAL

AND HIGH PERFORMANCE SOCIAL LUBRICANTS

LOCAL FOOD & DRINK • ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT • MUSIC • SHOPPING

3826 N. ILLINOIS ST. INDPLS, IN 46208 317-923-4707

SHOPPING

IT’S NOT A BOUTIQUE — IT’S A GENERAL STORE

JAMES DANT TAKES AWARD FOR BEST LOCAL CLOTHING STORE FOR MEN

BY ED WE NC K EWENCK@ N U VO . N ET

ommy James Dant wants you to know that his men’s clothing store — just “James Dant,” no Tommy, although he goes by that first name — isn’t a boutique. Although some industry wonks refer to what Dant’s doing as a “lifestyle store,” Dant’s got a more precise term: It’s a general store. “Think about your grandpa going to a general store 80 years ago. They know his name. They have something he’s been waiting for,” says Dant. It’s the kind of one-on-one, personal experience that you just can’t get if you’re buying something online — or at a big retailer. When Dant was younger, he couldn’t find the range of clothing, shoes, accessories and apothecary items (everything from cologne to beard oils) in a single shop; especially items that fit his fashion-forward tastes. “I don’t know that places like this existed anywhere in America when I had this vision. I know they do now, but only on the coasts.” “Candles, soaps, lighters — I want to bring in anything; anything that was well-made.” Dant carries about 50 brands of clothing, shoes and so on. Dant looks for quality merchandise first. Once, when checking out a line of Japanese jackets, Dant realized the tags in the coats were made of the same tough material used to hold down flatbed loads — they’re called “toe straps.” “If they put that much detail into the tag, these coats have got to be made really well,” explains Dant. The second consideration? Point of origin. If it’s locally made, products that support Indy’s economy

Tommy James Dant at his Irvington Store.

are more likely to find room on Dant’s shelves. “No one was madder than me that we didn’t get another Super Bowl,” he laughs. Dant pays attention to his suppliers commitment to sustainability, too; the store stocks brands like “Yellow 108. They’ve recycled 15 acres of fabric that was going to go into a landfill.” Other items for sale include sunglass made from recycled plastic and reclaimed wood and a wide variety of products from the folks at People for Urban Progress, including wallets made from the roof of the RCA Dome. Dant’s rustic shop includes

50 BESTOFINDY // 2014 // NUVO // 100% RECYCLED PAPER

PHOTO BY MICHELLE CRAIG

plumbing fixtures that double as shelving and old door handles that do duty as clothing hooks in the dressing rooms. The shop fits the vibe in the strip of retail stores and restaurants that serves as a commercial focal point for Irvington. So why Irv and not, say, Mass Ave? “The people here are amazing,” says Dant. “The community supports the hell out of any business that come in here. And I have a brewery (Black Acre) three doors down from me. What better demographic to draw from than a brewery, packed with men ages, what? 23 to 35?”n

BEST LOCAL LIQUOR/WINE STORE KAHN’S FINE WINE AND SPIRITS Need an authentic black lager for that German dinner you’re hosting? The hoppiest possible can of local IPA to take to the 500? A bottle of wine under 20 bucks to impress your friends who seem to know a lot more about grapes than you do? A good singlemalt scotch that doesn’t require a financing plan? We bring up these examples because, well, they’re all actual reasons we’ve been to Kahn’s. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and never makes a newbie feel stupid for any lack of liquor knowledge. After flirting with expansion, Kahn’s now focuses all their efforts on a single location, offering tastings aplenty and a selection of booze best described as “DAMN.” 5341 N. Keystone Ave., 251-9463, kahnsfinewines.com 2nd: Big Red Liquors 3rd: 21st Amendment BEST LOCAL FARM-TO-FORK GROCER/MERCHANT GOOSE THE MARKET There was a pretty big discussion at NUVO central as to what exactly we were driving at with the phrase “farm-to-fork grocer or merchant.” Goose the Market is the absolute definition of what we were trying to express: the stuff’s local, you can ask the butcher what’s in it, where it came from — all of those things that take the scary out of sausage. Now you might’ve guessed — correctly — that Goose will remain a fright for vegetarians, but the in-season-only produce selection should lessen the shock of ALL. THAT. MEAT. Pick up some quality charcuterie and cheese, maybe a nice bottle of vino or some gelato and order a sandwich (TRY THE BATALI HOLY MARY THAT’S GOOD) while you’re there. 2503 N Delaware St., 924-4944, goosethemarket.com 2nd: Indianapolis City Market 3rd: Pogue’s Run Grocer BEST LOCAL BAKERY/CONFECTIONER LONG’S BAKERY Again: Best. Damn. Donuts. Ever. 1453 N. Tremont St., 632-3741 2nd: The Flying Cupcake 3rd: Renee’s

