Indianapolis Monthly December 2025

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46

BEST OF INDY

We’re back to celebrate another year’s worth of superlatives that make Indianapolis great, from the stars of women’s sports, to the fastest city park slides, to the dirtiest sodas.

EDITED BY JULIA SPALDING

60

IN THE BAG

Vera Bradley bags were a Midwestern status symbol throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. But changing tastes—and a shifting retail industry—have put the Fort Wayne company on shakier ground.

BY EVE BATEY

Who are the city’s MVPs of nail art?

47.

ON THE COVER

Nail art by Maeve Peterson-Miller, photograph by Tony Valainis, model Dayanara López/HWA

CIRCLE CITY

The Bottleworks Phase II complex is up and running. Find out what’s inside the new buildings and how the final product compares with the original plan.

Our Indiana expert explores the conditions that might call for a rare closure of the Indianapolis International Airport.

Paleoartist Jorge Plata relies on cues from the prehistoric past to create educational art for the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.

A holiday decoration shows off a 1930 illustration from The Saturday Evening Post

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

GOOD LIFE

A two-toned puffer jacket from The Hype Vault comes in a Prince-ly hue. 26

Windsor Jewelry reopens on Monument Circle with a refreshed interior and a new slate of designer lines. 26

Vocalist Leah Crane creates pitch-perfect looks inspired by Celia Cruz, among others.

Furry friends make merry with seasonal fashions, treats, and playtime accessories.

Modern style shines on the outskirts of Greenwood.

A tropical beach retreat awaits via nonstop flights from Indy to Punta Cana.

THE DISH

4 Birds Bakery puts a minty spin on its popular Chocolate Fudge Cookie in observance of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s annual Yuletide Celebration.

40

FIRST BITE

The Pronto Taco food truck adds a parking spot with a walk-up shop in Beech Grove; Louisville standby The Fish House is worth the drive for its added breakfast service; and Vino Mobile Bar owner Melissa Libs advises a worryfree approach to hosting holiday cocktail parties.

42

TASTE TEST

Bring home the bacon with five mouthwatering variations on the classic BLT sandwich.

44

REVIEW

Jon Carlos Rangel’s longanticipated Windsor Park eatery, Daisy Bar, provides fresh takes on great American diner fare.

EDITOR’S

Salvage Days

SOMETIME AROUND 1997, I got my first glimpse into the world of architectural salvage in Indy. I was a newly minted homeowner, then married to a budding home improvement enthusiast who had been tipped off that Tim & Billy’s Salvage housed a stockpile of reclaimed windows, doors, hardware, and assorted odds and ends ready to be reused and upcycled. I don’t recall if we even had a specific project in mind when we first ventured into the storefront on Fort Wayne Avenue (now home to Invoke Yoga & Pilates Studio), but I remember being transfixed by the sheer size of the place and the volume of its offerings. Sifting through all the stacks and shelves and boxes of categorized goods felt more like going on an archeological dig than a shopping spree. Over the years, Tim Harmon’s salvage establishment changed names, reopened in another location, and changed names again. But he always carried a treasure trove of vintage handyman’s delights—including a 1960s-era lime green sink that’s taken up residence in my garage, patiently waiting for me to remodel my bathroom.

Andrea Ratcliff Editor-in-Chief

PUBLISHER Ivy Bayer

EDITORIAL

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Andrea Ratcliff

FEATURES EDITOR Julia Spalding

LIFESTYLE EDITOR Christina Vercelletto

FOOD & DINING EDITOR Eve Batey

MANAGING EDITOR Camille Graves

DIGITAL EDITOR Clay Maxfield

EDITORIAL INTERN Livia Wininger

Art | production

DESIGN DIRECTOR Margo Wininger

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Vu Luong

EDITORIAL ART DIRECTOR Maura Broderson

ADVERTISING ART DIRECTOR Christiana Bertsch

Advertising | Business

SALES DIRECTOR Holly Whitney

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Sadly, Harmon passed away at the end of June in the midst of liquidating his inventory before closing up shop for good. We pay tribute to him and a handful of dearly departed Circle City fixtures in our annual Best of Indy cover feature in this issue (p. 46). As much as we celebrate and revel in all things new, novel, and notable in our Shops & Service, Arts & Entertainment, Food & Drink, and Fun & Leisure sections, we also want to remember a few influential figures who leave behind long shadows on the sidewalks of the city.

( CONTRIBUTORS )

Amy Cecil, Jena Jennings, Nancy Oliphant

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Missy Beiting

IndianapolisMonthly.com/ advertise-with-us

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Cincinnati Media, LLC, A SUBSIDIARY OF HOUR MEDIA, LLC

Three-year-old Shih Tzu

Pomeranian Eugene has natural freckles and impeccable “stay” skills. When not walking the runway for Pet Project (p. 30), he enjoys strolling the pathways of Garfield Park with his mom, advertising art director Christiana Bertsch. He is also a big fan of dancing on his back legs and pup cups at Bovaconti Coffee.

Myla Han

Prolific artist and founder of her own secret society

Myla Han wants the world to know that she is fun and nice, and she enjoys fishing with her dad and visiting museums and playgrounds—about which she has a lot of opinions (p. 58). Her favorite stuffy is her Siberian tiger, Tigey. Oh, and the password to her secret society is … a big hug!

Editorial intern Livia Wininger is an Indiana University Media School student who is no stranger to exploring new styles (p. 26). Known for spending long, dramatic hours picking an outfit, she’s been through it all when it comes to curating a look. She enjoys traveling for concerts, being outside, and learning more about the people within her community.

CEO Stefan Wanczyk

PRESIDENT John Balardo

EDITORIAL / ADVERTISING OFFICES

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Eugene Fitzwilliam Bertsch

Livia Wininger

67 // SEEKING SOLACE

The winter season can be a taxing time with end-of-year demands, shorter daylight hours, and confining weather conditions. We focus on medical and therapeutic treatments, as well as transformative activities that reduce stress, boost spirits, connect the mind and body in harmony, and promote overall health and wellness.

TOP DENTISTS:

Keep your smile healthy and gleaming with the help of outstanding dentists in Central Indiana. Our list of more than 250 peer-nominated dental professionals recognizes the top practitioners in endodontics, general dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and prosthodontics.

Bottleworks, Boosted

The seemingly endless construction project at Massachusetts and College avenues has finally wrapped, and the result—a glossy complex of office buildings known as Bottleworks Phase II—is up and running. What’s inside those new buildings, and how does the final product compare with the original plan? Read on to find out.

UNLIKE THE FIRST BOTTLEWORKS PROJECT, THIS ONE WAS BUILT FROM THE GROUND UP. The project began with the transformation of what was once the world’s largest Coca-Cola plant into a standout attraction. Wisconsin-based developer Hendricks Commercial Properties broke ground on that effort in 2018, transforming the vacant factory into The Garage food hall and the Bottleworks Hotel, among other attractions. At the same time, Hendricks promised a second phase to the effort, a set of new buildings packed with apartments, condos, and groundfloor retail built next to the old plant, to open in 2022.

THE PANDEMIC THREW A WRENCH INTO THE WORKS. Though the Bottleworks Phase I timeline remained relatively intact, with the hotel opening in late 2020 and The Garage following in January 2021, the Phase II building stalled, admits Hendricks vice president Lance Evinger. “Covid made everything crazy,” he says, from staffing to costs of materials. Phase II didn’t start construction until summer 2022, around the same time it was initially expected to finish.

AND BY THEN, THE PROJECT WAS DRAMATICALLY DIFFERENT. “We started planning the whole project in 2015, 2016,” Evinger says, and final approvals from the city and county came in 2017. Back then, Hendricks planned to follow the Coke plant makeover with two mixed-use buildings covering the flatiron space where College and Mass avenues intersect. Those structures would contain 240 condo and apartment units, office space, two parking garages, and retail and service businesses on the ground floor. But in 2021, Hendricks told city officials they wouldn’t build housing after all, and the new structures would instead be fully commercial space.

DEMAND DROVE THE ADJUSTMENT.

“Between when we first began construction and finished Phase I, the neighborhood had changed so

much,” says Evinger. “So many homes and apartments were built, and a lot of housing filled in around us.” At the same time, he says, potential commercial tenants came knocking. “We thought, OK, there’s demand for offices. So we pivoted, and within a few months, we got the entire 100,000-square-foot building leased up.” Both buildings should be fully occupied by the end of 2025.

PROFITABILITY WAS ALSO A FACTOR.

It’s a lot cheaper to develop office space than residential, Evinger says. “You’re building two bathrooms per floor instead of one for every unit,” he noted as just one example of the difference in costs. Then there was the unexpected explosion in the price of construction goods. “We’d get quotes for materials that wouldn’t even be good for 30 days,” he says. “We were in the middle of construction and committed, and prices kept going up.” So a flip to office space seemed like a way to keep things closer to the original budget.

DID SOMEONE

SAY BUDGET?

The budget for the entire Bottleworks project was $300 million, which included Phase III—two buildings with additional commercial space running along College Avenue to Ninth Street. Unlike Phase II, it was always intended to be offices. As you might imagine, Hendricks is spending way more to get over the finish line. “We’re through Phase II,” Evinger says, “and we’re already well over what we expected to spend on the whole project.” Check back after Phase III (no concrete timeline is established) for the final number, as “right now I wouldn’t even want to hazard a guess,” Evinger says.

MORE OFFICE SPACE HAS DETRACTORS.

Jeffery Tompkins, the principal of Indybased urbanism think tank Proformus, points to the multimillion-dollar plan

to convert downtown’s Gold Building to apartments as an example of the wave of repurposing office towers into housing. “When the market shifts or another shiny office development opens in the suburbs, they risk becoming stranded assets,” he says of buildings like the Bottleworks second and third phases. “Every time we deny density in housing or fail to encourage mixed use, we undercut downtown’s resiliency.”

THE PIVOT ALSO RAISES CONCERNS ABOUT FOOT TRAFFIC TO LOCAL BUSINESSES.

Tompkins, who lives downtown, says that unlike residential buildings, office structures “generate activity during the workday but sit empty at night and on weekends.” By his logic, the loss of those 240 residences in favor of a block of office space also means the loss of 240 families that could be visiting the restaurants, service providers, and shops in Bottleworks and beyond. Visit the business district of any major city’s downtown on the weekend, and you’ll see what he means.

BUT MASS AVE MIGHT BE THE EXCEPTION.

Tompkins’ opinion on the conundrum of building office space walking distance from the decommissioned Gold Building is worth considering, especially for a sustainable tomorrow. But foot traffic may be less of a concern. Vendors at The Garage food hall say that while weekends and evenings are busy, weekdays can be extremely slow—so office workers could be a midday boon. According to Evinger, the boost could extend beyond Bottleworks. He lives just a few blocks from it, so his investment isn’t just professional, he says. “We’re going to see a lot more people walking around, sitting outside eating, going in shops. We believe that these office workers will bring benefits to all the businesses up and down Mass Ave, not just the ones in our buildings.”

—EVE BATEY

Burning Bright

Penn & Beech’s New Mass Ave location is lighting a spark near the Bottleworks.

ON A SUNNY fall afternoon, light streams through the windows of the newest Penn & Beech Candle Company location in the Bottleworks District downtown. Candles line the far wall, with scents like Balsam, Dad’s Den, Champagne, and Vintage Books among the dozens of options ready to purchase.

Opened this past summer after six years at its original location at 747 North College, co-owner Brianna Doles said it was time to grow, and this

play down here.” She and her husband, co-owner Seth Doles,

live in Old Northside, within walking distance of the new storefront located just north of the intersection of College and Massachusetts avenues.

a bit,” Doles says, boasting her family’s love for the bustling Bottleworks District. They were determined to relocate to

have a two-hour curing time,”

in, create a candle and curate the scent, and then go eat, shop, and come back later to pick up their creation.”

Penn & Beech is also committed to strengthening the neighborhood economy.

Bottleworks District grow so

to be a part of the push to support and shop local.”

As winter approaches, Doles says Penn & Beech’s Mass Ave location is the perfect spot for holiday parties, with a new, 20-person private event space. Anyone looking to book the

an information form on their website—and then get pouring!

Penn & Beech Candle Co. 820 Mass Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46204 (317) 721-6885

pennandbeech.com

When Hell Freezes Over

Q : UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES DOES OUR AIRPORT SHUT DOWN? A: Under almost no circumstances. Airport management takes a kind of perverse pride in keeping the doors open through anything short of a meteor blitz. The facility has gone totally quiet only twice in living memory—for three days during the Blizzard of ’78 and for roughly the same in the aftermath of 9/11, when the Federal Aviation Administration closed all of U.S. airspace. That doesn’t mean operations aren’t sometimes severely constrained. Just last January, Winter Storm Blair managed to cancel around 200 Indy flights. But through it all, the airport itself stayed open. All of this is to say that if the holiday flight your family is on can get to Indianapolis, no matter the weather, it’s virtually certain to find a runway waiting. —SAM STALL

( UNSPOKEN RULES )

Holliday Park Ice Rink

A MANNER-FESTO FOR THE GLIDE ZONE IN THE SHADOW OF THE RUINS.

Book the session you want in advance. Go on a weekday afternoon or a Saturday morning, the quietest times. Reserve a balance-aid rental early. They’re limited. Bring the kids. The rink’s manageable size makes it family-friendly. Use the bathrooms in the Nature Center. It also has a bird-watching room, aquariums, and terrariums. Grab a hot pretzel and a beer from MashCraft Brewing.

Snap your photo off the rink under the lights or by the fireplace in the warming area. Give back. The Skate It Forward program lets you sponsor a skating experience for those who might otherwise miss out.

in 2024

That’s a record, but it’s nowhere near the volume handled by the grand champ, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. It moved more than 108 million passengers last year. On the bright side, Indy is the ninth-largest domestic cargo hub. Thanks, FedEx.

ask THE HOOSIERIST

Freshen Up for the Holidays

Whether you’re hosting the big dinner or just want your home to feel festive and fresh, now’s the perfect time to give your space a seasonal glow-up. New countertops, cozy flooring, a splash of paint. Updated hardware for a modern touch. Holiday magic with tablescaping, Christmas tree setup & mantel décor.

Let’s make your home shine bright this season — inside and out. Book your holiday refresh today and enjoy the season in style!

Jorge Plata, paleoartist

FROM EXCAVATING AN INTERNATIONALLY PRIZED DIG SITE TO CREATING

ART THAT TRULY COMES ALIVE, THE INDIANAPOLIS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM PALEOARTIST AND FOSSIL PREPARATOR OFFERS A LOOK AT HOW HE HELPS DEMYSTIFY THE PREHISTORIC PAST.

Is this your dream job?

Absolutely, ever since I was a child. My earliest memory of dinosaurs is probably from when I was 3 or 4 when I watched Barney on TV one morning, and I learned that he was a dinosaur called Tyrannosaurus rex. So for a while I thought all dinosaurs

BY CAIDEN CAWTHON

were friendly—that is, until I watched Jurassic Park! After that, my career was set in stone, as they say.

Along with being a fossil preparator, you’re a paleoartist for the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. What exactly does that mean?

The majority of my work involves the preparation of fossils for research and display. Most of the paleoart I create is digital. Primarily, I make and update skeletal diagrams for use in our fossil restoration projects. I have also done live reconstructions from fossils.

Live reconstructions sound fascinating. What do those entail? It’s a process that allows us—scientists and artists together—to show what extinct prehistoric animals and plants may have looked like. It entails relying on whatever remains we have in fossil form, whether it be bones, impressions, or a perfectly mummified individual, to make comparisons with living relatives. That can give us clues on their appearances. I usually start with a picture of the fossil, and I sketch over it digitally. To ensure scientific accuracy, nothing is added unless there is evidence for it. This evidence can come from the fossil itself or a living relative with similar features.

Do you have a go-to example of a living relative of a dinosaur?

One of my favorite “living dinosaurs” is the emu. These flightless birds are human-sized and have shaggy, primitive-looking feathers. They lay eggs that are dark blue, almost black. But most interestingly, they’ve got literal dinosaur feet with sharp claws, and not just on their toes. They also have two claws on each of their tiny wings.

I imagine the cleaning and repairs you do as a preparator lend an intimacy with the subjects you draw and model. How do you balance imagination with scientific accuracy?

I use a fossil I have as a base, such as bones, shells, or even a leaf. I then outline the general shape. My imagination can take over with patterns and textures taken straight from nature with what, to me, makes the most sense for the creature in the kind of environment it lived in. That’s where science intersects with art.

How do your renderings guide what the museum’s audience takes away from exhibits?

From the art I provide, the museum visitors can make the connection between something long dead and

PHOTO BY SAM HIRT

unknown to a more familiar kind of life. They now have a point of reference for what they may not have been able to pick up on when the creature was preserved only in stone.

Discovering the unknown must be a beautiful experience. What fascinates me the most working in my field is that I can always be surprised by something new. New fossil discoveries are being made all the time, constantly redefining what we know about prehistory. Anytime I uncover a fossil, I am the first person to ever see it. That is a feeling I want to pursue for the rest of my life.

Can you describe that feeling?

It’s euphoric, akin to what I suppose winning the lottery feels like. Knowing how rare and old fossils are, each discovery feels like the first time, even if you’ve been digging for years. That small, dinosaur-obsessed child in me shines through every time.

Did your team make any particular discovery that especially made

that child’s eyes gleam? It never fails to make all children’s eyes gleam, actually … the allosaurus skull in the Dinosphere. With a nearly full set of teeth, it is reminiscent of the Jurassic Park logo, except that our allosaurus was a real Jurassic dinosaur, not a movie one.

You just returned from the famed Jurassic Mile in Wyoming, where you participated in a joint dig between the Children’s Museum and the Naturalis Biodiversity Center of the Netherlands. What was the most rewarding part of the adventure?

For me, that joint dig was about learning new things, both scientifically and culturally. I will never pretend to know everything, so I try to keep an open mind when it comes to understanding a different culture or a new scientific method. On the technical side, I learned that by digitally mapping our dig site with drone photography and GPS, we can have an easily shareable and accurate map of the fossils we had found so far. Apart from that, I learned that my

European counterparts have similar taste in music. We all like classic rock. The most memorable aspect, however, was simply nerding out together with people who travelled even farther than I did to dig up dinosaur bones.

