Absolute Living

Absolute Living

JUNE 2022

DESIGNING A LEGACY

SAVOR THE SUMMER

WITH JULIE BROWNING BOVA

DISCOVER THE FUN

STRENGTHENING ORTHOPEDIC CARE

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June/2022

CONTENTS

24

DESIGNING A LEGACY

Photography By Gabrielle Cheikh Noel

WITH JULIE BROWNING BOVA

14

THE ABSOLUTE AGENDA

35

SAVOR THE SUMMER

18

STRENGTHENING ORTHOPEDIC CARE

52

DISCOVER THE FUN

Check out this month's picks for the area's best summertime activities and spectacular entertainment.

This past April saw the opening of a brand new center of orthopedic excellence, showcasing the combined expertise and shared passion for patient care of Franciscan Health and Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics.

Let the area’s vibrant and diverse culinary scene open the door to sophisticated, al fresco dining for you and yours this summer.

Take me out to the ball game! Or to the zoo, or to Bloomington or Carmel! Here are our summer suggestions for afternoon or weekend getaways, very nearby.

Volume 16. Issue 05. (#172)

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The

Absolute

Living

AGENDA

By Susan Salaz

June 9-11 Antony and Cleopatra The Tarkington thecenterpresents.org The Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre will bring its 24th performance season to a close with a contemporary adaptation of Shakespeare’s alluring Antony and Cleopatra. Experience the artistic vision of Gregory Hancock, along with original music by Cory Gabel, in this poignant tale of passion and power.

June 10 Zoobilation The Indianapolis Zoo indianapoliszoo.com Rock with the ‘roos and party with a purpose at this year’s annual Zoobilation, where guests will get an up-close encounter with red kangaroos and other Australian species at Kangaroo Crossing— the zoo’s newest exhibit. This luxurious black-tie event features food, drinks and live entertainment while supporting the zoo’s animal conservation efforts.

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June 18-19 Brickyard Vintage Racing Invitational Indianapolis Motor Speedway indianapolismotorspeedway.com If you didn’t get enough auto racing in the month of May, check out some of the world’s finest historic race cars at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This exclusive two-day event includes car shows, exhibition laps and races on the famed oval, as well as the 14-turn, 2.439-mile road course.

June 21-25 Spark!Fishers Fishers Municipal Complex playfishers.com Mark your calendars for the annual, weeklong festival in downtown Fishers that includes something for everyone in the community. This year’s events include free concerts, an evening fun run, and a car and art show. The week will culminate on Saturday with a street fair, parade and fireworks.

July 1-4 Lights Over Morse Lake Cicero lightsovermorselake.org The town of Cicero knows how to throw a party! Enjoy food and festivities over Independence Day weekend that include concerts, carnivals, car shows and beauty pageants, along with an epic evening firework display over Morse Lake on July 4th.

June 24-25 Symphony on the Prairie, ISO Classics Conner Prairie indianapolissymphony.org

July 3-4 CarmelFest Civic Square carmelfest.net

Get away from it all under the stars at Conner Prairie for a night of classical favorites with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. The season’s debut concert will include selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, Brahms’ Hungarian Dances and more worldly tunes in the serene countryside setting.

Celebrate our nation at CarmelFest with delicious food, top-notch entertainment, unique marketplace shopping and two nights of fireworks in the heart of Carmel. Don’t miss this year’s parade, which will begin its march through town at 10:30 a.m. on July 4th and present the theme: “The American Dream.”

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July 9 All the Way: A Frank Sinatra Tribute Feinstein’s Cabaret feinsteinshc.com Revel in the distinguished atmosphere of Feinstein’s Cabaret at Hotel Carmichael for a one-of-a-kind musical experience. Listen to Don Farrell and the Terry Woods Jazz Quartet for a show honoring the life and work of Frank Sinatra. You’ll be serenaded with songs like “Fly Me to the Moon,” “Summer Wind” and more from the Sultan of Swoon.

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Strengthening Orthopedic Care

By Susan Salaz

Franciscan Health and Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, formerly Methodist Sports Medicine, are the dynamic duo behind a new, state-of-the-art facility in Carmel.