Quality care ...

Annie and Andy Skinner, new owners of Indy CD and Vinyl.

BEST LOCAL BOOKSTORE INDY READS BOOKS From a tribute penned by David Hoppe when Indy Reads Books won a 2013 NUVO Cultural Vision Award: “Indy Reads is a long-standing nonprofit organization dedicated to helping adults learn to read. The lack of literacy skills among adults is a massive problem in central Indiana. … Indy Reads Books is the organization’s latest – and most ambitious – venture, one that literally places Indy Reads on the city’s map. It’s a full-fledged used bookstore, a shop with a large inventory of books in all categories, along with a choice selection of new titles.” 911 Massachusetts Ave., 384-1496, indyreads.org/about/indy-reads-books 2nd: Half Price Books 3rd: Bookmamas BEST LOCAL RECORD STORE INDY CD AND VINYL Under the new ownership of Annie and Andy Skinner and Eric Davis (who took over for Rick Zeigler), Indy CD and Vinyl have bolstered their in-store performance schedule (including a monthly from Musical Family Tree), made changes to their online store, added a vinyl buyer and renovated! That’s just a few of the major changes happening for the Broad Ripple Avenue staple. "This place is not broken," Annie said when we interviewed her before the renovation. "This

PHOTO BY KATHERINE COPLEN

is a wonderful, wonderful place. ... We're just freshening it up. Giving it a little new life." We agree. Indy CD and Vinyl is wonderful. 806 Broad Ripple Ave., 259-1012, indycdandvinyl.com 2nd: LUNA Music 3rd: Karma Records BEST LOCAL FLORIST MCNAMARA FLORIST Mother’s Day creep up on you? Mistakenly forget that date you tied the knot? Or simply saying thank you? Whatever the occasion, McNamara has your back with floral arrangements for every occasion known to man—Colts game-day basket anyone? McNamara has been serving the greater Indianapolis area for 60 years and with the addition of on-line ordering, laziness is no longer an excuse. Sleeping on the couch isn’t all it’s cooked up to be. 301 E. Carmel Dr, 579-7900, mcnamaraflorist.com 2nd: Posh Petals 3rd: Watt's Blooming BEST LOCAL PET SUPPLY STORE THREE DOG BAKERY If Long’s was reimagined for dogs, would this be it? The Three Dog bakers — now with three locations around Central Indiana — cook up a wide variety of goodies for your pooch and stock some classy accessories, too. Three Dog even personalizes confections for your pet’s special days, which makes us wonder: are you

with a Gentle Touch!

Now Accepting New Patients

Thank you, NUVO Readers!