You have an evolutionary biology degree from the University of Cambridge. Did you ever picture yourself working behind glass with people watching you as you do in the Paleo Prep Labs? What’s it like to be doing cuttingedge research and educating the public at once in real time? It is my own opinion that the education part of the job is the most important. Without communicating our findings to our visitors, my work means nothing. By being accessible to everyone, we promote science to children, parents, students, all ages, and all backgrounds through these fossils. Dinosaurs have mass appeal, and thanks to that, we can be a gateway for young future scientists wanting to do the kind of work that I do.

Santa Up a Ladder art

VINTAGE:1930

Resides at The Saturday Evening Post archives in Westview

IN 1971, operations of The Saturday Evening Post moved from Philadelphia to the west side of Indianapolis. The Post’s offices also house Curtis Publishing, its licensing division. This easel-style mantel decoration manufactured by Bethany Lowe Designs, a motherdaughter team specializing in holiday home items, is one example of the many types of products licensed. It shows off the artwork of J. C. Leyendecker that appeared on the December 20, 1930, cover of the Post. Norman Rockwell is synonymous with the publication, but it was really Leyendecker—his mentor— who made its covers iconic. The German immigrant was gifted with natural talent, painting 322 covers, the first in 1899. His beloved illustrations depicted holiday scenes, cherubic babies, tableaus of everyday American life, and sports and war heroes. Long before the Coca-Cola version of Santa, Leyendecker portrayed the rosy-cheeked, loving figure we picture today. If you look closely at Santa Up a Ladder, you can see that Mr. Claus is wearing a fake beard. It seems it was Dad who got called out by the family pooch.

—CHRISTINA VERCELLETTO

Photo by TONY VALAINIS

ARTIFACT

BRIDAL EXPO

FEBRUARY 1st

PreRegister Online

for the largest bridal event in Indianapolis

Free Admission

A day full of wedding planning fun and excitement all at no cost! Bring your friends and family along. Admission is free for all.

Top Wedding Specialists

Over 100 of the top wedding specialists in Indianapolis will be on hand to help you plan the wedding of your dreams.

Samples & Prizes

Runway fashions, food samples and demonstrations. Be eligible for door prizes when you register for free admission online!

(1) Indiana Pastoral Ongoing through December 19

The late Lamar Richcreek’s photographs at the David Owsley Museum of Art frame the transformation of family farms. His romanticized point of view came from growing up on his grandfather’s Central Indiana farm. bsu.edu

(2) David Foster & Katharine McPhee

December 2

(3) Holiday Author Fair

December 6

(4) Jane Lynch’s A Swingin’ Little Christmas

(5) The Nutcracker

December 18–23

The Indianapolis Ballet brings the “March of the Toy Soldiers” and the Sugar Plum Fairy to thrilling life on stage at Clowes Memorial Hall indyballet.org THIS MONTH’S CAN’T–MISS EVENTS

The husband-and-wife team of 16-time Grammywinner David Foster and American Idol alum and Broadway star Katharine McPhee take their show to Payne & Mencias Palladium thecenterpresents.org

The gathering of more than 60 writers at the Indiana History Center will showcase an array of literary genres. Make the visit extra merry with a stop at the Festival of Trees. indianahistory.org

December 9

Laughs and seasonal music await at the Brown County Music Center, courtesy of Jane Lynch of Glee and Kate Flannery of The Office browncountymusic center.com

WANTED

Reign Supreme

Make a statement in the Supreme x The North Face Split Taped Jacket. collabs are always highly anticipated because they merge Supreme’s infl in streetwear with The North Face’s reputation for performance,” says The Hype Vault co-owner Angel Tapia, pictured. The three-layer coat has a full-zip hood and interior pouch pocket and is easily adjustable, with an elastic shock cord at the hood and hem and Velcro cuff tabs. “We focus on making hard-to-find sneakers, apparel, and accessories accessible locally,” adds Tapia. “Long term, we hope to build a community around the culture … not just selling products but also giving people a space to connect over shared interest in fashion.” $650. The Hype Vault, 1447 E. Main St., Brownsburg —CHRISTINA VERCELLETTO

Photo by TONY VALAINIS

( SHOP TALK )

LEAH CRANE

Vocalist

Sparkling Comeback

BY CHRISTINA VERCELLETTO

WHERE DID YOU FIND YOUR FESTIVE OUTFIT?

THE BELOVED 106-YEAR-OLD WINDSOR JEWELRY SHINES ANEW.

Rent the Runway. I’m basically a commitmentphobe with excellent taste.

WHEN LOCAL mainstay Windsor Jewelry was reopened by Fernanda Beraldi and Ed Broecker in August—with the original staff—generations of bauble enthusiasts sighed with relief. Lately, the shop, still in the same historic building adjacent to Monument Circle, is buzzing with browsers all day long. “That didn’t really happen before,” shares in-house designer Julie Baker. “It was pretty quiet.” The vibe shift, she thinks, is due in equal parts to an interior refresh—brighter, with the original travertine floors revealed and cool furnishings from Midland Arts & Antiques Market added—and new brands. “We’ve brought in modern lines, like Svetlana Lazar, and the majority of those designers are women,” says Baker. “Shoppers are having more fun.” Trends like engraving and custom work are on the rise, as well as pieces that can be worn every day. “If you’re spending money on jewelry, you want something that’s versatile,” says Baker. “It’s no longer that you’re taking a necklace out of the jewelry box, wearing it for a fancy dinner out, and then putting it back for six months.”

HAVE YOU TAKEN FASHION INSPIRATION FROM A PIECE YOU’VE SUNG?

ring, $2,725 (4) Byzantineinspired Cardinal drop earrings, $4,130

Singing salsa gives me an excuse to channel my inner Celia Cruz, minus the wigs. My style is simpler, but I try to sneak in that little extra kick with sparkle, leather, or ruffles.

WHAT CHILDHOOD TREND WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MAKE A COMEBACK?

Punky Brewster was my style icon—chaotic colors and mismatched socks. These days, I’m more “Punky goes to a board meeting,” but I still admire her fearless whimsy.

SCOUTED

(1) Lapis lazuli heart pendant, $1,050 (2) Jasper and garnet leopard earrings, $14,000 (3) Moonstone and sapphire

High-End Design Meets the Flavors of Japan at Okonori

OKONORI JAPANESE HIGH KITCHEN BRINGS A SOPHISTICATED JAPANESE DINING EXPERIENCE TO CARMEL.

A NEW UPSCALE STEAKHOUSE and sushi bar has set up shop in an enviable Carmel location. Part of The Corner, a mixed-use Kite Realty Group property at 116th Street and Rangeline Road, Okonori Japanese High by exquisite food, a sophisticated atmosphere, and thoughtful service.

Under the direction of Kimmie Chang, Unik Works Hospitality Design & Build Firm was tasked with bringing the concept to life. Okonori is also the result of a partnership with Hui Zheng and Kevin Zheng, young owners of Nori Japanese Steakhouse who share the same dream of uplifting the culinary fabric of Carmel.

“The original vision was not just for a Japanese restaurant but a whole team of creative people working together to produce an unforgettable dining impression, and hopefully we’ll attract diners from all around the state.”

Although she’s worked in the design industry for more than two decades, commercial restaurants are a fairly new endeavor for Chang, adding a new specialty to her client list of high-end spas and nail salons.

Okonori is her latest addition to a growing portfolio of dining projects that includes Kyuramen and Sake Maru in Indianapolis, Cafe Noricha in Noblesville, and Nashville, Tennessee–based Kumo.

Breaking ground on the project in April, Chang drew inspiration from her own Hong Kong heritage

manifest something uniquely new and distinctive. As a commercial agent with construction management

craft and ship all the custom-made furnishings and decor. The resulting interior is decidedly sleek, with plush banquette seating in shades of deep green (“nori,” after all, means seaweed in Japanese),

and a slatted wood ceiling feature anchoring an open dining room that feels expansive yet intimate.

A sunken nook along the front windows allows for stylish tatami dining with low tables and cushioned

wood counter in the far back corner accommodates omakase service, and when the outdoor patio is completely built out, it will bring the total seating

of the traditional Japanese dining ethos.

“The original vision was not just for a Japanese restaurant but a whole team of creative people working together to produce an unforgettable dining experience.

”Menu development received the same care and the setting, culminating in a collection of artful plates and beverages every bit as pleasing to look at as they are to eat. Small plate options cover vegetables and both hot and cold seafood preparations in addition to a selection of sashimi, nigiri, and shareable sushi “sets” for convivial meals. Sake, whiskey, wine, beer, and inventive craft cocktails prove the perfect drinkable counterpoints.

- Kimmie Chang, Unik Works Hospitality Design & Build Firm

Overall, Chang couldn’t be happier with Okonori’s chic result and is quick to credit her partnership with Kite Realty Group for its valuable support.

“They really pushed me to another level,” she says. “It was a good experience.”

1685 E. 116TH, CARMEL, IN 46032

(1) Protein-rich, preservative-free Christmas cookies for dogs? Yip, please.

$3–7.50 each. Woof Gang Bakery, 1378 S. Rangeline Rd., Carmel, 317-660-2636

(2) Eugene is all set to sample the goodies in his Official Cookie Tester Bandana. Flip it over for a Thanksgiving pie design. $8. Sullivan Hardware & Garden, multiple locations

Make Merry

TREAT YOUR FUZZY FRIEND TO THESE PURR- AND WAG-WORTHY GIFTS.

BY CHRISTINA VERCELLETTO

(3) Violet feels all the hygge vibes in her cozy Cat Cove. (She especially appreciates the grippy bottom that keeps it from moving.)

$30. Petsmart, multiple locations

(4) Eugene prefers a festive, yet comfy, party look. You’ll find him waiting under the mistletoe in his Play On silver-star jammies $24. Pet Supplies Plus, multiple locations

(5) Tuck a P.L.A.Y. yule log into his stocking. It unrolls, crinkles, and squeaks, a welcome distraction from your new slippers. $15. Paws Stop, 8909 Pendleton Pike, 317-898-4436

(6) Violet is rocking around the ... Merry Makings cat scratch post Little wonder: It comes with a pouch of catnip for sprinkling. $30. Petco, multiple locations

PET PROJECT

Modern Marvel

A HOME WITH A UNIQUE PAVILION DESIGNS AWAITS IN WOODSY GREENWOOD.

BY JEANA HARRIS

THE DESIGN brief was straightforward: a three-level, modernstyle home that would accommodate a young family of four for the long term. That was 20 years ago, yet this home remains evergreen. The timelessness is a testament to the skills of its architect, John Lindstaedt. Interestingly, Lindstaedt’s career focus was in the commercial and government sectors, not private residences. A family connection brought him to this project, allowing his ideas to shine in an unexpected but refreshing way.

The home rests on more than 3 wooded acres with hiking trails, an oasis of seclusion in a busy area. A color palette of earth tones allows the home to blend into the surroundings, but its crisp lines and cantilevered roof provide impressive visual impact. This isn’t a run-of-the-mill modern design. Great architectural interest is found in its unique pavilion concept.

The home maintains its comfortable flow by utilizing expansive glass, open

5528 State Road 144, Greenwood PRICE

$1.75 million AGENT

Kate Benson Keller-Williams 317-565-9771

stairwells, and a central atrium that connects the main living space to the bedrooms above it. An eye-catching breezeway bridges the second-floor rooms. The primary sits on the first floor, while three additional bedrooms are upstairs. With more than 6,200 square feet of living space, the sense of cohesion is impressive.

Realtor Kate Benson also admires the exceptional quality of the materials and the craftsmanship. “All of the cabinetry is custom commercial, so there are no signs of wear and tear. All the wood in the home looks like it did the day it was installed,” she says.

Attention to detail shines in features like heated floors throughout (including the garage), custom shades, and solid core commercial interior doors. Each room is illuminated by natural light. The drywall finish appears trim-less with Architectural F Reveal Bead—used to get a sharp, flawless edge. When you combine architectural excellence with such a serene lot, the result “is spectacular,” Benson says. “It’s a house I will never forget.”

REALTY CHECK

ADDRESS

on the market

Caribbean Jewel

WITH A WEEKLY SATURDAY NONSTOP ON AMERICAN STARTING DECEMBER 6, A TROPICAL ESCAPE IS A BREEZE. BY

WEDGED between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean along the Dominican Republic’s easternmost tip, Punta Cana (godominicanrepublic.com) is a vibrant resort destination. Bávaro Beach, Uvero Alto Beach, and Arena Gorda Beach are fl anked by glamorous vacation properties— Excellence Punta Cana (excellenceresorts.com) boasts swim-up suites—while Macao Beach is a major surfi ng stretch that’s more laid-back. With one of the Caribbean’s longest alabaster sand coastlines, Punta Cana’s waters are a vast playground for swimming, snorkeling, diving, and sailing. Take a catamaran excursion (happyfi shcatamarans.com) to Saona Island, a protected area that’s part of Cotubanamá National Park and inhabited only by the residents of the fi shing village

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

FLYING TIME

MICHELE HERRMANN

Mano Juan and turtles in a sanctuary. The Caribe Taino Underwater Museum hides grand coral-encrusted statues by Dominican artist Thimo Pimentel under the waves, while Cap Cana (capcana.com) is the site of the lush Scape Park and its Instagram-famous Hoyo Azul cenote. You’ll fi nd plenty to do on terra fi rma too. The Dominican Republic has more golf courses than any country in the Caribbean, some world-class. The Puntacana Resort (puntacana. com) Corales Golf Club, in fact, hosted the Dominican Republic’s fi rst PGA Tour event earlier this year. Not much of a putt er? Book one of the off-road or cultural tours offered by Punta Cana Adventures (puntacanaadventures.com). The Segway tour of Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve is a popular activity. Spot fauna like rhino iguanas and heft y hermit crabs, then take a dip in the glassy lagoon.

IF YOU GO

SLEEP The justrenovated Club Med Punta Cana (clubmed .us) has the boho-chic Buena Vista Lounge with 360-degree ocean views.

DINE Jellyfish (jellyfishrestaurant .com) offers beachfront tables. Consider the Cava Langoustine.

SIP Ron Barceló (ronbarcelo.com/en/ tours) in San Pedro de Macorís holds rum production tours.

SAVOR Cigar lovers flock to Don Lucas (donlucascigars.com .do) to stock up.

Peek through the looking glass at KOKOMO OPALESCENT GLASS and see where masterpieces inside the Vatican were created. Guided tours give a firsthand look at the craftsmanship behind turning molten glass into art. Try your hand at kaleidoscope or stained glass making, or visit the gift shop for a locally made piece of your own. kog.com —LIV WININGER

TRAVELER

SPOTLIGHT ON INDY BUSINESS

RESTAURANT

Bluebeard

An award-winning restaurant for people with an appetite for adventure

653 Virginia Ave., Indianapolis | bluebeardindy

AUTO DETAILING

DAN’S Automotive Detail

Interior and exterior vehicle-cleaning specialists, with free pickup and delivery in Hamilton County, Geist, and Zionsville—We work around your schedule. Noblesville, IN | dansdetail.info | 317-650-8888

CHILDREN’S CLOTHING

Little Tulip Tree

A Beaufort Bonnet Company Signature Store

offering clothing for babies and children with a refined sense of style

840 S. Rangeline Rd., Carmel | littletuliptree.com

Support independently owned businesses with this go-to guide to local shops, personal services, dining and nightlife establishments, and more.

PERSONAL TRAINING

Body Outfitters

Experts who build your confidence, strength, and deliver results 8487 Union Chapel Rd., Indianapolis bodyoutfitters | bodyoutfitters.com

RESTAURANT

Goodness Gracious

A comforting breakfast and lunch restaurant offering catering, events, and curated picnics 24 N. Rangeline Rd., Carmel i_love_goodnessgracious

BARBER SHOP

Magic Hat Barber Shop

A premium barber shop prized for its attentive service & selection of grooming products from Brosh Pomade, D.S. & Durga, Ursa Major, and more 885 Monon Green Blvd., Ste. 101, Carmel magichatbarbershop

Chef Alex Teague

Private chef specializing in high-end dinner parties, catering, meal prep, short- and long-term private chef roles, and more in the Indy metro area and beyond Indy Metro Area | chefalexteague.com

FLORAL & WEDDING PLANNING

Jen’s Floral Design

Offering unique, personalized floral arrangements and wedding planning Fishers, IN | jensfloraldesign | jensfloral.com

FACIAL SPA

The Only Facial

An 11-step custom facial service providing honest advice and no upselling, with gratuity included 3742 E. 82nd St., Indianapolis | theonlyfacial.com

PRIVATE CHEF & MEAL PREP

RESTAURANT

Pizzology

Pizzology Cra Pizza + Pub is a chef-driven pizzeria with unique pastas, salads, cra cocktails, and more. 13190 Hazel Dell Pkwy., Carmel | pizzologyindy.com

WINE BAR

Solely Wine

A wine bar & retail shop specializing in wines that are organic, natural, biodynamic, and produced in a sustainable manner

1106 E. 16th St., Ste. 100, Indianapolis | solely_wine

HOME BOUTIQUE

Urban Homestead

At Urban Homestead, find home decor thoughtfully curated to reflect timeless sophistication and warmth. 114 East Jefferson St., Tipton, IN urbanhomesteadllc

PERSONAL LAUNDRY SERVICE

Your Laundry Valet

Your Laundry Valet offers pickup and delivery laundry services so you can have your time back. Noblesville, IN | yourlaundryvalet.com

BOUTIQUE &

Salt & Ash Market

A trendy boutique with local gi s and apparel, plus handcra ed soap and body care made in-house 1011 Massachusetts Ave., Ste. 111 | saltandashmarket

RESTAURANT

CAT CAFE AND COFFEE SHOP

Smitten Kitten

Smitten Kitten helps reduce the number of surrendered, abandoned, and homeless cats by fostering a peaceful, cage-free, interactive environment for both adopters and cats. 7852 E. 96th St., Fishers | fisherscatcafe

CANDLE POURING & RETAIL SHOP

TWEN T Y TAP CRAFT

BAR.