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wo long recognized national leaders in orthopedic care, Franciscan Health and Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, are fusing their expertise, award-winning processes, and highly-focused orthopedic care right here, in a newly built center of excellence that offers inpatient and outpatient surgery, specialized rehabilitation services and more. Fully opened in April, the space is noteworthy, but the shared passion and partnership between Forté and Franciscan is the foundation that this institution is built upon.

At its dedication ceremony earlier this year, Dr. James Callaghan, president and CEO of Franciscan Health Central Indiana, described Franciscan Health and Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics (an independent physician group) as pioneers in the medical field. Dr. Callaghan called the project monumental, noting the expanded, specialized orthopedic services and sports medicine capabilities that would be available to patients throughout Indiana and the Midwest. He is confident the hospital will serve as an industry-leading model for value-based care.

Here, orthopedic surgeons and physicians provide care to patients with a full spectrum of musculoskeletal conditions, ranging from the most common to the most complex. Orthopedic services include joint replacement, fracture care, and surgical and non-surgical treatment for conditions of the hip, knee, shoulder, foot and ankle, hand and upper extremity, along with minimally invasive endoscopic spine procedures, Dr. Callaghan explains. Further, he notes that the most advanced equipment and techniques are all available under one roof at this convenient venue. “Franciscan’s and Forté’s collective strengths offer outstanding orthopedic services and research, all at a single location,” Callaghan says, “which advances high-quality, value-based care to the patients we are privileged to serve.”

The campus houses the Franciscan Orthopedic Surgery Center—a Franciscan Health and Forté joint venture—with 15 inpatient and outpatient surgical suites and 23 inpatient beds. Patients can also expect the best in pain management, sports performance, primary care sports medicine, and sports chiropractic care.

Other services include an advanced imaging center and laboratory services, the Forté Fast Orthopedic Clinic (an orthopedic urgent care for recent bone, muscle, joint or sports medicine injuries), Franciscan ExpressCare (a walk-in urgent care clinic serving patients with a variety of illnesses and injuries), and Franciscan WorkingWell (providing employer occupational health services that include employment physicals, vaccinations, workers’ compensation injury care, and more). Indoor and outdoor athletic practice facilities, along with technology for enhanced athlete performance and patient wellness and function, are among other amenities. And for added convenience, a multi-story parking garage with a connecting sky bridge is available, as are a cafeteria and gift shop. In the future, Franciscan plans to develop an on-site fitness trail for area residents and visitors to enjoy.

Find out more about this outstanding facility or request an appointment by visiting franciscanhealth.org and forteortho.com.

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Photography By Gabrielle Cheikh Noel

Artwork By Eduardo Peña

with

Designing A Legacy Julie Browning Bova

By Susan Salaz

This month, we sat down with design professional Julie Browning Bova to talk design, family, her passion for horses, and an exciting new collaborative project, The Cake Bake Shop at Disney’s BoardWalk in Walt Disney World Resort.

Here’s what she had to say.

AL: How did you get started in interior design?

JBB: I have been in love with design, architecture and interior design my entire life. I was raised in a creative household with a father (the late James Browning) recognized for his exceptional contribution to his profession of landscape architecture and city design, founding the established architectural firm Browning Day, which recently celebrated 50 years in business. He was a supporter of the landscape architecture program at Purdue University where he was an associate professor and always encouraged the School of Architecture at Ball State University.

I went on to Indiana University to study art history, interior design and graphic design.

I spent my summers at my dad’s office doing anything and everything from answering phones, working in the archives, and if I was really lucky, jumping in on a team planning session, field visit or project preparation meeting. I learned to embrace design of all styles and periods, and have gained knowledge through world travel, gallery trips, fashion shows and, of course, our dinner table. Our family discussions were all about

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“As designers, we are the client’s storytellers, and we are always excited to assist in the process—collaborating, interpreting and creating a new story together with every project.” weaving fashion, architecture, art and interiors together and how it relates to everyday life and culture.

AL: How has your father inspired your career?