Voted Second in Best Local Dentist

Louis Abukhalaf, DDS EdgewoodGentleDentist.com 5935 S. Emerson Ave, Ste. 200, Indianapolis 317.784.9400

5341 N. Keystone Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46220

Thanks NUVO Readers for Voting Kahn’s #1 … Again! We are proud to say this makes a Seventeen-peat! We are proud to offer YOU the best Service & Selection of Adult Beverages! Check out these great Sale Prices! Hess Mt. Veeder Cabernet ‘10 Ridge 3 Valleys Zinfandel ‘12 Selbach Riesling Spatlese ‘10 Craggy Range Sauv Blanc ’13 Scopeto Chianti Reserva ‘10 Cederberg Chenin Blanc ’12 Cyrgues Cuvee Anna Rose’ ’13 Feuillatte D’Luscious Rose’ Ledaig 10yr Single Malt 93pr Penny Packer Bourbon 80pr Bombay Sapphire Gin 94pr Satin Vodka 80pr Bacardi Gold or Silver 80pr Flat 12 Cucumber Kolsch Bell’s Third Coast Corona / Corona Light

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Edgewood

LOCAL FOOD & DRINK • ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT • MUSIC • SHOPPING

supposed to give your mutt seven cakes for every human year? 444 Massachusetts Ave., 238-0000; 844 Broad Ripple Ave., 466-1646; 13904 Town Center Blvd., Suite 200, (Noblesville) 776-6699; threedogindy.com 2nd: Pet Supplies Plus 3rd: Humane Society of Indianapolis’ Re-tail Store BEST LOCAL GIFT/HOME STORE SILVER IN THE CITY Lets see here: an egg poncho, fail button and 3-D cat playing cards are only a few of the unique gifts you’ll find inside the walls of Silver in the City. With a vast selection ranging from jewelry, to clothing, to decorations, and everything in between, you’ll be able to find a knick-knack for even the pickiest of people — looking at you, Aunt Becky. Joining an elite group of winners, Silver in the City has now collected ten Best Of awards – an impressive feat since they opened in 2000. 434 Massachusetts Ave, 955-9925, silverinthecity.com 2nd: Mass Ave Toys 3rd: Finer Things BEST LOCAL BIKE STORE BGI – BICYCLE GARAGE INDY This is an Indy success story: three locations (including one downtown at the City Market bike hub), a massive selection and employees who can find and fit you to the bike for your needs. Road bikes, cruisers, commuters, hybrids, mountain goats, they’re all here; plus a massive selection of everything from locks and lights to pedals and panniers. BGI offers other fitness gear, too, like treadmills and stationary bikes, and their mantra includes making the beginner feel comfortable: “No spandex required,” according to their website. (North) 4340 E. 82nd St., 842-4140; (South) 997 E. County Line Road (Greenwood), 885-7194; (Downtown) 242 E. Market St., Suite E101, Indy Bike Hub YMCA at City Market, 612-3099; bgindy.com 2nd: Indy Cycle Specialist 3rd: Bikes on Mass Ave BEST LOCAL BIKE MECHANIC JOSH PRATER, BGI After learning his chops at a bike shop in Muncie, Josh came to BGI North 11 years ago. That small-town tuneup was good for his craft: “Because people don’t have a lot of money for 52 BESTOFINDY // 2014 // NUVO // 100% RECYCLED PAPER

NUVO FILE PHOTO BY ANGELA LEISURE

Indy Reads Books dedicates itself to helping adults learn to read, and stocking shelves full of fantastic used and new books.

new parts, you have to be able to fix anything — you get creative.” And creative he’s been, handling everything from racing setups to “wiring a subwoofer onto some dude’s trike.” When he’s not working, Prater’s fond of offroad biking in Brown County, where he can get away from the urban byways and get back to the kind of vibe he had back in his downhill racing days. For those who think they want to ride those dirt trails, too, Prater suggests that finding a solid name-brand bike with a good suspension and disc brakes is key. Prater’s favorite chore in the shop? Fixing coasterbrake hubs relaxes the man. (North location only) 4340 E. 82nd St., 842-4140, bgindy.com 2nd: Chad Burdzilauskas 3rd: Jonathan Juillerat, Bluegrass Bicycle Company BEST LOCAL AUTO DEALER RAY SKILLMAN Car dealers almost ALWAYS appear in their own TV spots, and Ray’s no exception. No matter which dealership’s running the sale, Smilin’ Skillman pops up regularly with his signature “Where we stack ‘em deep — and sell ‘em cheap!” tagline. Skillman’s 17 franchises (including the Skillman “Auto Malls”) sell both used rides and eight different brands of new vehicles: Ford, Chevy, Buick, GMC, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda and Mitsubishi. (The number of dealerships is lengthy, we’ll direct you to the website to find your fave.) rayskillman.com 2nd: Falcone VW 3rd: Tom Wood