Twenty Tap

A neighborhood scratch kitchen offering a unique selection of cra beers and cocktails in Meridian-Kessler

5408 N. College Ave., Indianapolis | twentytap.com

MEDICAL SPA

Wise Aesthetics

A luxurious medical spa with personalized care, ensuring your unique beauty and wellness goals are met with excellence Carmel, IN | wise-aesthetics.com

Unplug Soy Candles

POUR. PLAY. SHOP. Create memories, gi joy! 12550 Promise Creek Ln., Ste. 108, Fishers unplugsoycandles.com | unplugsoycandles

Yours For The Making

A fun art studio offering painting, beading, wreath making workshops, parties, and so much more 13620 N. Meridian St., Carmel YoursForTheMaking.co

SPOTLIGHT YOUR INDY BUSINESS WITH INDIANAPOLIS MONTHLY

To advertise, email hwhitney@indianapolismonthly.com

ART STUDIO

THE DISH

Fly Away

Farmers market favorite 4 Birds Bakery took things to the next level this fall when it moved into The Garage, launching a bustling counter in the center of the Bottleworks food hall. “All our baked goods are front and center,” founder Jenna Unrue says of the space, which also offers a full coffee program and house-made chai. In December, the shop’s star offering is this collaboration with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra for its Yuletide Celebration, a minty take on 4 Birds’ popular Chocolate Fudge Cookie. “It tastes like a little bit of Christmas,” Unrue says. An extra gift: The sweet treat is also gluten-free. 906 Carrollton Ave., 4birdsbakery.com —EVE BATEY

SWOON

Photo by TONY VALAINIS

( NEW IN TOWN )

Up to Speed

AN INDY CATERING STANDBY HAS OPENED A LOW-KEY TACO SHOP. BY

EVE BATEY

ISAAC DANIEL was working in marketing when two bad tacos changed his life. “I had an early lunch meeting at a downtown taco shop, and it was awful,” he says. “Then I had a late lunch meeting—at a different taco shop—and it was terrible, too.” Galvanized by the experience, he started investigating what it took to create the ideal version of the handheld dish.

His first company, Tomorrow Tacos, served office workers; from that came the Pronto Taco food truck, a catering business focused on quality, freshness, and speed of preparation. “We don’t have a permanent pop-up spot,” Daniel says, “so when people asked where they could regularly find us, I knew we were missing the chance to become part of their weekly routine.”

So Daniel pivoted again, quietly opening a walk-up shop in recent months for carryout and delivery tacos and combo meals. It’s been such a success that Daniel is already mulling an eat-in restaurant as Pronto evolves. But not quite yet, he says. “We’re just taking things one taco at a time.” 403 Main St., Beech Grove, 317-902-1772, prontotaco.com

PINCH OF WISDOM

“When you’re entertaining, you don’t need to offer every beer, wine, and cocktail on the planet. Just offer a select few and remember: People are gathering to socialize. They might not even remember what drinks you served.”

( ROAD TRIP )

Sweet Surprise

A Louisville institution has moved into the breakfast business.

THE FISH HOUSE has been a Louisville standby for three decades, serving up Green River–style fried fish (the distinction is a cracked pepper cornmeal crust) to loyal locals and tourists drawn by founder David Hilsenrad’s friendly service and high standards. When his son, Adam, joined the business, he didn’t push to change any of the spot’s current offerings—but as an experiment, he tried out a weekend breakfast pop-up on the site, calling it Cafe Beignet. It was a hit. They’ve since made the morning offerings a permanent deal and expanded the menu beyond its namesake fluffy doughnuts into a full-fledged roster of egg dishes, potato pancakes, and sausage. “It’s extremely unique and eclectic,” Hilsenrad admits of the co-habitating businesses.

“But it works.” 1310 Winter Ave., Louisville, 502-568-2993, fishhouselouisville.com –E.B.

SOUTH SIDE SWAP Southport’s The Mocha Nut Coffee Shop has expanded into Beech Grove, opening in the space last occupied by Silver Linings Coffeehouse.

BOWL TIME Japanese rice-bowl chain Sutadonya has entered the Indy market with Legacy Tokyo, newly opened in the Factory Arts North building. In addition to bowls, expect gyoza, noodles, and curries. –E.B.

–Melissa Libs, founder of Vino Mobile Bar

TASTE TEST

Bringing Home The Bacon

IS THE BLT A PERFECT SANDWICH? WE THINK SO. HIT THESE LOCAL SPOTS FOR SOME OF THE BEST IN TOWN.

BY AMY LYNCH

Joe’s Butcher Shop

The House BLT at this butcher shop and deli boasts candied bacon, sweet bibb lettuce, heirloom tomatoes, and avocado on toasted sourdough, with garlic aioli replacing the usual mayo. Patience is a virtue when ordering. “It takes time to make a high-quality and consistently marvelous BLT,” says owner Joe Lazzara. 111 W. Main St., Carmel, 317-846-8877, joesbutchershop.com

Fat Dan’s Deli

For purists, Fat Dan’s House

Smoked BLT is everything you want for lunch. Or dinner. Or any old time. It doesn’t get more traditional—or delicious— than a stack of smoky bacon, tomato, and lettuce with mayo on multigrain bread that’s been brushed with butter and toasted just so. Multiple locations, fatdansdeli.com

The Oakmont

Available during weekend brunch hours, the Breakfast BLT puts a morning spin on the classic with thick sugar-cured bacon, shredded romaine, tomato, pickled onions, and garlic aioli on challah from Scholars Inn. An egg cooked to order is the icing on the sandwich. We recommend a pail of Parmesan truffle fries on the side. 323 N. Delaware St., 317-746-6097, theoakmontindy.com

Taxman Brewing Co.

In addition to crispy bacon, shredded lettuce, and vine-ripened tomato, Taxman’s BLT brings goat cheese, truffle aioli, and a grilled Atlantic salmon filet to the party.

“The buttery mouthfeel of the salmon balances the salty crunch of the bacon, the freshness of the veggies brightens, and the garlicky aioli ties it all together,” says spokesperson Juliana Silva. Multiple locations, taxmanbrewing.com

The Knuckle Sandwich

With a whopping eight (!) strips of applewood-smoked bacon, iceberg lettuce, tomato, and a generous schmear of mayo, the Big Bopper BLT at this fun ’50s-style diner is not messing around. The secret sauce?

The bread is grilled, not toasted.

(Don’t worry—a smaller version is available for those with less of an appetite.) 5116 N. State Rd. 135, Bargersville, 317-530-5627

Photo by JES NIJJER

Flower Power

A LONG-AWAITED AND AMBITIOUS RESTAURANT LAUNCHES IN WINDSOR PARK.

BY TERRY KIRTS

DAISY BAR , Jon Carlos Rangel’s newest, most ambitious food-and-drinks endeavor on the west end of the Factory Arts District, was more than ready for business when it opened this September. The longtime La Margarita co-owner conceived of the spot almost a decade ago, imagining the bright, colorful space and welcoming vibe as he previewed the menu at pop-ups. But unforeseen challenges and construction delays pushed the opening date months later than planned. “Countless days, I’d drive by hoping to see a truck in

the lot or some contractors working inside,” Rangel says. “Even the smallest bit of progress gave me hope.”

Rangel’s persistence with the project, which he describes as a convivial, modern take on the great American diner, has definitely paid off. The slender, funky layout with a spacious patio opens onto the intersection of Mass Ave and 10th Street, part of the ever-evolving Factory Arts complex. The cheery decor, with a distinctive blue and yellow, flower and leopard logo and vibrant framed tapestries, was overseen by local creative studio Guide & Anchor, with as many local artisans as Rangel could get

DAISY BAR 1125 Massachusetts Ave. 317-390-4002 daisybarindy.com

HOURS Mon-Sun, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

VIBE

New wave diner

TASTING NOTES

Funky, fashionforward all-day dining and hangout space with dolled-up comfort classics at lunch and globally inspired small plates and family-style suppers at night

NEIGHBORHOOD

Windsor Park

MUST-ORDER

A generous, nottoo-sloppy chopped cheese with candied chiles; light-as-air savory churros with flaked salmon and French onion creme fraiche; a familystyle plate of pork belly with a tikka masala sauce and house naan; tender, rich ricotta doughnuts with sweet apple curd and a dusting of grated Gjetost cheese

3-STAR RATING

Tikka masala pork jowl (left); the Frooty Buffalo and Windsor Sling cocktails (right)

to contribute. Custom lamps are from KG Clay Co., and a menu board is from nearby Jamie Locke Art. By almost every measure, Daisy Bar feels like the anchor restaurant of a developing arts community.

Two notable chefs oversee Daisy Bar’s kitchen: La Margarita’s Kirk Engledow handles lunch, while Andrew Horstmann (Delicia, Rook) is on deck for dinner. The menus are connected by Rangel’s longstanding commitment to fresh, scratch-made dishes with quality components. Salads, sandwiches, and snacks, as well as a quartet of breakfast options, marry daytime comfort with polish, demonstrated beautifully in a two-patty burger enriched with deeply caramelized onions, Wisconsin sharp American cheese, and a tangy Daisy sauce, accompanied with audibly crackly fries with a feather-soft interior owing to an initial blanch and then two trips to the fryer. Engledow’s take on the East Coast–style chopped cheese is lighter than expected with Koreaninspired bulgogi, a judicious amount of melted cheese, and candied chiles on a hoagie roll. Could the roll be a bit softer? Sure, but it’s a lunch you won’t soon forget. A generous mound of pimento cheese with several slices of

Photos by TONY VALAINIS

house focaccia is another good bet, as are salads, including a breadcrumb-dusted romaine preparation with a restrained buttermilk and blue cheese dressing.

Evening offerings fuse small plate and family-style dining. Sturdy yet fluffy savory churros come mingled with flaked Verlasso salmon and a cooling, oniony creme fraiche. “Birria” mandu, Korean style dumplings in a bold soy consommé, are filled with ground pork, not the expected beef or lamb. Horstmann’s expanding options for Indy’s vegetarians include heirloom carrots alchemized into some pretty tasty “pastrami,” as well as a plate of the season’s best tomatoes grilled and dressed up with sour cream, pickled onions, and a mild salsa macha. Omnivores would do well to split his hearty South-meetsSouth-Asia platter of confit pork jowl in a cinnamon-forward tikka masala with airy house naan, crunchy pickles, and a raita-like cream sauce.

For a finish or afternoon pick-me-up, the familiar ricotta doughnut gets welcome updates with not-too-sweet brown butter apple curd and a grating of caramelized Gjetost cheese. And a small set of well-shaken cocktails with oversight from longtime La Margarita manager Luke Schneider includes the Frooty Buf-

falo, mingling whiskey with mango and passionfruit, and the delightfully vegetal Windsor Sling with gin, mezcal, celery bitters, and punchy poblano liqueur.

The 12-hour-a-day, seven-day schedule means Daisy Bar seeks foot traffic for more than meals. “I’m picturing workfrom-home folks hanging with a coffee or a cocktail and their laptop,” Rangel says, “but I also hope we’re special enough for a celebration.” Those in the neighborhood and the city who watched Rangel’s ideas percolate over the last few years are definitely celebrating.

Clockwise from top left: Jon-Carlos Rangel; Daisy Bar’s burger; churros; ricotta doughnuts; the dining room

We’re back to celebrate another year’s worth of Indianapolis superlatives, from the MVPs of women’s sports, to the slickest park slides, to the dirtiest sodas.

Nail art, hand-painted with sculpted wire letters, by Mani Maeve.

MODEL

DAYANARA LÓPEZ/HWA

By Eve Batey, Brian Garrido, Camille Graves, Myla Han, Lou Harry, Terry Kirts, Clay Maxfield, Andrea Ratcliff, Julia Spalding, and Christina Vercellett o

Photos by Tony Valainis

Hair Tutorial

Keystone at the Crossing salon Sit Still focuses on children’s haircuts, with bright decor, loads of toys, and special chairs shaped like cars for the tiniest clients. The space is adorable but not nearly as cute as the $45 Dads & Do’s class the salon offers. The participants are grown men who show up with their young daughters in tow for a group lesson on brushing and braiding their little darlings’ hair. The stylist-led class includes snacks, drinks, a goodie bag to take home, and (hopefully) zero tears. 8687 River Crossing Blvd., 317739-4945, sitstillkids.com

Skateboard Shop

Versed, a new skate shop in Fountain Square, is like a Thrasher-approved boutique for anyone in the market for a new deck cool enough to mount on the wall, some fresh Vans, or just a kick flip back in time to their gummy-wheeled

youth. The owners even keep a vintage skate-wear side business, well-stocked with refurbished Nikes and Tommy Hilfiger zip-ups. 1006 Virginia Ave., 317-8439980, versedboardshop.com

Climbing Gear

Roam & Stow inside North Mass Boulder is Indy’s go-to for top-tier gear and apparel. Sellling hoodies, hats, stylish rubber-soled shoes, and deep-pocketed shorts from brands like Prana, Roark, Howler Bros, and Parks Project, it’s an inspirational spot to prep for your next climb—indoor or out. 1411 Roosevelt Ave., 317-9536667, roamandstow.com

Outdoor Market

Lovers of vintage fashion and handmade goods know to mark their calendars for the seasonal pop-ups that take over the parking lot outside Carmel consignment shop Amanda’s Exchange. Scores of local vendors set up their wares during Amanda’s

Best Nail Art

Meet the artists who are turning fingertips into canvases.

Mani Maeve

Working out of her Broad Ripple studio, Tisane Body, Mani Maeve is known for handpainted gel designs inspired by art, fashion, and nature. She also crafts intricate freestyle looks, like tortoiseshell, metallic leaf, and funky typography, combining fine art technique with custom couture sets. 6251 Winthrop Ave., 317622-0908, manimaeve.com

Nails by Neat

Led by owner Lindsay Wainscott, this Factory Arts North salon is known for blending artistry with fastidious nail care. Every service begins with expert prep and ends with moisturized, polished perfection. The designs are intricate and tidy, whether they involve boldly hued geometric shapes or sweet “vanilla girl” neutrals. 1125 E. Brookside Ave., nailsbyneat.com

ANALOG SHOP

City Nail Bar

Known for precision and flawless technique, City Nail Bar now offers two polished locations. The licensed nail technicians are as skilled at artistic add-ons (think metallic talons or a set of individual cowboy motif nails that includes a cute bandana print) as they are at providing stunning classic manicures. 71 N. New Jersey St., 317-426-3890; 1710 S. East St., 317-734-5105; mycitynailbar.com

The Coven Room

Not surprisingly, owner and “nail witch” Dani Hellmann is known for her spooky goth designs—skulls, spiderwebs, dripping blood, Freddy Krueger sweater stripes—but she is just as accomplished when it comes to a flawless glass nail. A certified master manicurist, she specializes in gel, Gel-X, and natural nail health. 8555 River Rd., 317-775-5971

A year after opening, Indy Type Shop is energizing Garfield Park with programs such as a First Friday poetry open mic and family-friendly Type-Ins. Every second Sunday of the month is Trade Day with neighbor Pen and Pink Vintage. The latest—but surely not the last—program is Cutting Words, a haiku club that combines writing with mindfulness and nature walks in Garfield Park. 2621 Shelby St., 317-296-3898

The striking set of nails at left and on our cover is the work of Broad Ripple nail artist Mani Maeve.

Downward Spiral

A red spiral slide inside the new Midtown Benge’s Ace Hardware delivers you to the lower level. Sure, there are stairs, but why take those when you can travel by the seat of your Carhartts? 3902 N. Illinois St., 317-644-3324, acehardware.com

Museum Store

Step into the Eiteljorg’s Frank & Katrina Basile Museum Store to be met with stunning Nativemade works, from Zapotec rugs, to baskets by Brownsburg weaver Susan Charlesworth, to heirloom wool blankets. 500 W. Washington St., eiteljorg.org

New Toy Shop

The former State Bank on Mass Ave is known as a spot John Dillinger once robbed. These days, Goodies & Giggles steals kids away from screens with toys and educational playthings. 811 Massachusetts Ave, 317-2891226, goodiesandgiggles.com

Market, offering everything from jewelry, to sustainable floral arrangements, to hand-poured candles. Even the food trucks and coffee slingers who provide sustenance during the marathon shopping spree are strictly Indiana-based. 715 E. Carmel Dr., Carmel, 317-5734400, amandasexchange.shop

Trinkets

Temporarily tucked inside the Stutz Building as part of the St’Artup 317 retail accelerator program, Lapis Lily Market is fi lled with charming tiny things and nostalgic treasures also available in an online shop. Owner Amber GyselinckSnyder is a lifelong collector of stuff, a creative passion that she has also parlayed into Trinket Club Indy—a regularly scheduled meetup for fellow connoisseurs of teensy figurines, charms, googly eyes, Kewpie dolls, and other litt le prett ies. 1060 N. Capitol Ave., lapislilymarket.com

Vintage Team Apparel

Peyton-era Colts fans and Reggie-era Pacers fans will fi nd plenty to cheer about amid the racks of The Vintage Vagabond. The snug, Blackowned shop on the east side is loaded with curated secondhand treasures, including Negro league baseball jerseys, colorful Indy 500–adjacent racing team jackets, Circle City Classic swag, retro college sweatshirts, and a selection of boldly colored Coogi sweaters sure to impress. 5049 E. 10th St., 463-2026643, thevtgvagabond.com

beauty store Bluemercury, and The Lash Lounge. Fast casual chain restaurants Culinary Dropout and Flower Child planted their fl ags next to Whole Foods Market, while hometown favorite Bagel Fair received its own sleek upgrade. It’s just what we need to abandon our Amazon carts mid-purchase. kiterealty .com/properties/nora-plaza

Hardware Store

“I can’t wait to go to the hardware store,” says no one ever—unless it’s Sullivan Hardware & Garden. What makes this home, yard, and gift general store and cafe

special? The family-run institution leans into what big box stores don’t do well: plants, patio furniture and grills, high-end holiday decor, and personal service. Don’t miss events like Ladies Night, the Big Green Eggfest, and the Sullivan North Pole Express, when giddy litt les frolic in festive PJs. 6955 N. Keystone Ave., 317-2559230, sullivanhardware.com

Toy Store for Big Kids

With 13,000 square feet of toys, figures, and memorabilia, The Toy Pit—which relocated from Castleton to the corner of 38th Street and College

STICKERS

Strip Mall Overhaul

Kite Realty Group’s six-year, $29 million modernization of the 65-year-old Nora Plaza transformed the northside center into a spiff y magnet for new shops like West Elm, Williams Sonoma, luxury

The adhesive pieces of flair created by local Bolts and Stars transform a plain phone case or water bottle into a work of art. The adorable vinyl designs include a series of slaps celebrating Indianapolis neighborhoods, stick-on versions of downtown’s Soldiers & Sailors Monument, summer camp–style Indiana pennants, and the polysemous Midwestern expression “ope.” boltsandstars.com

TERRARIUMS

Natural elements like moss, dried flowers, and tree bark meet luna moths, crystals, beetles, and animal skulls in spellbinding, glassencased miniature wonderlands by Above and Below Oddities, available at local shops The Source Indy, Hampton & Co., BaZaar Oh! Vintage, as well as festivals, art fairs, and pop-up markets. Don’t miss the stunning selection of dreamy framed butterflies.