JBB: My dad’s legacy and vision was strong and very evident in all that he shared with me in my childhood, and still evident in the city today. He was a great teacher, mentor and someone who encouraged those around him to be creative, to study design and architecture and to always look closely at all the important details. My dad showed me daily that anything you sketch on a scrap of paper or even a cocktail napkin had value and easily could become a reality. Most importantly, my father shared his love of relationships and connecting people to help create stronger teams and partnerships that still remain strong and I am lucky to know now. Design is a collaborative business with lots of moving parts, and he emphasized the need to appreciate and enjoy the friendships and relationships made along the way. I know he would be proud of the work we do and grateful for so many friends and colleagues of his who have continued to support me throughout the years.

AL: Does the rest of your family impact your work?

JBB: Yes, every day! My family is a constant source of

inspiration and support. Having two of my girls, Emma and Madeline, working with me is really amazing and I am cherishing this time, especially because working side-byside with my father impacted me in my future—I want my girls to be challenged, inspired and enjoy their day at the studio, too. We have an awesome team of talented design minds, and I know we are continuing to improve our brand every year. It is a family power-pack for sure. My boys are brilliant with technology, graphics and all around support in anything I need—anything—and my sweet boys can order up a quick cyber solution. Shout out to the Luddy School of Informatics at Indiana University! My husband cheers all of us on—I am very fortunate to have support from my family with what can often be a demanding career and business.

AL: What role do horses play in your life? And how are they a part of your signature equestrian influence?

JBB: Not all the family loves horses, but my oldest daughter Madeline and I do. Years ago, we purchased a home in Zionsville that backed up to a horse farm. I started lessons, which were quickly shared with Madeline. Now we have two horses and an “equestrian lifestyle.” I love everything about them. Just seeing them in the field with a beautiful blue sky makes me happy. I take thousands of

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“Material things don’t define us but I think they remind us of traditions, family and our loved ones who shared their lives and came before us,” Julie says.

Julie Browning Bova adores the equestrian lifestyle. “I love everything about horses,” she says.

“Just seeing them in the field with a beautiful blue sky makes me happy.”

photos. I love their noses and I love to feed them apples. It is a passion Madeline and I share that provides so much enjoyment and a great break from daily life. Our horses now are at the beautiful, idyllic, Caldwell Farm, training with Allison Born. It is like going on vacation when you go to the barn, and for horse girls, it is the only thing that can create balance. Horse life balance it’s a thing…without it—forget it!

AL: How did this equestrian influence become a signature part of your style?

JBB: It’s funny that I find everything in the tack room at the barn beautiful and I love every bit at the Grand Champion Tack & Saddlery store. When I decided to add the metal bits (the metal piece of the bridle that sits in the horse’s mouth), which I find to be so classic, timeless and elegant, to my furniture collection, the inspiration came from my dad and a pair of Gucci loafers he wore every day. I created a pair of ottomans that were embellished with the equestrian bit on two sides and classic baseball stitches representing Dad’s shoes for my first collection of furniture, launched at High Point Market in North Carolina in 2011. It was a way to honor him and process my grief, but also weave in my own equestrian story. I currently have one of these ottomans covered in a beautiful brown leather in the shop, and as it’s not for sale…you now know its story.

AL: How have you designed your home, and how is it a special place for your family?

JBB: My home is filled with a collection of art and treasuresupon-treasures that represent my family. I have pieces of art that were given to me from my parents, furniture, gifts from friends, Grandma’s chair, antiques, modern pieces and a collection of Julie Browning Bova Home collection pieces that consist of upholstery, lighting and miscellaneous items that I could never part with. My house doesn’t look like anyone else’s house. I would say my home is a retreat for my family and a place we gather often. Everyone and their pets are welcome!

My home is perfectly imperfect in every way and I would not change a thing. I threaten to paint the warm white walls every year, but I always come back to Benjamin Moore Linen White. I love the scenic equestrian wall covering in the dining room and the unexpected mix of traditional dining furniture with a modern chair covered in natural wool boucle. I personally like an eclectic mix of old and new pieces—I think it creates character and charm and, in a way, tells a story about our lives and where we have come from and where we are today. Material things don’t define us but I think they remind us of traditions, family and our loved ones who shared their lives and came before us. Timeless, traditional and eclectic with a touch of modern and a classic equestrian detail always weaved through the room would be my vibe.