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Thanks NUVO, its readers and all who voted for us!

WINNER BEST LOCAL SPA HONOREE BEST PLACE FOR A MEN’S CUT Thanks for 19 years of your support! 6407 Ferguson Street In the Heart of Broad Ripple urbangypsy.com (317) 259-1788

See you at the Spa ...

BEST LOCAL HAIR SALON THE VAULT The folks at Vault Hair & Vintage sure are thinking. Not only do they offer fabulous cuts and color, but they’ve also combined their salon with a vintage store. Why is this brilliant, you ask? Because now it’s a one-stop makeover store. Located in Beech Grove, the south-side salon will serve your every need. 700 Main St., Beech Grove, 784-4000 2nd: Salon 6 3rd: Snips BEST LOCAL SPA URBAN GYPSY There are few places in the world where getting your hair forcibly ripped out can be made pleasant. Somehow, the folks at Urban Gypsy have done it—along with making everything else about the beautification process sublime. They offer everything from haircuts and color to waxing, massage, facials, and body scrubs. If you want a rubdown, you can choose from 14 different massage options, from Lomi Lomi, Thai stretching, and traditional Swedish style. They’ll also teach you how to massage your partner with a massage lesson from a certified massage therapist 6407 Ferguson St., 259-1788, urbangypsy.com 2nd: Studio 2000 Salon & Day Spa 3rd: Woodhouse Day Spa - Carmel BEST LOCAL BARBER OR PLACE FOR A MEN’S CUT RED’S CLASSIC BARBERSHOP Dudes and dudettes in ties and vests — check. A plus woodwork-and-comfy-chair lobby while you wait, gleaming white cutting area for the actual trim — check. Coca-Cola in the bottle in an old red cooler — check. Big band music — check. Shoeshine dude — check. An eye for detail that ensures your barber will slay those little ear-hairs before your S.O. goes after ‘em with tweezers or some other ungodly thing — check. A great vibe and an excellent downtown lunch-hour location — check. The ability to handle anything cleanly, including this writer’s gnarly Beard of Wire — check and mate. 22 E Washington St., 636-7337, redsclassicbarbershop.com 2nd: The Vault 3rd: Urban Gypsy

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BEST LOCAL CLOTHING STORE FOR WOMEN MARIGOLD CLOTHING Anyone surprised? Hands? Anyone? No,

Marigold Clothing.

NUVO FILE PHOTO BY MARK A. LEE

because Marigold has Indianapolis’ most dedicated following and consistently wins in this category year after year. The shop is best known for stocking clothes for literally every adult in the family, from 20-somethings to 60-somethings, and a staff there that will be more than happy to help you find a new outfit. In fact, most of our readers make a point of telling us how wonderfully friendly and helpful the staff at Marigold is. 6512 Cornell Ave., 254-9939, marigoldclothing.com 2nd: The Toggery 3rd: JenDaisy Boutique BEST LOCAL CLOTHING STORE FOR MEN JAMES DANT See our story on James Dant on page 48. 5624 E. Washington St., 512-7058, jamesdant.com 2nd: Toolbox Men’s Supply Company 3rd: Broad Ripple Vintage BEST LOCAL VINTAGE CLOTHING STORE BROAD RIPPLE VINTAGE Vintage clothing stores are all about overstimulation: HATS BUTTONS BAUBLES JACKETS everywhere. This annual shoe-in for secondhand duds does it right: the stuff is organized in a way that makes sense, and The Doors always seem to be playing in the background. While we can’t guarantee you’ll find those cowboy boots, ripped 501 jeans or three-wolf-moon shirts in your perfect size, looking is half the fun, right? And you didn’t know you needed that bowling shirt that was once worn by “Clem” until