Avenue this year—is a collector’s paradise. This massive superstore offers aisle aft er aisle, glass case aft er glass case of treasures, from vintage Star Wars sets to the latest anime releases. Throw in a vinyl record section, pinball machines, and a traffic-stopping exterior mural painted by

local artist Kwazar Martin, and you have the makings of an epic adventure. 3827 N. College Ave., 317-7038697, yourtoypit.com

Cat Clinic

Mugsy, Tater Tot, Mewfasa, and Trilly were the felines welcomed with a colorful chalkboard message on a

recent morning at the Cat Care Clinic . The practice—a rarity in a canine-crazy world—makes life healthier for its patients and easier on their people. Dogs may not love a trip to the vet. But cats? “Can you imagine if you were so nervous that you vomited or peed or pooped yourself?” says hospital manager Sarah Stoppleworth. “The whole thing can be such an ordeal that many cats never see a vet until there’s a problem.”

The lack of barking dogs goes a long way, and Cat TV is played in the climbing tree–equipped waiting room. For extra jitt ery kitt ies, an anxietyquelching liquid or pill is sent home in advance of an appointment. 9512 Haver Way, catcareclinic.com

Spa Day

Following a health crisis, att orney Shayla Webb embraced the healing power of spa treatments like massage, aromatherapy, infrared heat, steam baths, and salt therapy. Her desire to help other people transform their lives through comforting stress relievers led her to open The AromaRoom in Carmel City Center. Standalone services are offered a la carte or can be combined into customizable packages. Aft er even a short, hourlong visit, you’ll leave feeling relaxed and reinvigorated. 762 S. Rangeline Rd., Carmel, 463291-3489, thearomaroom.us

Banners

Whether the message you display in front of your house or business celebrates the holidays, promotes your favorite sports team or event (checkered fl ags abound), shows your Indy and Hoosier pride, or makes your political beliefs crystal clear to your neighbors, Flags for Good has a theme for every fl agpole

Tim J. Harmon

(JULY 21, 1952–JUNE 20, 2025)

The title of Tim Harmon’s 2022 memoir, Boomer Boy: My Normal Life, doesn’t seem quite accurate. Born in the 1950s, he qualified as a Boomer, but he was far from ordinary. A recognizable figure on Indy’s east side, Harmon was best known as a purveyor of architectural salvage who launched Tim & Billy’s Salvage (later renamed Tim & Avi’s) in Kennedy-King in 1991. After “retiring” for six years in the aughts, he returned to open Tim & Julie’s Another Fine Mess (later renamed Tim & Company’s) on East 10th Street in 2012. A carpenter by trade, the Chicago native was also an artist, author, landlord, investor, community activist, and owner of Indy’s Teeny Statue of Liberty Museum. The final iteration of Harmon’s shop closed its doors in early August, but the museum will live on in a new space at Factory Arts District, thus keeping a torch (in this case, 650plus mini torches) lit in his memory.

The Toy Pit

The Best of Us

Best

Tattoo Artists

Getting inked in Indy has never been easier, with talented artists opening shops all over town. Here’s where to go for the best body art, from flash, to script, to tribal.

Annie Burkhard

MYTHICAL WIZARD TATTOO

This King of the Hill-obsessed artist has equal facility with custom and flash designs, especially those drenched with color. 4211 E. 62nd St., mythicalwizardtattoo.com

Kiersten Lockwood

ABYSM ART COLLECTIVE

Expect intricate black-andwhite work with a Gothic twist. Fine lines and incredible shading are both specialties. 961 N. Highland Ave.

Luis Lorenzo

ANIMATION ART STUDIO

Highly skilled in art for darker skin, Lorenzo specializes in designs from photorealistic pop culture references to anime and cartoons. 3832 N. Illinois St.

Lydia Olson

GOLDEN GOOSE TATTOO COMPANY

A former graphic designer who’s turned their skills to body art, Olson lets clean and minimal floral work rule the day. 5329 W. 10th St., 317-7466505, goldengooseindy.com

Jake Scott

DREAMLIKE INK

Delicate flora and fauna are drawn with the thinnest possible lines by an artist obsessed with the most flattering placement. 4201 Millersville Rd., dreamlikeink.setmore.com

and garden hanger. Since 2021, the local manufacturer has produced eco-friendly banners available via online order and through its vibrant Fletcher Place brick-andmortar shop. 646 Virginia Ave., flagsforgood.com

Sports Apparel

Started by IU graduate Connor Hitchcock and his wife, Christa, Homefield Apparel is a premium collegiate outfitter with more than 200 licenses for schools throughout the U.S. Combining each school’s history and the highest fabric quality, Homefield makes fashionable, comfortable retro gear and has also earned its place in your favorite athlete’s locker. homefieldapparel.com

Permanent Jewelry

BANDANAS

Bike People, a shop adjacent to Natural State Provisions that caters to stylish cyclists, carries a colorful selection of artist-designed kerchiefs from Handker. They’re perfect for wiping brows, cleaning up picnic table spills, or simply looking cool as you head out on one of the shop’s community bike rides. 414 Dorman St., 317-650-6343, bikepeopleindy.com

A visit to EverJoy stays with you, both in the form of a custom-fit bauble and a special memory. Owner Heather Moritz was inspired during a trip to Florida, where her group of friends got permanent bracelets. “I realized the best part was the experience of doing it all together.” She was right: Today, couples, friends, bridal parties, or families fill her in-home studio. EverJoy’s jewelry—claspfree and 14-karat gold–filled or sterling silver—is welded on. The studio has a range of options, from minimalist chain bracelets to anklets, necklaces, hand chains, rings, and bangles. Most can be customized with birthstones, beads, initials, decorative links, or charms. You’ll need an appointment, especially during peak times like August (off-tocollege season) and the week after Christmas, when out-of-town relatives join in the fun. Moritz also books private events. 10785 Heatherfield Dr., Fishers, everjoyjewelry.com

Kiersten Lockwood of Abysm Art Collective

Local History Podcast

Yesterday’s Indianapolis is a must-listen for anyone who loves to relax to deeply researched, locally grounded history. Host Ed Fujawa is a historian and attorney who has spent years researching the city’s past—many of his findings meticulously documented on his companion blog, Class 900: Indianapolis. Focused on information gleaned from primary sources like court records, city archives, and interviews with experts, each episode is a deep dive into a very specific (and often forgotten) corner of the city’s past, such as the 1892 fire at the National Surgical Institute where St. Elmo Steak House stands today and the Murder on the Canal case investigated by one of the first attorneys to practice in Indianapolis, Calvin Fletcher.

Best Jerseys

Plenty of Hoosier teams wowed fans last year. Doing it in style made cheering for the home team all the more aesthetically pleasing. The Fever brought back the Rebel edition Stranger Things uni, an ode to the Netflix series that takes place in Indiana, while the Butler men’s basketball team paid homage to the Racing Capital of the World with its Checker Out alternate— the classic home jersey with a checkered flag print along the sides. The Indianapolis Colts donned Indiana Nights uniforms, subtly speckled electric blue with black helmets boasting a stripe and horseshoes in the same hue.

Art House Movies

True to the idea of its namesake—a metaphysical instrument that brings people together from Hoosier author Kurt Vonnegut’s Cat’s Cradle Kan-Kan Cinema draws moviegoers who are less impressed by big Hollywood blockbusters than they are by the simple act of sitting in a dark room with like-minded folks as a story unfolds on the big screen. An anchor business in its Windsor Park neighborhood, Kan-Kan offers annual memberships (with special discounts to those who live on the surrounding eastside blocks) as well as a calendar packed with movie geekdom, from vintage film series (a Robert Redford retrospective), to award-winning documentaries (A Life Among Elephants with a live Q&A), to cinematic think pieces (a

STREET PHOTOGRAPHER

A rain-slicked downtown street at night. A bird’s eye view of the Artsgarden during the golden hour. Stein-swinging GermanFest revelers in the glow of the Athenaeum. The Indy scenes photographer Chandu Prem shares on his Instagram account (@chanduprem.arw) beautifully depict the Midwest in all its gritty, romantic glory and earned him a Downtown Indy Arts & Culture Visionary Award in 2025.

Sports Analyst

From the doldrums of the 2010s to the Pacers’ recent winning season, Caitlin Cooper, host of the Basketball, She Wrote YouTube series and blog, has been through it all and is exactly the no-nonsense analyst you want in your team’s corner.

Museum Upgrade

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum’s $60.5 million revamp crossed the finish line in April, bringing the already-essential attraction into the sensory age with interactive exhibits. 4750 W. 16th St., 463-

Emcee

Hold on to your popcorn. Olivia West, who has called games for the Indiana Fever and Pacers, the Indy Ignite, and NCAA basketball, combines passion, energy, and motivation, making her the perfect scene-setter in any sports venue.

Photographer Chandu Prem

Best Indiana-based Documentaries

This year brought a bumper crop of documentary projects on topics dear to Hoosiers’ hearts. Here are some favorites to seek out.

Beyond El Barrio

This film takes a look at the 1960s in Indy’s El Barrio neighborhood, a center for the city’s Latino community before it was displaced by urban development and freeway construction. youtube.com/@ IndianaHistoricalSociety_IHS

Capturing Their Killer: The Girls on the High Bridge

This competent introduction to the 2017 slayings of Delphi eighth graders Abigail “Abby” Williams and Liberty “Libby” German is from ABC News Studios. Hulu

The Fish Thief: A Great Lakes Mystery Oscar-winner J.K. Simmons narrates this documentary about the sudden decrease of marine life across the Great Lakes. The film features 90-year-old Indy treasure Joe King, founder of Outdoor Youth Exploration Academy. Amazon Prime

The Fox Hollow Murders: Playground of a Serial Killer

This docuseries demonstrates a thoughtful, non-sensationalized approach to alleged serial killer Herb Baumeister, with a focus on efforts to identify remains found at his Westfield home. Hulu

A Generation at War: The Civil War Era in a Northern Community

An adaptation of Ball State professor Nicole Etcheson’s book about the impact of the Civil War on Putnam County, this documentary illustrates how Hoosier families were torn between opposition to the Civil War and a moral obligation to ensure freedom for enslaved people. PBS

Book-to-Film Club viewing of Brokeback Mountain). 1258 Windsor St., 317-800-7099, kankanindy.com

Listening Room

The intimate layout of Turntable, Broad Ripple’s 18-and-up music venue that opened next door to The Vogue in 2024, appeals to audiences who like to actually listen to a live performance. Once home to Crackers Comedy Club (and run by the same production company that oversees The Vogue and Rock the Ruins), Turntable hosts both local and touring acts on their way up. Fittingly, the 400-capacity room feels like an underground speakeasy, complete with exposed-brick walls and neon signage. 6281 N. College Ave., turntableindy.com

In-House Art Gallery

Arranged inside a 100-yearold home in MapletonFall Creek, Companion is part-salon, part-sanctuary, part–conversation starter. Curated by Braydee Euliss, co-architect of Indy’s wildly successful Butter art fair, the gallery invites guests (“by event, by appointment, and by chance”) to experience contemporary Indiana art in a deeply personal way. Exhibitions spill into stairwells and the dining room and are sometimes paired with artist dinners and other intimate gatherings. 3715 Washington Blvd., thisiscompanion.com

Plein Air Artist

A one-time law student at Valparaiso who traded the courtroom for the canvas, Justin Vining has become a fixture at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Hinkle Fieldhouse, and the Indiana State Fair, where he sets up his portable easel and paints live amid the hustle and bustle. Produced in real time, his work depicts fleeting

The Fever’s Aliyah Boston walks the “orange carpet.”

FITCHECK

The WNBA pregame tunnel walks, during which paparazzi capture players as they trek to their locker rooms dressed in their civvies, are the sport’s unofficial fashion runway. What better way to be sartorially wowed by the Fever’s Lexie Hull in a Reformation mini-suit reminiscent of Clueless, Natasha Howard sporting a Louis Vuitton varsity jacket, Kelsey Mitchell modeling a custom corset made of Nike tennis shoes by designer Kellie Ford, or Sydney Colson looking dapper in a Canadian tuxedo by Ryoko Rain?

moments of Hoosier life with all the grandeur of a European landscape. In 2020, he opened Vining Gallery on the east side, hosting workshops, shows, and other events that celebrate creativity and community. 2620 E. 10th St., justinvining.com

Street Artist

Mural artist Kwazar Martin

brings color, pride, and purpose to his large-scale outdoor work. From his pop culture masterpiece on the side of The Toy Pit at 38th Street and College Avenue to his wall-size portraits of Tyrese Haliburton and Caitlin Clark on West 18th Street south of Riverside Park, Martin’s dynamic storytelling captures Indy’s spirit. kwazarmartinart.com

BOSTON, IGNITE PHOTOS BY CLAY MAXFIELD

Grown-Up Story Time

If you love having stories read to you, but you’ve outgrown Grimms’ Fairy Tales and Dr. Seuss, drop in every few months at Golden Hour Books for Naptown Story Hour, the brainchild of Butler University professor and novelist Dan Barden and longtime magazine editor and freelance writer Casey Patrick. A talented cast of local stage stars brings literary fiction to life in a cheery, casual atmosphere geared toward fun and making new bookish friends. 5208 N. College Ave., 317-4509894, naptownstoryhour.com

Sports Comeback

It originated in the heat of the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals when the alreadylegendary Reggie Miller

helped orchestrate a massive comeback win against the New York Knicks and famously clutched his throat with both hands to mock Knicks superfan Spike Lee. At that moment, The Choke etched itself into Pacers lore—a statement of defiance and swagger, ribbing an opponent who choked under pressure. The gesture resurfaced in Game 1 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals, when Indiana guard Tyrese Haliburton hit a dramatic shot to tie the game and flashed the choke sign at the Knicks bench, a true IYKYK rallying cry for hometown fans.

Home Movies

While Hoosier stories have been expertly told by Hollywood for years, there’s

Best Year in Women’s Sports

2025 introduced us to some of the fiercest athletes to ever compete on Indianapolis turf.

Following up 2024, when the Indiana Fever stepped onto the scene with a core comprised of Aliyah Boston, Caitlin Clark, and Kelsey Mitchell, the franchise’s 2025 came with even more wins, including an encore in the postseason. The organization hosted its first-ever WNBA All-Star weekend, selling out both nights of competition while also hosting fan festivities throughout the city. The Indy Ignite completed its inaugural season by making an indelible mark in the professional volleyball world, advancing to the Professional Volleyball Federation Championship. And women’s professional football came to the Hoosier state this year when the Indiana Valor joined the Women’s Football Alliance, a league of over 50 teams.

something to be said for a homegrown movie crew. That’s where Noblesville’s 12 Stars Media comes in, a documentary-focused production company that for two decades has made nonfiction films that deal with local issues like family farming and gun violence, as well as less weighty topics like growing up in the 1990s. Cofounder Rocky Walls says every movie made is intended to bring positive change to the viewer—something that’s in far too short a supply these days. 12starsmedia.com

Thing to Write Home About

Observing its 50th anniversary in 2025, the Indianapolis Postcard Club celebrates the history and value of the medium through monthly gatherings (often at Shapiro’s Delicatessen). Each meeting features a different theme, such as vintage military, comic, or theater postcards; an informative presentation by a club enthusiast; and the opportunity to buy, sell, and trade collectible postcards. Membership is $15 and includes admission to the group’s biannual postcard shows in the spring and fall. indianapolispostcardclub.com

Renaissance Theater Artist

You never know quite what to expect from Paige Scott. She acts, writes plays, composes musicals, and directs—one month creating a hilarious parody (such as her IndyFringe hit Ship of Dreams), another month setting literature to music (J. Eyre). On stage, she’s played everyone from Annie’s Miss Hannigan to Rocky Horror’s Eddie. This year, she had roles in both The Importance of Being Earnest and The Crucible while also writing songs for the Phoenix Theatre’s holiday show.

Jim Irsay

(JUNE 13, 1959–MAY 21, 2025)

Though part of the dynasty responsible for turning Indianapolis into a big league sports city, Jim Irsay’s contributions to Indy reach far beyond the football field. Sure, the Colts bagged a Super Bowl win under Irsay’s ownership, and he helped bring Lucas Oil Stadium to life. But the rock star Colts owner also made major philanthropic contributions to the city, especially in the areas of health care and youth programs. He was just as generous in sharing his poetic side, amassing a traveling collection of iconic memorabilia including guitars formerly owned by Bob Dylan and Prince, Wilson from Castaway (yes, the volleyball), the original scroll of Jack Kerouac’s On the Road, and—a nod to his own, open struggles with addiction—an original hand-edited manuscript of the Alcoholics Anonymous “Big Book.” Powerful, colorful, imperfect, Irsay left an indelible mark on Indianapolis as significant as any of his collected tokens.