Oh, and I have lots of books. As consistent as my style, so are the ever growing stacks of coffee table books littering the rooms on tables, hearths and floors and now topped off with baby books, blankets and a beautiful bassinet…Madeline and her husband welcomed their first son—our first grandson, Wes, in March 2022.

AL: How do you approach different design projects?

JBB: All of our design projects, whether they are commercial or residential, reflect the dreams and views of the customer and the people who we are lucky to work for, as well as the function and intended use of the space. As designers, we are the client’s storytellers, and we are always excited to assist in the process—collaborating, interpreting and creating a new story together with every project. No two are alike or even remotely similar. It is always my privilege and goal to bring my very best to a project, and that requires a clean, fresh, creative start.

AL: What can you tell us about your work with The Cake Bake Shop’s Gwendolyn Rogers and her newest project in Orlando, Florida?

JBB: It is a very exciting time to be a member of the team working on The Cake Bake Shop at Disney’s BoardWalk in Walt Disney World Resort. I have been with Gwendolyn from the very beginning, when she was working from her home and first starting her business, designing both the Broad Ripple and Carmel shops. The first two locations were equally as important, with the same emphasis on the customer experience, beautiful interiors, packaging, décor and overall atmosphere, but getting this story right and interpreting, creating and bringing her vision to life is very important to me.

With each opening we raise the creative bar, and this one won’t disappoint. Every detail is being thought of, and, as Gwendolyn does so well, it is all about an extra special guest experience.

This is not just a restaurant or bakery—she has created an experience, from the atmosphere to the food, the music, the staff and the presentation of the cake—it’s an unbelievable feeling from the minute you walk through the door.

Julie Browning Bova Design is a full-service design firm specializing in assisting clients with everything from design specifications, conceptualizing, and design schematics, to home furnishings and accessories. Focused on customer service and a client-driven scope of services, no project is too big or too small. The Carmel City Center location features retail products from exclusive brand partners as well as pieces from the Julie Browning Bova home collection, organic linens and sustainable home décor. Find out more online at juliebrowningbova.com and follow @juliebrowningbovadesign on Instagram.

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Savor the Summer

By Susan Salaz | Artwork By Eduardo Peña | Photography By Jes Nijjer & Gabriela Arechiga

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e made it through another frigid winter and tenaciously rainy spring—that means it’s finally time to enjoy a fresh summer meal on the patio. Here, we highlight some of the area’s best locally owned restaurants with al fresco dining at its finest, showcasing distinguished style. Enjoy traditional Italian fare at Convivio, vibrant Mexican recipes at Verde, and classic cuisines from France at Auberge. Savor dishes rooted in American and Midwest tradition at Grindstone on the Monon, appreciate a modern take on the California Italian-style bistro menu at Tucci’s, or sample low-country favorites at Juniper on Main. Whether you’re looking for a distinctive wine list, high quality service, local ingredients, or live music—we’ve got your next family gathering, lunch escape or late-night date-night covered.

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Auberge

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t Auberge, located within the Brick Street Inn, a skilled team serves food inspired by the cuisines of France right in the heart of Zionsville village. “We’ve spent a lot of time in France, enjoying the food there,” says owner Paul Vezolles of his family’s travels. In an effort to deliver a menu as authentic as possible, Vezolles took his team to France earlier this year, not only to be inspired by Parisian dining experiences, but also to train at Ducasse Conseil. “Some of the best chefs in the entire Ducasse enterprise helped us refine our techniques and be ready to offer a better-than-ever menu, which we rolled out just recently,” he explains.

When it comes to French food, it all starts with the best ingredients at the peak of freshness, says Executive Chef Toby Moreno.

While his recipes always revolve around what is in season, ultimately, “it’s all about the jus,” he says of the essential foundation for many French sauces, soups and meals. Made with a precise method each time, the jus, to Moreno, is not just an ingredient, but a mindset, especially in a French kitchen.