VOTED TOP 3 BEST LOCAL SALON 6 YEARS IN A ROW 2 0 0 9 - 2 0 1 4

in Historic Irvington

5731 E. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46219 317-356-2611 www.snips-in.com Salon Hours:

Monday: 4-8 • Tuesday: 11-8 Wednesday-Friday: 10-8 • Saturday: 10-6

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LOCAL FOOD & DRINK • ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT • MUSIC • SHOPPING

Thank you, NUVO readers!

LOCAL FOOD & DRINK • ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT • MUSIC • SHOPPING

you laid your hungry eyes upon it. 824 E. 64th St., 255-4135, broadripplevintage.com 2nd: Finer Things 3rd: Irvington Vintage BEST LOCAL ANTIQUE STORE MIDLAND ARTS AND ANTIQUE MARKET Two stories, 40,000 square feet and every antique imaginable, and now they’ve expanded to Carmel. Weren’t planning on redecorating this summer? Well, now you are. Midland’s a maze of awesomeness that will suck you in for hours if you aren’t careful. A flea-market style of business means that the various floors are packed with all kinds of vendors, plus a few rooms full of salvaged materials from old buildings that have been leveled. If you’ve been to Midland then you know the building itself is an antique, and if you haven’t, what are you waiting for? 907 E. Michigan St., 267-9005; 488 Gradle Dr., 569-9105; midlandathome.com 2nd: The Inventorialist 3rd: Southport Antique Mall

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BEST LOCAL CRAFT STORE SILVER IN THE CITY A familiar face, both to our city and Best Of (this year and many others), Silver in the City features lots of handmade items from local jewelry makers, Get Flasky, USI and many others. If we haven’t said it before, we’ll say it now: stop by. You must. 434 Massachusetts Ave., 955-9925, silverinthecity.com 2nd : Homespun: Modern Handmade 3rd: Finer Things BEST LOCAL GYM/FITNESS JOINT THE FITNESS LAB Bring your best friend to workout. Bring your pet to workout. And bring both if they’re interchangeable. Yes, The Fitness Lab is pet friendly, to a friendly pet that is. Little Rufus’ “come on master” look makes that last rep seem so much easier. Lift weights, practice your breathing with Pilates or hone the inner Tour de France cyclist in yourself – bring your own bike in and train alongside professionals and other enthusiasts. Here, achieving your goal is the mere beginning. Hell, you’ll burn calories trying to spell the trainers last name – Burdzilauskus, which is a great start.

R EGISTERED D OMESTIC R EL ATIONS M EDIATOR S AME S E X C OUPLE E STATE P L ANNING C ERTIFIED F AMILY L AW S PECIALIST by the Indiana Family Law Certification Board

3750 KENTUCKY AVE INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA PHONE : 317.388.5600 www.rmannlawoffice.com

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LOCAL FOOD & DRINK • ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT • MUSIC • SHOPPING

LAW OFFICE OF RICHARD A MANN PC

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BEST LOCAL YOGA STUDIO INVOKE YOGA AND PILATES As soon as you step inside Invoke’s clean, tranquil studios, the worries begin to sweat out of you. Inner peace is the goal and with a large schedule of both yoga and Pilates courses, there’s a class that even the busiest of people can squeeze in. Both beginners and experts are welcome as Invoke offers classes from the basics to advanced vinyasa. And if you really want to step it up a notch, sweat like there’s no tomorrow and kick ass, they offer heated classes. Friendly, passionate, experienced instructors also make it hard to pick which class to sign up for, which seems to be a reoccurring problem – yet a good one. 970 Fort Wayne Ave., 631-9642, invokestudio.com 2nd: Reforming Indy 3rd: The Power of Pilates at Meridian Park Studios