The Indy Ignite professional volleyball team

ICE CREAM CROISSANT

It would be easy to dismiss this curly topped mashup as just another viral food trend. But, guys, do not sleep on the towering swirl of vanilla soft serve rising from a hollowedout croissant at the Carmel Prufrock Coffee Company. The creation sits embarrassingly high in its cup and is topped with a little beret of lamination. As the ice cream melts into the flaky layers, it creates a sweet union that is delicious down to the last, wonderfully soggy bite. 275 Veterans Way, Carmel, 317-602-3004

Alfresco Party

Fishers Flower Farm’s Secret Garden seasonal dinners are as enchanting as they sound. Hosted by mother-daughter duo Kayti Robinson and Mackenzie Baker-Robinson on their 8-acre woodland flower farm north of Indianapolis, these evenings blend rustic beauty with a four-course

transport their patrons elsewhere, but the appeal of Astrea, the indoor/outdoor venue on the 11th floor of the InterContinental hotel, is exactly how Indianapolis it is. Sip an excellent cocktail or enjoy a small plate crafted by one of the city’s best chefs as you enjoy the downtown skyline and a truly spectacular view of Monument Circle. Why would you want to be anywhere else? 17 W. Market St., 463-303-0400, astrearooftop.com

Shop for the

Sober Curious

Orangily offers a broad inventory of everything from spirits to sodas and teas, all free of booze, making it easier than ever to be a nondrinker in the Circle City, even if it’s just for one night. 5790 E. Main St., Carmel; 1051 E. 54th St.; 317-670-8661; orangily.com

Restaurant Pivot

New Pizzeria

There’s no better champion for Brooklyn’s ultra-crisp pies than Benjamin Butterworth, who visited all the borrough’s pizza shrines before opening Brooklyn Char 14765 Hazel Dell Crossing, Noblesville, 317564-0660, brooklynchar.com

meal, cocktails, and live music amid the blooms. With add-ons such as portrait photography and floral crafts, these one-off escapes are nature’s way of saying you literally need to get out more. fishersflowerfarm.com

Rooftop Bar

People often praise restaurants or bars that

After buying Nicole-Taylor’s in 2023, Erin Kem and Logan McMahon slowly started bringing their own vision to the popular pasta business. In 2025, they hit the gas, closing for a remodel and relaunching as Corridor, a lunch (and more) spot with a seasonally changing menu and influences from across Africa and the Arab world. But the beloved Nicole-Taylor’s market and pasta brand, as well as the restaurant’s evening chef’s tables dinners, remain. Truly the best of both worlds. 1134 E. 54th St., 317-257-7374, corridorindy.com

Grown-Up Slushies

SoBro brewery Half Liter has the chillest frozen cocktail game in town, with flavors far beyond the usual “red” or “blue.” The Pina Colada is spring break without leaving home, the strawberry daiquiri boasts Amaro di

Coq au Vin Josephine’s version is especially hearty and fresh, with tender, long-braised chicken that maintains its character, a chunky mirepoix, and roasted potatoes in a jus that’s not too heavy. 110 W. Main St., Carmel, 317-5483589, josephinecarmel.com

New Latin Fusion Restaurant

While restaurants from throughout Latin America abound in Indy’s dining scene, few marry the best of two great world cuisines in as cheery a way as Omar Ramirez and Luz Gonza’s Macizo 6335 Intech Commons Dr., 463-202-2853, macizorestaurant.com

Angostura, and you can marry the two in Half Liter’s Miami Vice, which blends them into a dangerously drinkable (mind the brain freeze) combination. 5301 Winthrop Ave., 463-212-8180, halfliterbbq.com

Steakhouse

Starters & Sides

Diners wanting a prelude to the bone-in main course at local chophouses are typically limited to staid salads, the soup of the day, and seafood standards such as crabcakes, oysters Rockefeller, and (ahem!) shrimp cocktail. Not so at Lone Pine, Josh Mazanowski’s inventive recent addition to Carmel City Center, which defies the steakhouse moniker at every turn. Chef Aaron Hansen’s kicky, herbaceous Pizza Mushrooms with roasted peppers and a lush basil aioli is all the best parts of a pizza, while his roasted carrots are earthy yet elevated with elegant lavender honey and tangy yogurt. And his hearty, Sunday gravy–worthy meatballs served over rich polenta will have you

wondering if you even need that ribeye after all. 710 S. Rangeline Rd., Carmel, 317907-0177, lonepinecarmel.com

Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls are harder to perfect than you might think. The ratio and configuration of dough, sugar, and butter are delicate, and the only way to achieve perfection is practice, which the team at Borage has in abundance.

Led by co-owner Zoë Taylor, one of Indy’s top pastry chefs, the bakery side of the operation has exactly what it takes to produce a perfect roll every time. 1609 N. Lynhurst Dr., Speedway, 317-734-3958, borageeats.com

Seafood Tower

If you think seafood towers are for those hoity-toity folks at the other table, you haven’t had Nick Detrich’s generous Gulf Coast–inspired assortment of smoked whitefish dip, garlicky tuna confit, anchovy skewers, tangy pickled shrimp, and some of the freshest, bestdressed oysters in the city, elevated with subtly bracing mignonettes. It’s worth it

alone for the earthy, aromatic Sazerac-cured salmon, as well as all the extras from the current menu that Detrich’s staff at Magdalena is sure to toss on. Coming in at just under $100, it’s easily a meal for a quartet, with expertly poured cocktails and an innovative dessert to share to complete the experience. 1127 Shelby St., 317-691-8021, magdalena.bar

Chilaquiles

They may be a standard hangover dish at most Mexican joints around the city, but at this lively Latin spot with locations on the northeast side and in Speedway, the chilaquiles are a top-of-the-menu, all-day dish that gets regal status. At Mexico City Kitchen, fried tortillas come bathed in your choice of full-flavored, house-made salsas (try the tangy salsa verde that benefits from a hit of just the right heat) and garnished with two eggs, cooling crema, queso fresco, and slightly sweet, slightly smoky grilled onions. So revered is the dish at both spots that diners get their choice of meat at no

DIRTY SODA BAR

At Twisters

Soda Bar, owner Jaclyn Chadburn delights in mixing up wildly sweet, inventive concoctions—poured over chewy nugget ice, of course. The menu includes hits like a Dr. Pepper with marshmallow cream, but the real fun is building your own creation. Start with a base— soda? Red Bull? lemonade?— then layer on syrups like salted caramel, huckleberry, and blue cotton candy. Add purees (mango, maybe, or piña colada), a splash of cream (coconut is a hit), or even candy mix-ins. 1007 S. 10th St., Noblesville, twisterssodabar.com

Best Coffeeto-Cocktails

More and more Indy publicans are expanding into the daylight hours, trading boozy Americanos for caffeinated ones. Here are five of the city’s best.

The Alchemist

The owners of Fountain Square’s Espresso Enterprises and Red Lion Grog House marry their passions in this historic brick building just off the Monon. 1660 Bellefontaine St., 317-683-0957, thealchemistindy.com

Almost Famous

By night, this Mass Ave bar serves cabaret vibes, but in daylight, it’s a baristadriven espresso bar. 721 Massachusetts Ave., 317986-7877, almostfamous indy.com

Parlor Public House

Tucked in a former industrial space between Lockerbie and Cole-Noble, this sharply designed space transforms from java-fueled workspace to laptop-free bar at 7 p.m. daily. 600 E. Ohio St., 317-610-0106, parlorpublichouse.com

Thieves

Broad Ripple’s longstanding Starbucks is now a semigothic coffee shop that flips into an unapologetically swanky lounge at cocktail hour. 854 Broad Ripple Ave., 248-762-9788, thieves indy.com

West Fork Social House

Patrons at this sunlit, highceilinged Fountain Square business must be over 21 years of age, from its 8 a.m. opening for the caffeine crowd to its whiskey-laden last call. 1233 Shelby St., westforksocialhouse.co

The Alchemist

Best Dubai Chocolates

Take a sweet tour of the top spots serving this decadent viral treat.

Yafa Golden Coffee

The pastry case brims with sweet showpieces at this busy cafe that specializes in the flavors and traditions of Yemeni coffeehouse culture. Among the most popular are several variations of the gold-standard Dubai chocolate combination of pistachio cream and crispy spun pastry, including a brownie, a croissant, and a drizzled strawberry cup. But Yafa’s classic, ultra-rich, break-apart chocolate bar is the gateway dessert for this irresistible food group. 14160 Mundy Dr., Noblesville, 317-400-5959, yafagoldencoffeeusa.com

Dolce Vita

Crepes and gelato in endless combinations make up the menu at this northside sweets shop. The Dubai chocolate crepe combines the feathery crunch of knafeh with a chocolatedrizzled and pistachiosprinkled warm crepe. 4825 E. 96th St., 317-663-8497, dolcevitaindy.com

Melt N Dip

The local branch of this Illinois-based chain draws the sweet-toothed crowds with its crepes and Belgian waffles served under lava flows of melted chocolate. The Dubai Chocolate Waffle is thick as a brick, liberally striped with chocolate and pistachio cream and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—all covered in a shower of flakey knafeh. There is also a Dubai Milkshake that travels a little easier. 9840 E. 116th St., Fishers, 317-827-2120, meltndip.com

Punkin’s Pies

This sugary booth inside the AMP food hall built its business on chocolatecovered strawberries. It comes as no surprise that owner Joanna Wilson assembles a Dubai chocolate fruit cup that includes the berries in a parfait of warm chocolate, pistachios, and flaked pastry. 1220 Waterway Blvd., punkinspies.com

extra cost. While well-spiced chorizo may be the logical choice, thin, marinated cuts of beef called cecina are a tender and tasty choice that complete the hearty dish any time of the day. 6144 W. 25th St., 317-992-8453; 7437 Pendelton Pk., 317-762-1490

Farmers Market Mushrooms

The array of succulently moist mushrooms in shades of yellow, russet, and dove gray trucked in to the Indy Winter Farmers Market and the Garfield Park Farmers Market by Forage and Cultivate’s Emma Brown in summer will make you want to forsake grocery store mushrooms. Her king trumpets and delicate oysters are some of the meatiest, richest mushrooms you’ll find around, among those favored by Julieta Taco Shop and Baan Thai Bistro. But the shiitakes Brown grows in a Greenwood pole barn on her parents’ farm are deliciously fresh and can be used all the way down the stem, containing substantially more moisture than those meant for shipping, which are partially dried. Recently, she’s added enokitakes and maitakes to her growing list, which means there’s hardly a fungi-forward recipe you can’t make with Brown’s inventory. cultivateforage.com

Egg Salad Sandwich

Gluten-free breads and pastries have long been regarded as mere health food, not something you’d relish if you weren’t avoiding wheat. Yet the baked goods at Lara Cooney’s bohemianchic cafe and pastry spot Fire & Ice defy that reputation at every turn. Especially good is the milk bread, which is fluffy, rich, and holds together perfectly for a lunchtime egg salad sandwich that’s a notch above the ones you grew up

NEW OPEN KITCHEN

Dining at Tom Main’s celebrated but compact Tinker Street in Herron-Morton has always been about being close up to the cooking, with most tables near the kitchen. While there’s slightly more elbow room at Freeland’s, Main’s latest enterprise, the dining room in a storied estate dating to the 1840s provides diners with a cinematic view of the work in the kitchen, which is now overseen by former Tinker Street toque Braedon Kellner. 875 Freeland Way, Carmel, 317-316-9875, freelandsrestaurant.com

eating. The straightforward treatment of the filling, with a light touch of mayo, mustard, and chives, hits just the right notes. 6211 Allisonville Rd., 317-997-5774, fireandicecafe.com

Carnitas

With a name like El Puerquito Caliente, this recent addition to Indy’s Latin scene promises a hot take on classic pork dishes. But this darling taqueria, housed in the chrome-trimmed original home of Meadowbrook Diner dating to 1958, delivers a

surprisingly sophisticated version of carnitas, perhaps Mexico’s most famous meat dish. Rib bones and succulent skin are likely to show up in the platters of ultra-tender, fall-apart braised pork, richly seasoned and garnished simply with pico de gallo, cilantro, and onions. Served with warm tortillas that are often homemade, it will easily provide tacos for the whole table, and bottles of balanced but full-flavored salsas show how much pride the kitchen takes in its signature dish. 5151 E. 38th

St., 317-426-4221, elpuerquito calienterestaurant.com

New Asian Coffeehouse

If you’re a fan of the intensely sweet and creamy drinks offered at spots like Dunkin’ or Starbucks, you’re in for a thrill at Claypot Coffee House, the spacious caffeine-lover’s dream that opened this summer in a spacious south side storefront. It might be Indy’s only source for kopi, a Malay-style coffee drink brewed from deeply roasted, buttery beans which rivals the punch packed by chain coffeeshop drinks. Mingled with condensed or evaporated milk, it’s a pickme-up that could double as dessert. 1551 E. Stop 12 Rd., 317-300-1346

New Restaurant Patio

When entrepreneur and restaurant-owner Bill Pritt set his sights on a new endeavor featuring oldschool affordable lunch dishes and dinner entrees, he quickly fell upon the

The Best of Us

former branch of Regions Bank at Delaware and North, which offered a curious configuration he plays up in a private dining room housed in the bank’s former vault. Instead of dismantling the drive-thru at Harrison’s, which opened this summer, Pritt repurposed the space as a chic terrace with earthy stone, stained wood fencing, and all-weather furniture that has quickly made it a popular warm-day spot. 555 N. Delaware St., 317-826-7361, harrisonsindy.com

Gluten-free Bakes

In 2014, after discovering a severe gluten sensitivity, Lydia Bootz opened Gluten Free Creations from her home kitchen. Using butter, eggs, and sugar in most recipes, she crafts scratchmade celiac-friendly treats sold at farmers markets across Indianapolis. Even non-GF eaters rave about her specialty cakes, fruit fritters, and breads. glutenfreecreationsinc.com

FUN & LEISURE

Animal Encounter

It’s hard to believe the Indianapolis Zoo lets regular people walk among the animals in its Kangaroo Crossing exhibit. After receiving a quick rundown of the rules and stepping through a set of gates, you’re free to meander a paved path with cute red kangaroos lounging lazily beside you in the grass as cockatoos fly overhead. You wonder, Are we really supposed to be in here? If one of the kangaroos decides to hop over … lucky you! You are allowed to pet it on the back (not the face!) to feel how impossibly soft these Australian beauties are—not to mention friendly and photogenic. 1200 W. Washington St., 317-630-2001, indianapoliszoo.com

Live Recordings

Underbites

During the annual Butler Bulldog Beauty Pageant in the Hinkle Fieldhouse parking lot, stocky, lovable pups strut their stuff to take home top honors for best dressed, most spirited, and toughest looking. butler.edu/ alumni/homecoming

Local Booster

Albert Trevino

(NOV. 4, 1965–MAY 8, 2025)

In the early days, Rene’s Bakery founder Albert Trevino would ride his bicycle from his home in Broad Ripple to a tiny alley-side shop where he would toil over croissants and cookies all morning and close shop when he sold out. Two years after his diagnosis with an aggressive cancer, Trevino was too ill to continue. In stepped longtime bakery employee Isaac Roman and industry veteran Thomas Hays,

under Trevino’s tutelage. Trevino passed away in May at age 59, and his loss still stings. But family and friends take comfort in the fact that he knew his life’s work would continue.

The gleaming new Fishers Event Center turned its rooftop into Hamilton County’s most scenic stage for its Summer Elevation Series. With no audience to speak of—just performers, camera operators, and the golden hour glow—acoustic artists including Kara Cole, the Indy Annies, and The Brothers Footman played their hearts (and souls) out this past summer as the sun dipped behind them. The vibe is intimate, and the recordings, available on the venue’s website, capture that wistful “wish you were there” feeling. It’s a simple setup with stunning results. fisherseventcenter.com

Thrills

Slick City Action Park, a Denver-based family of indoor slide parks, made its Indiana debut in Brownsburg this year,

Towering 33 stories over downtown, the imposing blue facade of the JW Marriott, used to promote local events, is Indy’s own Vegas-style spectacle—a giant, glassy billboard to the world. Or at least to every skyline vista in the Mile Square.

Book Bar

Chapter Book Lounge melds literature and libations in the coziest way. Here, book clubs meet to chat through the assigned reading and voracious readers channel Dorothy Parker at the bar. 996 Conner St., Noblesville, 317764-2976, chapterbooklounge.com

(1) Meadowlark

Park

CARMEL

Reimagined in 2022, this spot hosts new play equipment, plus trails leading to a wetland boardwalk and a bucolic fishing pond. The equipment resembles the natural surroundings, representing trees and forest understory, and the climbing pods contain surprising extras, like rope hammocks.

MYLA’S VERDICT:

“The play thing was sooo high. I’m not afraid of heights anymore.”

(2) Lawrence Inlow Park CARMEL

Best Playgrounds

A 6-year-old shares her wisdom on the best, new(ish) Indy-area playgrounds.

BY MYLA HAN AND

CAMILLE GRAVES

(5) O’Bannon

Playground

DOWNTOWN

Right off the Monon Trail downtown, this playground is a perfect pit stop in summer time, with a splash pad and new play structures opened in 2025 for younger and older kids.

MYLA’S VERDICT: “I fell off the swing. But the splash pad is amazing!”

A paved, woodsy trail connects the play areas, where young ones can complete an obstacle course or brave a twostory-high enclosed rope bridge to zip down one of two enormous slides.

“It had the fastest slide. And I liked racing Mom to the top.”

“You should go to this park sometime. And then another time. And another time, and another time.”

(3) Grassy Creek Playground

FAR EAST SIDE

Made up of three parcels totaling 240 acres, this park has it all. The newest section off German Church Road includes a state-of-the-art community center, as well as a playground stacked to the gills with new equipment, including a log climbing structure and 40-foot-long swinging track ride.

MYLA’S VERDICT: “

“Superb! That means better than amazing.”

(7) Swinford Park

PLAINFIELD

This charming park goes all-in on making kids feel like Old McDonald, offering a play structure built to look like a barn, a corral, a covered wagon, a tractor, a corn maze, and “bucking” horse spring riders. Gorgeously landscaped, it also has plenty of shade trees and green space for picnics.

MYLA’S VERDICT: “The corn maze was easy peasy lemon squeezy.”

(4) Old City Park GREENWOOD

This beautifully designed spot is right next to the public library and features fitness equipment, bocce ball courts, a lawn for pups to prance, a climbing wall with a cool fort at the top, and a burbling creek with stone steps down to the water.