Behind a white picket fence and under red umbrellas, the shaded terrace is a perfect setting to enjoy the tastes of France without leaving town. Live music on the brick patio adds to the scene several nights a week, with pianists, violinists, and even a harpist serenading guests. Open for lunch, afternoon hors d'oeuvres, dinner, and weekend brunch, the elegant setting of Auberge will make any meal a special occasion.

Find Auberge at 175 S. Main Street in Zionsville. Visit auberge-restaurant.com and follow @auberge_restaurant on Instagram for more information.

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Convivio Italian Artisan Cuisine

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wner Andrea Melani, a native of the northwest coast of Italy, specializes in simplicity at Convivio, where he offers both traditional and innovative regional cuisine of Italy in an effort to create an intimate connection with Italian food and culture for each of his guests. With a menu highlighting local and organic ingredients, daily summer features include a fresh catch of the day and handmade pasta specials, along with rotating wine and cocktail features. “Some of our best wines for the summer include the Pico Maccario Rose and Gavi di Gavi,” a white wine from Piedmont, Italy, says Melani, who recommends enjoying a glass under the beautiful pergola on the patio with the colorful heirloom Caprese salad.

“And for a cocktail, nothing beats a nice Aperol Spritz,” he adds.

Outside, guests can enjoy intimate dinners, family gatherings or business engagements in a sophisticated setting.

“Guests can look forward to the newly restyled outdoor space later this summer,” Melani says, mentioning the addition of a relaxing water feature. But don’t forget to take a peek inside at the open kitchen to see the magic of traditional Italian culinary styles in action. Fresh pasta is a staple here, with a variety made daily, and Melani says a new summer menu will debut in July.

For an authentic Italian dining experience, visit Convivio at 11529 Springmill Road in Carmel or at 40 S. Main Sreet in Zionsville. For more information and to watch a video of Melani’s pasta making process, visit convivioindy.com and follow @convivioindy on Instagram.

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Verde

Flavors of Mexico

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ith a seasonal menu full of summer standouts, Verde Flavors of Mexico is the place for fresh Mexican favorites and a refined dining experience.

No matter your mood, there are plenty of delicious options according to owner Paul Aréchiga, but the molcajete and street tacos house favorites. At the bar, expect an exclusive selectin of top shelf liquors.

“Refreshing summer cocktails include the Piña Carnaval and our premium Verde Margarita are some of the refreshing cocktails that will captivate not only your tastebuds but your eyes as well,” says Aréchiga of the colorful and tasty drinks.

Ambiance is not lost on the Aréchiga family, who has put a lot of emphasis on both the indoor and outdoor dining areas at each of their locations. “Considering our summer days and beautiful weather are only temporary here in the Midwest, our goal is to help our guests enjoy it to the max,” explains Aréchiga of the outdoor dining oasis that accompanies each Verde location.

He continues, “Elevating our guests' dining experience is always our main goal so we'd simply like to thank our patrons who not only support our brand by visiting us but who also serve as our main inspiration to continue to raise the standards of Mexican food in Indianapolis.”

For now, you can find Verde locations in Carmel, Fishers and Ironworks, with the Zionsville location coming soon.

“This new restaurant will have an upscale contemporary feel to it, while still preserving Verde's fun and organic signature ambiance,” says Aréchiga. For more information visit verdeflavorsofmexico. com or follow @verde_flavorsofmexico on Instagram.

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Grindstone On the Monon

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ocal, family-run restaurant empire, Clancy’s, Inc., has added several new and gratifying establishments to its tally over the past few years, and one of our favorites is Grindstone on the Monon.

Executive Chef Paolo Duenas recently released a fresh summer menu, full of locally sourced, classic American offerings that are chef driven yet family friendly. New favorites include steamed mussels with charred corn and shallots in a white wine beurre blanc, pan-seared lemongrass chicken, and twin pork chops with a mushroom cream sauce, says Blake Fogelsong, grandson of Carl Fogelsong—family and company patriarch who was named to the Indiana Restaurant Hall of Fame. The prime rib (a Fogelsong family tradition) remains on the menu, and new desserts include house-baked New York style cheesecake with macerated berries and a loaded waffle sundae served with Graeter’s vanilla bean ice cream.