LOCAL FOOD & DRINK • ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT • MUSIC • SHOPPING

Broad Ripple

6201 Winthrop Ave., #1, 339-2780, fitnesslabindy.com 2nd: YMCA at the Athenaeum 3rd: Gym41 Bootcamp

N ECO

ANNU

BEST LOCAL DENTIST PAUL KOLMAN Granted, you get a view of some actual Broad Ripple ripples and Kolman’s place is mere feet away from some of Indy’s best craft brewers and libation stations, but this win is about wayyyyy more than location. Kolman’s plain-spoken, friendly, comforting and has been known to take pity on many a broke-ass musician and/or journalist in need of some quick work on the ol’ grill. To top it off, he’s a really, really good dentist who

Best Local Artisan 2014

• Shirts to All Participants • Survivor Medals to All Finishers • Prizes for Best Dressed • Free make-up application by a professional gore make-up artist

58 BESTOFINDY // 2014 // NUVO // 100% RECYCLED PAPER

BEST LOCAL ATTORNEY BARBARA BAIRD In a red state that actually took a constitutional swing at defining marriage as a one-man/one-woman thang — and heard testimony stressing that it was best “for the children” — Ms. Baird’s practice becomes ever more important. Simply put, she helps gay and lesbian couples adopt kids. She also handles donor/insemination agreements and helps folks navigate the differences between the IRS recognition of same-sex unions and Indiana’s refusal to do the same. We need lawyers ready for the future, and Baird’s one of those. 445 N. Pennsylvania St., 252-0272, bjbairdlaw.com 2nd: Dan McAfee 3rd: Stasia Demos

BEST LOCAL REALTOR DEB KENT Deb Kent loves Irvington, and the continued revitalization of this historic Indy neighborhood is part of what she’s all about. Kent has said she dreams about houses, and it breaks her heart to see arts-and-crafts era bungalows rotting away, their windows boarded and siding tagged with spray paint. Kent’s section of the Irvington.com website lists the properties for sale in the heart of the walkable, affordable Irv. 643-2063, deb@hometoindy.com, debkent.homtoindy.com 2nd: Joe Everhart 3rd: Mike Perron

SATURDAY, JULY 26 — 7:30 PM WHITE RIVER STATE PARK, DOWNTOWN

BENEFITTING:

BEST LOCAL PILATES STUDIO INVOKE YOGA AND PILATES A studio so good, it took top prize for both! 970 Fort Wayne Ave., 631-9642, invokestudio.com 2nd : Reforming Indy 3rd : The Power of Pilates at Meridian Park Studios

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Unique Custom Wrap Bracelets weendogwanders.com Follow Weendog Wanders on and @weendogwanders

LOCAL FOOD & DRINK • ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT • MUSIC • SHOPPING

knows how to minimize pain. Thanks, Doc. 6508 E. Westfield Blvd., 255-8546, kolmandental.com 2nd: TIE – Edgewood Gentle Dentist/ Charles Paul 3rd: Michael O’Neil, Today’s Dentsitry BEST LOCAL TATTOO/PIERCING STUDIO METAMORPHOSIS It’s hardly a shocker that this Broad Ripple body-mod staple (no pun intended) has come out on top once again. Not one, not two, not three but 12 straight years Metamorphosis has won this category. Is anyone really surprised? Located in the heart of Broad Ripple, this place is THE place to go for ink. A dream team of artists who vary in expertise will have you feeling right at home with even the most complex projects. 828 Broad Ripple Ave., 466-1666, metamorphosisink.com 2nd : Artistic Skin Design & Body Piercing Inc. 3rd: Firefly Tattoo BEST LOCAL SMOKE/HEAD SHOP MAGIC BUS Hey man, it’s like, what more do you want to