MYLA’S VERDICT:

“You should go to this park sometime. And then another time. And another time, and another time.”

(6) Riverside Adventure Park

NEAR WEST SIDE

Built on the former Riverside Golf Course as a part of the larger Riverside Regional Park, this sprawling green space includes all-new equipment, plus an extensive paved trail network. An archery range is also in the works.

MYLA’S VERDICT: “I went down the slide seven times. I give it 500 million!”

delivering pure adrenaline in the form of monster slides. Already, two more Slick Cities are in the works, one in the Geist area and another on the south side. The rides are a hit. They are also no joke, with names like Fast Lane (four undulating side-by-side chutes designed for racing), the swirling Royal Flush, and a little number called Mega Launch. To become a human cannonball, all you need is a sense of adventure and a signed waiver. 4430 County Rd. 1000 E., Brownsburg, 317-936-3436, slickcity.com

Outdoor Racing Track

Avon’s Trak 36 is the only free, public course for remote-control cars in the area—a hidden gem for RC enthusiasts. Open daily from dawn to dusk at Avon Town Hall Park, the dusty off-road course offers twists, jumps, and a shaded driver’s deck that overlooks the battery-powered motorsport mini-speedway. 6570 E. US Highway 36, Avon, 317-2720948, avonindiana.gov

Indoor Walking Path

The Broad Ripple Park Family Center, part of the grand revision of the historic northside park, contains a light-filled loop suspended inside one of the city’s prettiest new public buildings. Free to use, the mezzanine-level track

overlooks the basketball court and a park view out the surrounding windows. 1426 Broad Ripple Ave., 317-3277161, parks.indy.gov

TV Set

Through the magic of Airbnb, you can now spend the night inside David Letterman’s Childhood Home at 5520 Indianola Avenue, near Broad Ripple. The space rents for about $200 a night and can accommodate six guests in three-bedroom, two-bathroom comfort. The modest, 1,122-square-foot abode is filled with photos from the Late Show host’s television career. Pets are welcome, especially if they can perform a stupid trick.

Gamers

Indy’s chapter of the international network of Belles & Chimes pinball leagues meets regularly at locations such as Tappers Arcade Bar and The Pinvault inside the Murphy Arts Center in Fountain Square to sip, socialize, and have a flipping good time. bellesandchimespinball.com

Dance Classes for Adults

Dance Fam, part of Carmel’s A-List Dance Center, is where grown-ups go to put TikTokers to shame. The high-energy classes teach students real choreography in a fun, upbeat way that

CLAW MACHINE

The Best of Us

Kevin Raber

(JAN. 4, 1954–MARCH 25, 2025)

Photographer Kevin Raber had a world of influence on his art form. From his home base in Indianapolis and the Indy Art Center, where he taught fine art printing, to the glaciers of Antarctica and the Pacific Northwest, he captured the great outdoors with boundless curiosity. Just as memorable, he served as a friend and mentor to many in the business, leading photography

workshops abroad and sharing tips and tricks on the website he founded, photoPXL .com, which guarantees that his teachings are as enduring as the volumes of images he left us with.

makes the steps easy to master in three weeks. Classes cover tap, musical theater, hip-hop, and an “all level heels” option that is “perfect for beginners looking to move with confidence and sass.” 468 Gradle Dr., Carmel, 317-7335022, dancefam.co

Trail Marker

Along the White Lick Creek Trail that meanders out of Avon’s Washington Township Park, hikers can now walk beneath the

As if meal prep involving sizzling Korean barbecue grill tops and bubbling hot pots were not interactive enough, Gangnam Korean Steakhouse invites diners to drop a dollar into its Japanese-style claw machine. It’s hard to pass up the thrill of such a cute hunt. Filled with colorful plushies of anime characters, the game is just a small sample of the “clawcade” mini-arcades found all over Asia. 3851 Vincennes Rd., 317-721-8888

hauntingly ancient supports of the town’s legendary Twin Bridges (aka the Haunted Bridge), once the domain of late-night carloads of sightseers and local ghost stories involving eerie wails and screams heard when trains passed overhead. By the light of day, the towering concrete arches, long abandoned by the railway, are more spectacle than specter. 115 S. County Road 575 E, Avon, 317-745-0785, washingtontwpparks.org

Third Space

All-day cafe Gather 22 has secured its place as a desirable reservation, with recognition on best-of lists beyond this one. But unlike many hot restaurants, it’s a neighborhood spot too, a space to, yes, gather for tasting events, pop-ups, and casual hangs. In the winter, solo diners connect at its bar. In warm months, the community flocks to its backyard, which welcomes canine patrons. 22 E. 22nd St., 317-258-2222, gather22.com

IN THE Bag

Vera Bradley bags were a Midwestern status symbol throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. But changing tastes—and a shifting retail industry—have put the Fort Wayne company on shakier ground.

Vera Bradley

If you’re a white, middleclass (or above) woman born between 1970 and 1990, it’s likely you have a bag in your closet.

THE FORT Wayne–based brand of handbags and accessories was a fixture at upscale malls in the aughts and teens, and the quilted and patterned purses and totes were on arms at sorority houses, country clubs, and the dropoff and pickup lines at tony private schools across the Midwest and East Coast.

It’s just as likely that while you have a fond, nostalgic view of the company, you’re not seeking out a new Vera Bradley today. That’s not just speculation: The CEO of the publicly held company told shareholders in June that its sales were in a steady, downward slide. The same day, she announced she was departing the company after three years in the position, as did its chief financial officer. The losses were dire enough that they spurred a September class action lawsuit from shareholders who claimed the company had misled the investing public.

Allegations of Wall Street misconduct are a far cry from the company’s origins. It was 1975 when Patricia Miller moved to the Wildwood Park neighborhood of Fort Wayne, and, eager to meet her neighbors, knocked on the door of Barbara Bradley Baekgaard’s home. Baekgaard was in the middle of a wallpaper hanging project, and Miller lent a hand, a collaboration that developed into Up Your Wall, a home decor business. That begat a small clothing line the pair sold in small, intimate trunk shows—and while traveling for that business, the duo bemoaned the lack of appropriately feminine luggage and overnight bags.

This was 1982, when French textile company Pierre Deux and the French Provençal style of home decor was all the aspirational rage, so the pair invested in fabrics reminiscent of that company’s floral patterns and commissioned a seamstress to make some quilted travel bags. The prototypes generated enough interest that they started selling the bags, naming the company after Baekgaard’s mother and running it from her basement. Initially, the bags were made in local factories and sold in small boutiques and the Marshall Field’s department

store chain. As demand increased, the company opened additional factories in the U.S., and Bradley-branded shops moved into malls from coast to coast.

In 2004, the company entered the world of online retail, opening its offerings up to anyone with a credit card and an internet connection. This new level of accessibility ushered in a Bradley boom. In 2010, the company went public under the stock symbol VRA. It was initially priced at $16 a share. The price shot up to $52.25 by May of 2011.

“I was Vera Bradley’s target audience at a key time for the brand,” says longtime customer Becky Duffett.

Though born and raised on the West Coast, she attended a Connecticut boarding school, graduating in 2004.

“I was the captain of the varsity equestrian team, and our staple brands were Ralph Lauren and J.Crew; but the paisley floral girls were into Lily Pulitzer dresses and Vera Bradley bags. That was the look, worn with printed belts from Vineyard Vines.”

It was the same when Duffett headed to Stanford University, where she graduated in 2008. “It was especially a hit with the Hamptons girls and the Southern girls,” Duffett says of her college classmates. “And the Texans really loved it, too.”

Carissa Newton, a marketing executive and business professor at the University of Indianapolis, got her first Bradley bag when she graduated from college. The 55-year-old has been a loyal customer over the years, even introducing her daughters to the brand when they were young.

“They had to have Vera Bradley backpacks for school,” she says. And when they joined the Zeta Tau Alpha women’s fraternity at Illinois State University, they even invested in a specific pattern associated with the house. “But I don’t know that Vera Bradley would be our first pick anymore.”

The company appears to be hustling

to answer that query. A representative for Vera Bradley declined to provide comment for this report, saying the company has “changing resources” that made an interview out of the question. As of this story’s writing in October 2025, a new CEO had not been announced—instead, longtime Coach executive Ian Bickley continues as interim CEO, a role he’s occupied since June. Bickley provided the company’s latest earnings report in September, saying, “We are implementing a comprehensive strategy to revitalize our market position by leveraging our brand’s proven emotional connection with consumers.”

“We are in the early stages of making meaningful adjustments to our product design and assortment, driving innovation back into our core DNA and what made Vera Bradley successful,” he added. That day, the stock, which had opened at $2.49, closed at $2.10, which suggests shareholders were not particularly convinced.

In fact, some shareholders have been so skeptical of messages coming from the company’s C-suite that in September, they sued. In a complaint against the company, as well as now-departed CEO Jackie Ardrey and CFO Michael Schwindle, a class action group of stock owners claims the company “overstated the extent to which it was making improvements to its business” in a March message to shareholders. When Vera Bradley next reported earnings in June, the financial picture had not improved the way leaders had assured it would, the lawsuit says, which caused stock

prices to drop precipitously. As a result, the complainants suffered significant losses, the suit claims. That case is currently winding its way through the Northern District of Indiana’s court system.

Newton says many of Vera Bradley’s struggles reflect a company that has stumbled as it tries to scale. “For the last few years, I think the strategy at Vera Bradley has been to keep throwing stuff at the wall to see what sticks,” she says. “That’s part of the erratic nature of going public—suddenly, you’re not working to please customers. You’re working to please stockholders, and you have to get financial results.”

“They can’t do that and also keep being the Vera Bradley that we all knew.”

“The colors are so incredible, and it’s got so much the same way all the best women in the Midwest do.” moxie,

A turning point for the company was the decision to outsource production. The same year the company went public, “Made in China” tags started appearing in Vera Bradley bags; by the mid-2010s, the company had shuttered its U.S. factory.

Those who follow the brand say a significant decline in quality followed.

Sara Baldwin, the founder of Indianapolis vintage shop Lux & Ivy, says she can tell instantly if a Vera Bradley bag she encounters was made before or after the company’s IPO. “The short answer is that if it’s still in good shape, it was probably made before 2010,” she says. “After that, things get rough. The fabric quality is different. So is the stitching.”

“Vera Bradley used to feel exclusive,” Newton says. “But now it’s at outlet malls. That was the wrong play.”

It’s also at Target and, for a time, Urban Outfitters—for which the company issued new bag shapes in some of its classic patterns. “They need to do more of that,” Baldwin says. “Keep one foot in what people loved, and take another step forward.”

Connersville-raised costume designer Daniel Lawson, who outfits actors on The Good Wife, The Good Fight, and Elsbeth, has used Vera Bradley bags for decades when outfitting attorney Elsbeth Tascioni, the totebag-laden lawyer played by 58-year-old Carrie Preston. “The colors are so incredible,” he says of Bradley’s design choices. “And it’s got so much moxie, the same way all the best women in the Midwest do.”

He was surprised when I told him the company seemed to be struggling to find its footing. “Well then, they need to focus on what made them Vera Bradley—these bags and those incredible patterns,” he says.

Newton agrees. Citing the company’s forays into licensing the Vera Bradley name for other products, the purchase and then sale of bracelet company Pura Vida, and the luxury hotel the company opened in Fort Wayne in 2021, she says the company’s more ambitious efforts hurt way more than they helped. “They just need to get back to basics if they want to survive.”

According to Baldwin, it’s easier than ever for a brand like Vera Bradley to transcend trends. “The cycle has gotten so fast now that it’s almost like there are no more fads,” she says. “People are hungry for legacy brands and classics.” In Baldwin’s mind, it’s Bradley’s game to lose—or win.

But if the company gets back to its roots of classic quality, customers like Duffett are ready. “If someone invited me to a weekend in the Hamptons tomorrow, I would 100-percent pull out my Vera Bradley, throw on an oversized Ralph Lauren Oxford, channel Ina Garten, and get on that plane.”

Move With PURPOSE

Body Outfitters helps people move better with a tailored approach to personal training.

STARTING a new workout routine can be intimidating, and stepping into a new gym can leave a person filled with anxiety. Body Outfitters owner and longtime personal trainer Mark Moreland is working to diffuse those fears with a unique approach.

With locations in Zionsville, Carmel, and Keystone at the Crossing, Body Outfitters is a personal training studio where people meet with a trainer one-on-one or in a small group for a more intimate experience. Workouts are generally 30 minutes and tailored to everyone who comes through the doors.

“They fall into three primary categories: move better, feel better, and look better,” Moreland says. “That is part of our consultation process, identifying

the goals people have.” Of the three, Moreland says most people fall into the “move better” and “feel better” categories. He uses the example of people who come in with lower back pain who want workouts to stabilize and build up their core.

“Most people who come our way know the value of exercise, and they want to know how to do it safely and still effectively,” he says. “Once you’re moving better, you’re naturally going to feel better.”

The staff at Body Outfitters is committed to helping people identify areas where they want to improve, with workouts geared toward increasing strength and movement quality while decreasing body fat, pain, and stress. All of that adds up to the idea that feeling

At Body Outfitters, appearance and fitness are a continuum , with clients determining where they want their journey to take them and their trainers leading them there.

LOCATIONS

Zionsville 675 South Main St. Zionsville, IN 46077 (317) 344-9844

Carmel 720 Adams St. Carmel, IN 46032 (317) 660-1107

better inside radiates on the outside.

At Body Outfitters, appearance and fitness are a continuum, with clients determining where they want their journey to take them and their trainers leading them there. They start with a consultation, when a trainer walks them through their workout history and goals, followed by an assessment workout to design a plan to meet them where they are.

“During the assessment, your trainer leads you through basic exercise patterns to see how you move and stabilize,” Moreland shares. “Then, we can challenge those areas that are strong and correct and care for the areas that may need special attention.”

It all boils down to consistency. “A consistent seven out of 10 effort, with moments of nines and 10s in workouts, is where results happen,” Moreland explains.

A rarity in the industry, Body Outfitters doesn’t offer monthly memberships; instead, clients choose from an a la carte menu to decide the frequency of sessions based on their schedules and goals.

Moreland puts it plainly: “It’s my job to keep you happy—not make you sign a piece of paper or lock you into a contract.” •

Keystone at the Crossing 8487 Union Chapel Road Indianapolis, IN 46240 (317) 660-5188

Seeking Solace

Mental health and mind-body wellness services help individuals bring balance into their lives.

BY JULIE YOUNG

Illustrations by Irina Strelnikova

THE MIND-BODY CONNECTION—the intricate relationship between our thoughts, feelings, and physical health—is a bedrock of ancient healing practices that has hit the mainstream. This holistic approach to health care not only invites emotional balance, but it can also foster selfregulation, help one manage chronic conditions, and reduce stress and anxiety. Whether you are looking for a medical professional to help you manage an existing diagnosis or a therapeutic option to facilitate a sense of calmness, there are a number of wellness program options in the Circle City that can improve your mental health and overall well-being.

Simple Stress-Relief Solutions

For some, recalibrating the mind-body connection is as simple as putting down the phone and engaging in a self-care ritual. The Carmel Salt Caves are a unique wellness destination featuring two of the largest handcrafted Himalayan salt caves in the United States. As guests relax in

zero-gravity recliners, microscopic salt particles circulate through the air to support respiratory health, reduce stress, and promote deep relaxation. According to owner Skye Winslow, the environment is peaceful, spa-like, and designed to help the body and mind naturally restore balance.

“Our salt caves are an oasis of calm, especially during the holiday season,” she says. “In addition to being an HSA- and FSA-approved alternative therapy for respiratory support, the salt naturally releases negative ions that can help elevate serotonin levels and improve mood. Guests relax to the soothing sounds of the ocean and gentle tones designed to lower the brain into an ‘alpha’ state—where calm focus and restoration occur. Beginning in December, our recliners will also feature PEMF, far infrared, and red light therapy at no additional cost. These advanced modalities work together to calm both the mind and the body, helping guests leave balanced, centered, and ready to enjoy the season.”

For over 20 years, Invoke Studio has been

a trusted space for movement, mindfulness, and community, with the largest number of classes offered per week in the city of Indianapolis. Founder and owner Amy Peddycord curates two locations to help her clients get fit, reduce stress, and calm the mind. Invoke offers a wide range of yoga and Pilates classes, as well as breath work, guided meditations, and sound bath workshops that can help individuals relax and destress. Not sure where to start? Invoke’s $49 new student package offers beginners two weeks of unlimited classes in person at one of their satellite locations or online, so they can take advantage of the Invoke experience whenever it is convenient for them.

There is something about being in a peaceful, calming environment that serves as a third space between one’s home and workplace that provides community and connection.

”

-Amy Peddycord, founder and owner of Invoke Studio

“While you can take some of the classes virtually, there is something about being in a peaceful, calming environment that serves as a third space between one’s home and workplace that provides community and connection,” Peddycord says. “That is what our brand is built on: community, connection, and support.”

Cause and Effect

The balance between the mind and body can be upended by any number of life’s challenges. A job loss can lead to financial insecurity, which can lead to stress and anxiety about the days, weeks, and months ahead. Those worries and concerns not only weigh on one’s mind but can have a huge impact on your physical health as well. Getting to the root of the problem is the first step in bringing balance back.

For over 165 years, Eskenazi Health has been committed to addressing the mental and emotional detriments to health for the patients and communities it serves. With a team of lifestyle wellness coaches throughout its network, Eskenazi helps patients identify the source of their stress and offers them the resources they

Not massages. Not mud. Just pure, glowing salt, red light, and energy designed to restore what the world takes out of you. Visit the Award Winning Carmel Salt Caves & Spa — where you don’t just relax, you reset. And soon, Halo Pet Spa — because they

Light Therapy Bed Gift Shop

Foot Spa

Our lifestyle wellness coaches help our patient population focus on the behaviors that they have control over, such as nutrition, finding time for physical activity, or making lifestyle changes that can improve their health and well-being.