Fogelsong says all of Clancy’s restaurants (which includes Grindstone Public House in Noblesville, among others) are steeped in Midwestern values, and he hopes that guests feel right at home in the contemporary yet rustic atmosphere here. Experience patio dining at its finest, right of the Monon Trail with ample bike parking, an oversized outdoor firepit and sunset views. Large groups can even rent the outdoor space for memorable events and private parties. Every Thursday, guests can enjoy live music by Craig Thurston, River James and more, along with drink specials and featured cocktails all summer long.

Follow the trail to Grindstone on the Monon, located at 17470 Wheeler Road in Westfield.

Visit grindstoneonthemonon.com or follow @grindstoneonthemonon on Instagram for more information.

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Juniper On Main

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ig flavor meets small town charm at the local, independent restaurant Juniper on Main, where southern coastal cuisine is served Monday-Saturday. Just steps off the Monon in the center of the Carmel Arts & Design District, Juniper’s authentic, low-country recipes are the inspiration of Southern belle cities such as Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia. “One of our true specialties is our Charleston style shrimp and grits. A true low-country favorite,” says co-owner Diane Cannon, happy to explain that the heirloom grits are flown in direct from South Carolina, where they are ground at the last known electric Gristmill in the country, by Juniper’s partners at Geechie Boy Mills on Edisto Island in South Carolina.

“We also specialize in coastal dishes with a French Caribbean flair known to the region,” Cannon continues, giving the sea island platter with coconut rice, sweet plantains and citrus beans paired with Atlantic grilled salmon, and pulled pork with Coca-Cola BBQ specific mentions as menu favorites. Summer features and seasonal additions, along with a Southernstyle Sunday brunch will be available soon.

Cannon describes the setting as “a relaxing quaint historic bungalow, surrounded by gardens and haint blue porch ceilings”—typical digs down south. She adds, “Our outdoor dining area was designed to make you feel as if you had stumbled upon a hidden gem on the Carolina and Georgia coastline.” Enjoy a meal under the stars and twinkle lights on the deck for true vacation vibes.

Stroll into Juniper on Main at 110 E. Main Street in Carmel to satisfy your southern summer cravings. Follow @juniper_on_main on Instagram or visit juniperonmain.com for more information and menu offerings.

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Tucci’s

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hen you visit the bustling Carmel City Center, be sure to stop by Tucci’s for small plates, artisan pizzas, and a chef-driven menu full of flavor. Although Tucci’s offers pizza and pasta, it is much more than Italian. “We showcase California-Italian cuisine, specializing in certified Angus beef and weekly fresh seafood specials, artisan pizza and crafted pasta,” says Kevin Black, corporate executive chef for CBL restaurants, which includes Tucci’s, along with Matt the Miller’s Tavern and Manelé Café—with locations in City Center as well. At Tucci’s, menu changes are incorporated monthly to highlight local and seasonal ingredients. Share the fresh tomato burrata bruschetta, delight in a Hawaiian pizza, or treat yourself to the Wagyu ribeye steak.

For a quintessential summer dinner escape, dine on Tucci’s comfortable patio, soon to be extended to offer even more seating, where guests can listen to live music and enjoy a craft beer or specialty cocktail, all with an al fresco feel. The friendly, yet sophisticated, service ensures a dinner experience second-tonone. “We take the time to make sure every diner has an experience that's noteworthy for them,” says Black, adding that the highly trained and knowledgeable staff is happy to assist with food and wine pairings from the extensive wine list. Tucci’s offers more than 340 different bottles to choose from, allowing guests to benefit from the award-winning wine program tableside, and soon to take home, with expansions to retail offerings in the works.

Visit Tucci’s at 11 W. City Center Drive in Carmel City Center for drinks, dinner and dessert. For more information visit tucciscarmel.com and follow @tucciscarmel on Instagram.

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ORTHOPEDIC CENTER OF EXCELLENCE

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Franciscan Health + Forté + You A New Force in Motion Two well-known teams of orthopedic experts with one goal – to provide outstanding orthopedic services for you and your families, all under one roof.