know about The Bus, ok? It’s just a real chill situation over there, man. You can get like, glass products and vapes, or maybe just a T-shirt with something that just makes you think, you know? Let one of the knowledgeable staff give you the run-down on whatever you’re shopping for, and then just like, don’t sweat the purchase process, even if it’s your first time. The Magic Bus is where you come to get quality product from folks who know what they’re talking about and love to help you get on the bus, too. Then maybe put on some Brian Eno on vinyl and like, really listen to it. 1073 Broad Ripple Ave., 251-5463 2nd: 20 Past 4 & More 3rd: Hardwicke's Pipe & Tobacco BEST ADULT TOY STORE CIRILLA'S Dildos! Get yer dildos here! Dongs! Dildos, vibrators and butt plugs! Lace panties and fireman outfits! Come one, er, come all! This longtime favorite supplies everything you need to get freaky. Need a recommendation? They’ve got a friendly, knowledgable staff! Don’t quite know what you want? Get a surprise grab bag for a man, a woman, or a couple, filled with an assortment of toys to rev your engine solo or

(317) 251-5463

1073 Broad Ripple Ave HOURS: MON - SAT: 10:30AM - 8 PM SUN: NOON - 5 PM

Thank you NUVO readers for voting us

Best Local Smoke/ Head Shop!

60 BESTOFINDY // 2014 // NUVO // 100% RECYCLED PAPER

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FOR VOTING!

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THE FALCONE PROMISE No Dealer or Doc fees ... EVER!

1930 W 16TH ST, INDIANAPOLIS, 46202 317-263-0002 • FALCONEVSS.COM 62 BESTOFINDY // 2014 // NUVO // 100% RECYCLED PAPER

together. They also have a wide selection of costumes, lingerie, fetish toys, DVDs and other goodies. 6711 E. 82nd St., 913-0740; 8601 N. Michigan Road, 228-9345; 3810 N. High School Road, 388-0670; cirillas.com 2nd: Lover's Lane 3rd: Tasty’s BEST LOCAL ARTISAN/MAKER/ CRAFTSPERSON(S): APPAREL/ ACCESSORIES WEENDOG WANDERS Erin of Weendog Wanders creates gorgeous beaded bracelets while on the road traveling with her husband and their dog. That means the bracelets come in a variety of color schemes and widths, reflecting the colors seen on the road. The handmade baubles are all adjustable with three knots on each, and each are made with the love and care of a hometown craftsman. You can contact her through her website to inquire about your own. weendogwonders.com 2nd: United State of Indiana 3rd: Martha Latta / Sunday Afternoon Housewife BEST LOCAL ARTISAN/MAKER/ CRAFTSPERSON(S): FOOD AND DRINK SMOKING GOOSE We here at NUVO may not be church-going types by and large, but something about walking into the Smoking Goose makes all of us want to cross ourselves. This is where all the Goose goodies get born, from

sausages to hams and dry-aged steaks. You can also sign up for one of the Smoking Goose’s many classes, like sausage making (also makes for a really fun Father’s Day gift). We have previously referred to this place as being most like where the Disney Imagineers design and test all the rides. 407 Dorman St., 638-6328, smokinggoose.com 2nd: Hoosier Momma 3rd: Fermenti Artisan BEST LOCAL ARTISAN/MAKER/ CRAFTSPERSON(S): GIFTS/HOME GOODS MARTHA LATTA / SUNDAY AFTERNOON HOUSEWIFE Sunday Afternoon Housewife stocks a variety of Ohio and Indiana themed apparel and accessories, all printed on super-soft cotton. You can find everything on their website, which features a whole lot of ways to show your Midwest pride—even if you don’t want to wear it on your sleeve, you can grab a coffee mug or a poster print. The site also has some “unsolicited advice” from Latta, and a few other goodies that make the whole thing well worth a look. sundayafternoonhousewife.net 2nd: United State of Indiana 3rd: Crimson Tate :: Modern Quilter

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