-Jeff Noyed, manager of lifestyle health and wellness with Eskenazi Health

need to improve their quality of life. “Our lifestyle wellness coaches help our patient population focus on the behaviors that they have control over, such as nutrition, finding time for physical activity, or making lifestyle changes that can improve their health and well-being,” says Jeff Noyed, manager of lifestyle health and wellness with Eskenazi. “Sometimes they may need local resources for housing, food, or legal services, while other times, they need coping mechanisms to manage a particular issue. We try to remove the barriers that are holding them back.”

Finding the right kind of support is key to improving one’s mental health. Aspire Indiana Health believes everyone deserves access to quality, fully integrated, whole health care tailored to meet their specific needs. For over half a century,

Aspire has offered a wide range of services including medical care, behavioral health services, and addiction and recovery solutions for the whole family, as well as community programs designed to address social drivers such as housing and employment.

Dianna Huddleston, vice president of community partnerships, says Aspire therapists use only evidencebased treatments to support a patient’s mental health journey and ensure that each treatment plan is customized to meet the individual’s needs. Although there remains a stigma surrounding behavioral health care, the more the public talks about and acknowledges the struggles that everyone faces, the more people will recognize the benefits of talking, sharing, and seeking treatment when needed.

“It is important that a person feeling stress or experiencing other conditions listen to themselves early and seek support so that it can be dealt with before it starts to interfere with

daily functions,” she shares. “When a person seeks treatment to support the anxiety and depression they may be experiencing, [they can get back to] a much higher quality of life from learning how to manage the feelings and talking about them.”

Cutting-Edge Treatments

Managing one’s mental health may also mean seeking long-term solutions to chronic conditions. Dr. Jerad Dalton, a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist with Axon Health Associates, is not only qualified to diagnose and treat a multitude of conditions, but he also specializes in new treatment options including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and Spravato.

“We don’t limit anything diagnostically,” he says.

TMS is an FDA-approved, noninvasive treatment for a wide range of conditions including depression, OCD, anxiety, and PTSD with low risk and minimal side effects. Using a cushioned coil placed against a patient’s head, magnetic

pulses deliver therapy to the location that regulates mood in the brain. The patient is awake throughout the series of in-office procedures, there are no side effects, and patients can resume regular activities right away.

Spravato with the active ingredient esketamine is a prescription nasal medicine taken along with an oral antidepressant to treat adults with treatment-resistant depression or major depressive disorder. Selfadministered under supervision twice a week for approximately four weeks, Spravato targets the brain’s glutamine system and provides a rapid reduction in depressive symptoms within hours or days of the first dose.

“We have had oral medications for so long that when something new and novel comes along that can help those who are resistant to other treatments, it’s really exciting,” Dalton says. “I’m not saying it’s for everyone, but it’s amazing to see the results on those for whom it works.”

If you are struggling with unwanted emotions or battling a chronic condition, pause and reflect on the messages your brain is sending to

your body. Talk to your primary care physician about the care you need and where best to seek it. You have the power to change bad habits, identify resources, and reclaim your balance … provided you take that first step.

Photos By Kenzie Warner Photography

Photo by TONY VALAINIS

Kid friendly Solo dining Cocktails

Named one of IM’s Best Restaurants in 2025 New addition to the guide

$$$$ $50 and up

$$$ $30–$40

$$ $20–$30

$ Under $20

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

9th Street Bistro

BR 2025 CONTEMPORARY Samir and Rachel Firestone Mohammad’s tiny seasonal innovator continues to delight diners who secure a coveted reservation. A standby at collaborative wine dinners and dining festivals, its take on globally inspired Midwestern flavors has served as an influence for a number of other restaurants on this list. A community dinner series focused on local farmstead ingredients continues to sell out, which adds to the mystique. 56 S. 9th St., Noblesville, 317-774-5065, 9thstbistro.com $$$$

1933 Lounge

STEAKHOUSE This St. Elmo spinoff serves a similar core menu of steaks and seafood to its sister spot, then widens its scope to encompass sushi, sandwiches, and sliders. It also boasts a slightly more contemporary and glitzy style in its dining room, making it a place to see and be seen. An ambitious cocktail menu lends a speakeasy vibe, and well-portioned desserts lend themselves to sharing. Multiple locations, 1933lounge.com $$$$

Almost Famous

COCKTAILS The fruit-infused spirits and five-option Negroni list make this Mass Ave tapas bar an evening stop for any mixed drink fan, while the extensive menu of coffee and long drinks keeps things buzzy all day. 721 Massachusetts Ave., 317986-7877, almostfamousindy.com $$

Anthony’s Chophouse

STEAKHOUSE The interior of this swanky heavy hitter has the polished gleam of a Vegas hotel, with an upper-level lounge containing the salvaged mahogany bar from The Glass Chimney, another fine dining legend. The food has equal flourish. Lobster bisque with a hunk of tempura-fried meat begins a meal that might include a cowgirl ribeye, a flight of filets, or a domestic wagyu burger. Take note—the steak menu also lists a spinalis. You may never eat another steak this perfect. Black-suited servers and wellcomposed cocktails keep the high-dollar meal

running smoothly. 201 W. Main St., Carmel, 317-740-0900, anthonyschophouse.com $$$$

Antilogy

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

Asaka Japanese Restaurant

BR 2025

SUSHI Don’t ask for pan-Asian dishes at Asaka, a tradition-drenched sushi house that Japanese food aficionados trek to on the regular. The tiny strip mall spot, funkily divided into multiple small rooms, has one of the cuisine’s few female master sushi chefs behind the bar—Nina Takamure, the Kumamoto-born daughter of Asaka founder Tsutomu Takamure. Hand rolls, sashimi, and even an omakase menu are on offer, as are poke bowls, katsu, and ramen. “Did I just have the best Japanese food ever in an Indiana strip mall?” we heard a guest ask on a recent visit. You sure did. 6414 E. 82nd St., 317-576-0556

$$$

Beholder

BR 2025 CUTTING EDGE Jonathan Brooks patterns himself as a renegade, but the consistent excellence of his restaurant, Beholder, suggests the chef/owner is becoming Indy’s fine dining standard-bearer, not its outsider. Between the urban chic dining room and the two glossy bars (one by the mixologist, the other at the kitchen), there’s a rock star gloss to the restaurant that makes you feel cool just for showing up. And when you do, the always-changing fixed-price menu is a great place to start, though the a la carte dish list offers intriguing surprises daily. Its awardwinning wine list is calculated to pair with the seasonal food offerings, and its cocktail lineup is witty and strong. 1844 E. 10th St., 317-419-3471, beholderindy.com

$$$$

Bluebeard

BR 2025 CONTEMPORARY A fine dining lunch isn’t easy to find in Indy, making Bluebeard a go-to for a power midday meal. Chef Alan Sternberg brings as much attention to his noontime dishes as he does to a daily afternoon snack menu and a seven-days-aweek dinner. Favorites like the house-made chips and dips are always on deck, while entrees, salads, and desserts are switched up based on what’s in season. All this happens inside an ancient brick building once dedicated to industry then abandoned. By rehabilitating a beautiful old structure, Bluebeard helped kick off a transformation that changed the face of a neighborhood. That gives the spot a significance well beyond its excellent food. 653 Virginia Ave., 317-686-1580, bluebeardindy.com $$$$

Bodhi

THAI This family-owned restaurant bills itself first as a “craft cocktail bar,” and for good reason: Its drinks are some of the prettiest

in town. Its vaunted menu also shines, with prettily-plated takes on Thai and pan-Asian classics. 922 Massachusetts Ave., 317-941-6595, bodhi-indy.com $$$$

Borage

BR

2025

ONE-STOP SHOP Josh Kline and Zoë Taylor’s expansive Speedway spot hits all the craveable notes: One side is all coffee and pastries, while another is a specialty market with fresh food, rare condiments, and gorgeous little things. Its other wing is for brunch, lunch, and dinner, with comfy chairs and table service. It can be a lot to get your head around—especially when you’re trying to figure out what menu to order from—but that’s also part of the fun. While a dish you’re attracted to might not be on offer during one visit, it gives you a built-in reason to come back. Dishes pull from the owners’ backgrounds at some of the region’s most popular spots but are played out with their specific vision. 1609 N. Lynhurst Dr., 317-734-3958, borageeats.com $$$

Bru Burger Bar

BURGERS Servers at this Cunningham Restaurant Group burger and beer chain are uniformly warm, accessible, and ready with recommendations, and with an easily accessible menu of loaded and stacked burgers, you’ll likely need help deciding what to choose. Its standard-issue beef patty is a mix of sirloin, chuck, and brisket, but lamb, turkey, bison, and two different plant-based versions are also on offer. (Gluten-free buns are available, too.) Appetizers are so generous that your biggest worry might be filling up before your meal arrives. Multiple locations, bruburgerbar.com $$$

Cafe Patachou

CAFE The so-called “student union for adults” continues to draw in the morning crowds and has inspired citywide offshoots. The wait for a weekend table can be brutal (but is worth it), as the cinnamon toast remains as thick as a brick, the produce is still locally sourced, the massive omelets continue to have cheeky names, and the broken-yolk sandwiches are a perennial lunch favorite. Multiple locations., 317-222-3538, cafepatachou.com $$

Che Chori

ARGENTINEAN Marcos Perera-Blasco’s colorful restaurant offers a selection of traditional butterflied-sausage sandwiches and warm empanadas filled with seasoned meats. Make sure to pick up the house-made dulce de leche, which is sold by the jar, as well as churros and specialty Argentinian shortbread cookies. And don’t overlook the cook-at-home sausages, from Spanish-style chorizo to Argentinean black sausage. 3124 W. 16th St., 317-737-2012, chechori .com $$

Cheeky Bastards

BR 2025 BRITISH With crumpets, scones, and a jaw-dropping breakfast fry-up, not to mention afternoon teas and plenty of benedicts and bacon and egg baps, Hope Lane and Robert Carmack’s homage to all things British has long been a daytime destination. In recent years, it’s also evolved into a place for a rib-sticking, midevening supper. Golden, lightly fried halloumi with an especially smooth and refined aioli, as well as a house

salad with blackcurrant vinaigrette and a less-hefty-than-expected Scotch egg are all reasons to stop in any time to practice your Cockney or Geordie over a pint. On Sundays, watch for weekend roast and high tea during certain hours. 11210 Fall Creek Rd., 317-288-9739, cbindy.com $$$

Commission Row

BR 2025 UPSCALE Indy’s pervasive Cunningham Restaurant Group is behind this glossy fine dining spot, which is positioned to benefit from crowds headed to or from Gainbridge Fieldhouse. That makes game nights quite a scene at the baller-level restaurant, which gilds the lily with caviar service or foie gras and lobster tail for your steak. The wine list is heavy on the bubbles, apt for celebrating a big win at work or play. A three-figure seafood tower is a showy special occasion order—or just an average Tuesday night if you’re living the courtside seat life. 110 S. Delaware St., 317-5502500, commissionrow .com $$$$

Corridor

Freeland’s

Restaurant

EURO FUSION Tinker Street’s Tom Main says this heritage-based restaurant is his last, making it worth a visit for the farewell tour aspect alone. But the setting also compels: A massive renovation has turned an 1890s mansion into a glossy place to drink and dine, complete with vintage china and a wildly patterned bar. The oft-changing menu defies easy categorization, with influences from across Europe as well as Indiana’s colonizer class. Desserts are clever and adventurous without being cloying, while a full bar mixes excellent cocktails and pours wines from a well-curated list. 875 Freeland Way, Carmel, 317-400-0436, freelandsrestaurant.com $$$

Gather 22

BR 2025

THREE WAY TREAT

Newly opened in Fountain Square, the 1656 Club is getting buzz as a triple threat: It’s an art gallery, coffee shop, and creative learning space. Look for innovative matcha concoctions in addition to the java standards, as well as sodas and horchata.

BR 2025 LUNCH At the end of 2024, Erin Kem and Logan McMahan briefly shuttered SoBro favorite Nicole-Taylor’s Pasta + Market + Backroom Eatery, which they had purchased a few years before. After a remodel, they reopened the space as Corridor, a lunchtime restaurant dedicated to the flavors of the Mediterranean, North African, and Arab worlds. The handmade pasta Nicole-Taylor’s built its fame on remains, as does a tightly edited market of specialty goods. Also intact is the restaurant’s chef’s table, a four-figure group reservation that’s one of the hottest dining tickets in town. 1134 E. 54th St., 317-257-7374, corridorindy.com $$$

Fernando’s Mexican & Brazilian Cuisine

BR 2025 MEXICAN AND BRAZILIAN This vibrant Indianapolis restaurant built a loyal following in Broad Ripple, then in 2025 expanded to Mass Ave, allowing the business— known for sharp, upscale takes on standards— to come into its own. An order of Sinaloa Tacos at the bar remains one of the city’s greatest treats, and the Crawfish Quesadilla is a brilliant marriage of Midwestern and Latin flavors. 834 E. 64th St., 317-377-4779; 888 Massachusetts Ave., 317-771-6653, fernandosindy.com $$$

The Fountain Room

SUPPER CLUB

This glitzy art deco restaurant is arguably the crown jewel of the Bottleworks area, with enough marble, terrazzo, and chandeliers to outfit Jay Gatsby’s West Egg mansion. Like Fitzgerald’s doomed millionaire, the Fountain Room speaks to the aspirational crowd with a showy lineup of steaks, seafood, and cocktails, as well as Midwestern stickto-your-ribs sides. Ask to be seated by the windows for maximum clout, like Jay would. 830 Massachusetts Ave., 463-238-3800, thefountainroom.com $$$$

BREEZY VIBES Indoor/ outdoor living is the name of the game at Gather 22, which marries co-owner Pablo Gonzalez’s California roots with life and business partner Adam Reinstrom’s Hoosier upbringing. A stylish dining room makes way for a sweeping bar backed by a huge outdoor (and dog-friendly) area. The menu is equally vibey, with a global menu of dishes backstopped by a list of Byrne’s grilled pizzas (Adam Reinstrom’s parents own the MeridianKessler spot). True to its name, the couple has also made their restaurant a social center for the neighborhood, with public events and gatherings multiple times a month. 22 E. 22nd St., 317-258-2222, gather22.com $$$

Goose the Market

BR 2025 SANDWICHES Indy’s best sandwiches might be at this unassuming fish counter and butcher shop. The key may be brevity, as only three sandwiches—the ham and mozzarella Goose, the three-meat Batali (which could benefit from a name change), and the vegetarian or vegan Gander (mozzarella, romaine, pickled onions, and giardiniera)—are in regular rotation. Typically, there are two or three more chef’s specials, which are also posted to its website. That laser focus makes for sandwiches that beat the competition between high-quality ingredients and attention to fat/ acid/heat balance. Indoor and outdoor seating are available, or you can grab your treats to go. 2503 N. Delaware St., 317-924-4944, goosethemarket.com $$

Harrison’s

NEW ITALIAN After a multimillion-dollar renovation, the former Regions Bank on Delaware Street has been transformed into a sit-down restaurant by owner Bill Pritt, whose FortyFive Degrees sushi bar and Metro nightclub are mainstays of Mass Ave’s dining and dancing scene. Pritt took menu inspiration from shuttered North Keystone restaurant Marco’s, beloved for its homey pasta recipes and “cheap meat” night; that spot’s signature lasagna and ham-and-cheese-stuffed Chicken a la Marco can be found here. Original offerings lean toward steakhouse fare. Portions are generous, parking is plentiful, and the brunch

menu is festive—all reasons to give Harrison’s a try. 555 N. Delaware St., 317-826-7361, harrisonsindy.com $$

His Place Eatery

BR 2025 SOUL FOOD The packed tables at both locations of His Place Eatery tell you everything you need to know about this soul food institution. Married co-owners James and Shawn Jones ensure their business runs like a well-oiled machine, with orders of comfort food standards moving from kitchen to table in lightning speed. That said, you can also taste the care put into every dish; spices and seasonings are calibrated in a way you’ll rarely find in Indianapolis. Smart diners ask their server what they recommend on any given day—with a staff this dialed-in, they’ll always steer you in the right direction. 6916 E. 30th St., 317-545-4890; 1411 W. 86th St., 317-790-3406, hisplaceeatery.com $$

Izakaya

Japanese Restaurant

HIBACHI Take a seat at the hibachi for an object lesson in Japanese grilling with dishes that span land and sea cooked before your very eyes. A sushi list gives equal attention to sashimi, nigiri, and huge and inventive rolls, while a kids menu includes noodles, katsu, and tempura for the small set. 7325 E. 96th St., 317-915-8988, indyizakaya.com $$$

Josephine

CONTEMPORARY FRENCH Ambrosia Hospitality Group might be best known for its Italian ventures, but for their newest restaurant, Dan Cage and Anna Pizzi Cage looked back to their newlywed days spent in France. The result is Josephine—named after Emperor Napoléon Bonaparte’s first wife—a modern take on bistro fare. Chef Andrew Popp has built a menu that balances out classics of the genre (yes, escargot and steak tartare are on the list) with twists on French onion soup—lightened here with chicken broth and sherry—and a citrus and fennel salad. Standout desserts include pot de crème topped with amaretto cream and an individual goat cheesecake topped with syrupsoaked cherries. For a breezier experience, ask for a seat at the bar soundtracked by French jazz and dotted with quirky pendant lighting. 110 W. Main St., Carmel, 317-548-3589, josephinecarmel.com $$$$

Julieta Taco Shop

BR 2025

MEXICAN Esteban Rosas and Gabriel Sañudo’s taqueria sticks to the classics: tacos, quesadillas, or tortas offered with a short list of toppings and add-ons. But that doesn’t mean their place is boring, as items like broccolini or deep-fried trumpet mushrooms vie for your attention alongside suadero or carnitas. In this era of War and Peace–length menus, the confidence Julieta demonstrates with its tight and excellent list feels especially refreshing— your executive function is saved for bigger decisions, like if you want to eat your taco at the restaurant counter, outside, or with a drink at Turner’s next door. 1060 N. Capitol Ave. $$

Juniper on Main

LOW COUNTRY This Southern coastal charmer’s lunch and dinner menu offers the standard seafood, salads, and boils—then surprises us all with a lineup of tacos that are a lot of fun. High chairs and booster seats are in abundance, and