Franciscan Health and Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics are a new force in motion, highly capable of maximizing mobility for patients with common or complex orthopedic conditions.

The new Orthopedic Center of Excellence in Carmel has been purpose-built for you. And now, it is home to the finest, industry-leading orthopedic experts from Franciscan and Forté.

NOW OPEN Request An Appointment! FranciscanHealth.org/CarmelOrtho 10777 ILLINOIS ST • CARMEL, IN • Near 106th Street and Illinois

Discover the Fun

This summer, explore Indy and beyond with afternoon adventures, local getaways and weekend retreats filled with fun.

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ur state capitol, Indianapolis, is home to many sights and attractions. For baseball fans, take in a game at Victory Field, home of the Indianapolis Indians, the city’s professional baseball team for more than 120 years. “Victory Field is the perfect summer getaway for families in Central Indiana,” says Cheyne Reiter, Indianapolis Indians Director of Communications. “The ballpark experience – from the smells of concession stands to the sounds of the game and buying your first souvenir from the team shop – is second to none.”

Friday night games include a firework show, and on Bark in the Park nights (June 9, July 6, August 25) fans can bring their canine companion and see the Eli, the team’s very own bat dog, in action.

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hile downtown, stroll through White River State Park, along the canal, and across the river to the Indianapolis Zoo, for a walk on the wild side. “The zoo offers a place to connect with nature, have fun with family and friends, and get closer to an elephant, tiger or orangutan than you would have ever imagined,” says Judy Palermo, director of public relations at the Indianapolis Zoo, home to more than 3,800 animals, including daring dolphins and colorful macaws. “The zoo is truly a special place to make lifelong memories,” she adds. This summer, visitors will delight in the new up-close encounter with Australia’s red kangaroos.

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f you prefer a change of scenery, consider a road trip to the rolling hills of southern Indiana. The eclectic town of Bloomington is home to the picturesque campus of Indiana University, Oliver Winery, Lake Monroe, and over 350 restaurants, including International Row on Fourth Street, which is home to more than a dozen global eateries. “We have fantastic lodging options ranging from urban bed and breakfast, to full-service hotels, and eclectic places to stay like Graduate Bloomington located on Kirkwood Avenue,” says Erin White, director of leisure marketing and media at Visit Bloomington.

She adds that there are also many nearby vacation rentals, ranging from wooded hideaways near the lake to urban retreats downtown, to make a vacation of your time away.

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ummer days are meant to be a little more carefree, and you don’t need to go far to make new discoveries. A fast-growing, pedestrianbased dining, shopping and entertainment destination, Carmel City Center is worth spending time in whether you have an hour to spare or the whole day. From specialty shops like the newly added luxury lifestyle concept Addendum and the recently expanded designer children’s boutique Hey Little Diddle, to amazing eateries including 317 Charcuterie, and to the world-class Palladium at The Center for the Performing Arts, Carmel City Center offers an exceptional array of options for an unforgettable summer experience close to home.

Take to the trails with an afternoon e-bike rental at Pedego Carmel, where the mantra is fun. Owner Josh Freedman loves sharing his love of electric bikes with as many people as possible. “It’s a safe way to see the city. You can go further, faster,” he says. Rentals are available by the hour or by the day for riders 15 and older, and self-guided tours take you through Carmel, around Cool Creek, or along the White River without breaking a sweat.

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BRING THE BALLPARK TO YOUR HOME

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CIRCLE CITY NIGHTS AT THE VIC

REP THE 317 AND SUPPORT YOUR HOMETOWN INDIANS WITH AN EXCLUSIVE T-SHIRT PACKAGE FROM THE SHOP INDY.

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Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics

“Taking the Time to Understand” “Quality, Access and Service is the cornerstone of Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics. When we were looking to make a change, we found the same shared values with Fred McClaine and his colleagues at Shepherd Insurance. By taking the time to understand our business and our potential risks, Shepherd Insurance was able to customize our coverage to protect our practice and our employees. We appreciate the professional service and the expertise we receive from the Shepherd team.”

-Marty Rosenberg CEO

shepherdins.com 317.846.5554