SMALL BITE

a kids menu moves well beyond the standard grilled cheese and nuggets. 110 E. Main St., Carmel, 317-591-9254, juniperonmain.com $$$

Kountry Kitchen

SOUL FOOD This cozy soul food spot hits all the classics, including greens, mac and cheese, and deep-fried mains. Its engaging servers, all who are happy to linger and chat, are what keep us coming back. 1831 N. College Ave., 317-635-6000, kountrykitchenindy.com $$$

Late Harvest Kitchen

CONTEMPORARY A luscious comfort food menu delivers top-shelf versions of dishes such as a mushroom-stuffed half-chicken under a brick, tagliatelle pasta loaded with pork Bolognese, and crispy chicken-fried oysters. Fully loaded potatoes Minneapolis is essential as a side dish, as is the sticky toffee pudding for dessert. 8605 River Crossing Blvd., 317-663-8063, lateharvestkitchen.com $$$

The Loft Restaurant

FINE DINING With its pastoral setting on the grounds of an artisanal dairy farm, Traders Point Creamery’s farmstead restaurant (housed in one of several restored historic barns) feels like a working model for farm-totable dining. Some of the ingredients on the menu are grown on-site, and grass-fed Niman Ranch steaks, seasonal fish and seafood, and house-made yeast rolls are always solid choices, as is the burger made with 100-percent grass-fed beef. For dessert, grab a scoop of ice cream, perfect if you just want to go a la mode. 9101 Moore Rd., Zionsville, 317-733-1700, traderspointcreamery.com $$$

Lone Pine

BR 2025 STEAKHOUSE The first solo effort of Beholder partner and award-winning sommelier Josh Mazanowski is a culinary innovator that promises to take Carmel’s dining scene in a new direction. Beef is sourced from nearby farms, and dining spaces are dotted with edgy art. Fun starters present vegetables with as much care as their meatier counterparts. This isn’t your average upscale pleaser; this is a longtime restaurateur finally expressing his full culinary viewpoint. 710 S. Rangeline Rd., Carmel, 317-907-0177, lonepinecarmel.com $$$$

Macizo

BR 2025 LATIN If there were an award for the cheeriest eatery by first-time restaurateurs, this Peruvian-Mexican charmer would win hands down. Owners Luz and Omar Gonza have created an atmosphere of bright colors and hip beats that align perfectly with the fruit-forward beer and wine cocktails at the cozy bar. The vibrantly plated food completes the scene: Tiradito, luscious slices of tuna with citrusy leche de tigre, is a must for fresh seafood fans, and Sopa Criolla with beef and a runny egg, along with creamy Pasta Huancaina with hearty lomo saltado sauce, are perfect Peruvian comfort foods. 6335 Intech Commons Dr.. 463-202-2853, macizorestaurant.com $$$

Magdalena

BR 2025 NEW ORLEANS This funky New Orleans–inflected bar and bistro from spirits enthusiast and restaurateur Nick

Detrich reflects his experience running spots in the Big Easy, with expertly mixed elixirs, including perhaps the best Sazerac in town, and dazzling seafood towers, ultra-fresh oysters from the Alabama Gulf, and a tidy menu of mains with Lowcountry influences. 1127 Shelby St., 317-691-8021, magdalena.bar $$$$

Milktooth

BR 2025 BRUNCH A Saturday table at this indoor/ outdoor restaurant is a true score, even a decade-plus after Jonathan Brooks launched the spot in a former auto shop. Now under the care of Julie Brooks Komsiski and her daughter Em Elise, the rotating-menu brunch and lunch spot is still going strong—and has managed to retain its cutting-edge cool (along with its rep for next-level Dutch baby pancakes). And if you think Milktooth during the day is a scene, check out its regular nighttime pop-ups for a full slice of the cream of Indy’s creative class. 534 Virginia Ave., 317-986-5131, milktoothindy.com $$$

Mr. Patakon

COLOMBIAN The name of Diana Moreno and Brenda Sánchez’s cheerful, authentic southside Colombian eatery comes from the popular Latin and South American dish patacones—flattened, fried plantains filled with everything from shredded barbecue chicken criollo to cheese, corn, and shredded beef. Or try the Super Perro hot dog, which is topped with every meat in the kitchen, quail eggs, and a special house sauce. Mazorcada (heaps of sweet corn topped with meats, cheeses, and potato sticks) is a delectable side dish. Fruit drinks and desserts, especially obleas (wafer cookies filled with dulce de leche and cheese), offer a flavor experience like no other in the city. 7415 U.S. 31, 317-692-9829, mrpatakon.com $$

Natural State Provisions

BREWPUB A hybrid dive bar, restaurant, and dog park, Natural State is a fun and funky neighborhood spot for wings, sandwiches, and house-made soft serve. A solid mixed crowd of families, hipsters, kids, and pups (which must remain outdoors) makes for a fun and welcoming environment. 414 Dorman St., 317-492-9887, naturalstateprovisions.com $$

Nesso

elixirs created by the talented bar staff. 608 Massachusetts Ave., nowhereindy.com $$$

Oakleys Bistro

CONTEMPORARY Steven Oakley’s meticulously plated fare hails from a culinary era when sprigs of herbs and puddles of purees provided the flavor and every single element on the plate served a purpose. The presentations are wild, with menu descriptions giving little more than clues as to what might arrive at the table. Heads-up on anything that appears in quotes, such as a creative “Coq au Vin.” 1464 W. 86th St., 317-824-1231, oakleysbistro.com $$$$

Oishi Sushi & Ramen

PROJECT RUNWAY

JAPANESE Thai restaurateur Kanlaya Browning (Thaitanium, Thai Orchid) expanded her portfolio with this lively Japanese-inflected spot. Chicken and veggie gyoza, spring rolls, and an especially crunchy, flavorful version of chicken karaage are highlights among starters. While classic maki features all the usual suspects such as California, spider, and shrimp tempura rolls, be sure to order at least one contemporary roll like the generously dressed Cherry Blossom with spicy tuna, avocado, fish roe, spicy mayo, and eel sauce. Just over a half dozen varieties of ramen include the comforting tonkotsu ramen with chashu pork belly, wood ear mushrooms, and bamboo shoots, as well as spicier versions and tan tan ramen, the Japanese riff on Szechuan dan dan noodles. 600 Massachusetts Ave., 317-4931884, oishiindy.com $$

The Indianapolis International Airport Westin Hotel has set an opening date of December 2027, which means its seventh-floor bar and restaurant could be open for a Christmas drink with a view of the runway—or a New Year’s toast before takeoff.

Revery

CONTEMPORARY

This Old Greenwood bistro inside an 1800s-era drugstore offers approachable fine dining, with a more casual bar on the historic building’s back end. Small plates have included beets with whipped goat cheese and wasabi, while entrees are seasonal and skew toward seafood, with lobster, halibut, and mussels on recent menus. Whiskey drinks get priority on the cocktail menu, and the old fashioned feels fresh and new. 299 W. Main St., Greenwood, 317-2154164, reveryrestaurantgroup.com $$$

Richard’s Brick Oven Pizza

ITALIAN Highly stylized seafood and meats paired with small pasta courses and shared a la carte sides add up to a sumptuous dining experience inside The Alexander hotel. Pass around a plate of prosciutto-wrapped prunes or crab arancini, but keep the tortelloni and sea bass all to yourself. 339 S. Delaware St., 317-6437400, nesso-italia.com $$$

Nowhere Special

COCKTAILS Dan Cage’s funky cocktail lounge and small bite spot is far from its all-too-modest name. Sleek banquettes in earthy greens and brushed brass tabletops provide an elegant backdrop to classic pours and a host of new

PIZZA When husband-and-wife team Richard Goss and Meg Jones first fired up their restaurant’s massive brick oven in 2009, chain pizza ruled the Central Indiana landscape, either delivered within 30 minutes or served in a cavernous room with a singing mechanical rodent. Franklin was a risky place to launch their vision of high-quality Neapolitan pizza made with fresh, often local ingredients—but the gamble paid off, and 15 years later, it’s become a destination for diners from far beyond Johnson County. The tightly edited menu includes pastas, thin-crusted pies, calzoni, and lasagna. 229 S. Main St., Franklin, 317-738-3300, richardskitchen.com $$$

Rick’s Cafe Boatyard

SEAFOOD You don’t have to be a Parrothead to appreciate the pontoon-life allure of Eagle

SMALL BITE

Creek’s waterside restaurant with its breezy dining room on stilts over the Dandy Trail boat slips. The menu gets creative with all the casual dining tropes, mixing smoked salmon nachos and chicken cordon bleu fingers in with the jumbo shrimp martinis. With a full menu of mules, tropical cocktails, and nonalcoholic concoctions, this is also a great spot for a couple of snacks and a drink or two as you take in one of the city’s nicest sunset views. 4050 Dandy Trail, 317-290-9300, ricksboatyard.com $$$

Sam’s Square Pie

BR 2025 PIZZA With its limited hours and three-day baking schedule, Jeff Miner’s pizza passion project still feels like an insider score when you can get it. And get it you should, given that the NFL camera operator boasts a second-place ranking at the International Pizza Expo for his painstaking Detroit pie, deeply browned around the edge yet chewy and pillowy in the middle and generously loaded with tangy sauce, meats, and dollops of ricotta. Takeout is always an option, but eating in the slender dining room dressed with funky outsider art allows Miner’s fans to catch him in his element. 2829 E. 10th St., samssquarepie.com $$$

Shapiro’s

Delicatessen

DELI Slide your tray along and take your pick of East Coast–style comfort foods at this familyowned downtown institution. Hot pastrami and corned beef sandwiches on rye have drawn long lines for more than a century. The Reuben is a contender for the city’s best, and heartier

fare such as potato pancakes, stuffed cabbage, and matzo ball soup are perennially satisfying standbys. If you don’t load up on a massive slice of cheesecake or pie, you haven’t really had the proper Shapiro’s experience. 808 S. Meridian St., 317-631-4041, shapiros .com $$

Shin Dig

NOSTALGIC This Cunningham Restaurant Group pizza and wings spot serves Willy Wonka–level decor, including tables built over gnomes and dinosaurs that greet you at the door. The menu skews toward the midway, with a “drive through” section of dogs and burgers in addition to its headline fare. 1351 Roosevelt Ave., 317-9076100, shindigindy.com $$

Shoyu Shop at Strange Bird

plant-based set. Dessert is always a sweetly exotic surprise. 128 S. Audubon Rd., 317-5504115, strangebirdindy.com $$$

Siam Square

TOP BRASS

Ohio-based Mediterranean chain Brassica is moving into the Indy market with a Fashion Mall at Keystone stop, which is set to open by the end of the year. The decade-old company currently operates six spots across the Buckeye State, but a recent investment from fast food chain Chipotle has spurred growth in Indiana and beyond.

BR 2025 RAMEN Trained in Japan, chef Kyle Humpheys came to Indianapolis to eventually open his Shoyu Shop inside Irvington tiki bar Strange Bird. It’s a glorious pairing, as the thatched and 1970s-leaning interior lends itself equally as well to fun, rum-heavy drinks as it does to big bowls of hand-cut noodles. Broths are layered and umami-laden, while additions like pork belly and scallops are of peerless quality. And while it’s not apparent on the menu, many of the dishes are available as vegetarian or vegan preparations, making this a secret gem for the

THAI Soothing red and green curries—redolent of coconut milk, Thai chili paste, and fresh veggies—play strictly by the book. The same goes for the fresh shrimp-and-chicken spring rolls packed inside a filament of rice paper, as well as the refreshing Som Tum salad, which is big enough for two. Made with crisp papaya and peanuts then funkified with a generous pour of fish sauce, it’s the ideal start to any meal. 936 Virginia Ave., 317636-8424, siamsquareindy .com $$

St. Elmo Steak House

BR 2025 CLASSIC In a city so rich in steakhouses, can a familiar favorite like St. Elmo still hold its own? Yes, absolutely—though the restaurant is one of the city’s longest-standing, it’s never taken its foot off the gas. Shrimp cocktails, giant slabs of beef, and martinis remain the stars of the show and are prepared just as excellently now as they were the first time you visited (for a birthday, graduation, or prom, perhaps). It’s been hitting it hard since 1902 and shows no

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SMALL BITE

FINISH THE YEAR WITH MEANINGFUL IMPACT

CENTRAL INDIANA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

The community foundation for the region of Central Indiana cicf.org

JenniferT@cicf.org

HAMILTON COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

The community foundation for Hamilton County hamiltoncountycf.org

AmandaM@hamil oncountycf.org

As the year comes to a close, fulfill your 2025 giving goals by Dec. 31 to have the highest impact while maximizing your personal financial goals. We invite you to give to organizations that align with your values, interests, and passions.

IMPACT CENTRAL INDIANA

Facilitates social impact investments into Central Indiana cicf.org/impact-central-indiana JeffB@cicf.org

INDIANAPOLIS FOUNDATION

The community foundation for Indianapolis and Marion County indianapolisfoundation.org

GraceF@indianapolisfoundation.org

WOMEN’S FUND OF CENTRAL INDIANA

Supports women and girls in Central Indiana womensfund.org

CarolineD@womensfund.org

signs of slowing down. If only we could all be as lucky. 127 S. Illinois St., 317-635-0636, stelmos. com $$$$

Tinker Street

BR 2025 CONTEMPORARY The Pedro Pascal of Indy, Tinker Street makes excellence look loose and easy even when your brain is telling you its staff must be working hard as hell. From the sip of bubbles you’re offered when you walk in to the ricotta doughnuts pitched as you finish your entree, it’s a breezy affair with food of the highest possible caliber. You can feel the kitchen having fun with the menu, which changes on the regular—fun that translates into one of the warmest, most generous dining experiences around. 402 E. 16th St., 317-925-5000, tinker streetrestaurant.com $$$$

Trax BBQ

BARBECUE Owner Andrew Klein, who has a background in high-end steakhouses, oversees the tender headliners at this no-frills barbecue joint that sits beside the train tracks in McCordsville. You can taste his expertise in the essential meats: brisket hacked into fatty hunks, pulled pork that melts in the mouth, and ribs by the rack, all prepared in a smoker that customers walk past before they hit the front door. 7724 Depot St., McCordsville, 317-3357675, traxbbq.com $$

Vicino

ITALIAN More than filling Mass Ave’s pasta needs, this modern, colorful trattoria from the owners of The Oakmont measures up to

some of the best Italian spots anywhere in the city. New seating and light fixtures add a brighter palette to the sleek former Hedge Row location, and a nicely edited menu offers familiar classics with a few twists for the more daring. 350 Massachusetts Ave., 317-798-2492, vicinoindy.com $$$

Vida

BR 2025

PRIX FIXE Don’t be intimidated by the menus at the Cunningham Restaurant Group’s flagship spot, Vida. Though diners are restricted to a six-course tasting affair or a four-course dinner, even within that structure, options abound—there are fully vegetarian menus for both choices, and allergies and dietary restrictions are thoughtfully accommodated. Ingredients are sourced as locally as possible, with many of the vegetables coming from CRG’s garden up the street. The restaurant uses a special Coravin extraction system to open rare and unexpected bottles for a single glass. 601 E. New York St., 317-420-2323, vida-restaurant.com $$$$

Wisanggeni Pawon

BR 2025

INDONESIAN Aji Wisanggeni and Putri Pratiwi’s Indonesian knockout has quickly evolved into a fixture of Indy’s food community. An ever-expanding menu offers spice-forward dishes such as beef rendang simmered in coconut milk or fried duck with rice and nose-clearing homemade sambal, as well as one of the tastiest fried rice plates in the city. Those eager to try it all should opt for street food–style small plates such as martabak, vegetable fritters, and dumplings.

Watch for occasional prasmanan buffet dinner specials. 2450 E. 71st St., 317-756-9477, wpawon.com $$

Yokohama

SUSHI In this restored arts and crafts–style home, sushi rolls run the gamut from the traditional to the eclectic (the Las Vegas roll mingles unagi with sweet potato and lotus chips). Don’t miss the Fire Dragon roll made with tuna and avocado topped with more tuna, mango, eel, and tempura crunch, a sprawling concoction that balances the spicy, sweet, tangy, and unexpected. Purists will be pleased by the sashimi and nigiri menus. Those who eschew seafood are also well-served with a dinner menu that weaves in hibachi-grilled steak and chicken. There’s also a separate vegetarian menu of udon and tempura. 67 N. Madison Ave., Greenwood, 317-859-1888, yokohamagreenwood.com $$$

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Photo by CLAY MAXFIELD

Holcomb Observatory Telescope

BUTLER TRUSTEE JOSEPH I. IRWIN BOUGHT THE INSTRUMENT FOR THE UNIVERSITY IN 1889, LAUNCHING ITS STUDY OF ASTRONOMY.

BY JACK FORREST

OVER 140 YEARS after it was made, one unassuming astronomical instrument at Butler University continues to put the stars in focus. It’s a 6-inch-diameter lens refracting telescope first crafted for a Madison, Indiana, contractor in 1883. It was made by famed optic manufacturer Alvan Clark & Sons, which was responsible for creating some of the largest refractors ever. Refractors use lenses to bend light to make distant objects visible. Aarran Shaw, Butler assistant professor of physics and astronomy, says they function much like binoculars or eyeglasses. (Reflectors, which are more common today among large telescopes, use mirrors.) The refractor survived Butler’s relocation from Irvington to the north side in 1928 and a pause in astronomy courses during World War II before arriving at its current home at Holcomb Observatory & Planetarium in 1954. It sits astride a 38-inch reflector, the largest telescope in Indiana. That’s not to say the smaller telescope is obsolete; it’s still used as a “finder telescope” to verify the larger one is aligned, explains Shaw. He also says it’s sometimes better to view the moon through the 6-inch lens because the light is almost overpowering through the reflector. Shaw notes that the telescope also grants a glimpse at the history of astronomy in the Hoosier state. “You’re looking through this eyepiece that is as old as the history of the university itself, essentially.”

The Holcomb 38-inch Cassegrain telescope. The long scope riding piggyback to the right is Butler’s 6-inch Clark refractor.

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IBM Quantum System One at Cleveland Clinic Courtesy of Cleveland Clinic