Delightful Drinks And Food
The Power of Homemade Chicken and Dumplings
It’s amazing how food and drink have the power to connect us to the people and places we love most. I still remember the first time I got sick away from home during my freshman year of college. I was 2 hours from my family, stuck in bed with a cold, and all I could think about was my mom’s homemade chicken and dumplings — the comfort she always served when I wasn’t feeling well. To my surprise, she made a pot of her dumplings, drove the 2 hours, and delivered it right to my dorm. With every bite, I felt cared for, nourished and almost instantly better.
Years later, while studying abroad, I felt a similar tug of homesickness. I stumbled into a little loose-leaf tea shop in Scotland and discovered chamomile tea. That warm, soothing cup didn’t just ease my longing for home — it reminded me that food and beverages can be anchors of comfort, no matter where we are in the world.
That’s why I’m especially enthused to share this year’s Annual Food & Drink edition. Inside, you’ll discover our version of a proposed Indiana Bourbon Trail to spotlight the dedicated distillers who represent the state's unique, homegrown flavors. We also welcome Freeland’s restaurant as a new dining location with a quiet, focus-on-each-other ambiance. For those times you're on the go, we also highlight some of the mobile food and beverage truck teams who gladly serve local customers looking for tasty treats quickly. Finally, take a peek at several books with food-related themes.
My hope is that these stories inspire you to gather with loved ones, savor a favorite dish or raise a glass to the moments that bring us together.
Cheers,
ANDREA KULSRUD, PUBLISHER @CARMEL.CITY.LIFESTYLE
October 2025
PUBLISHER
Andrea Kulsrud | andrea.kulsrud@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Melvie Gonzales | melvie.gonzales@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Allyson (Ally) Straczek, Julie Brown Patton, Hannah Barricks
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Craving authentic Thai? Visit Thai Season in Carmel, IN! With 10+ years of flavor-packed dishes, fresh ingredients, and a welcoming vibe, we’re your go-to spot for an unforgettable meal Come taste the difference today!
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: COhatch and OneHope Winery hosted a tasting to benefit COhatch Carmel Scholars The Chris Center. 2: Carmel’s 1st On Main nominated for Real Estate Monumental Award; presentation by Indy Chamber Oct. 22. 3: Carmel Police school resource officers were eager to help welcome back students. 4: Andrew and Stefanie Flittner opened Independent Senior Insurance in Carmel to support Central Indiana seniors. 5: Mayor Sue Finkam joined OneZone Chamber’s grand opening of Naturspire’s new location on Range Line. 6: Now’s a great time to refresh closets with shelving to make space for fall essentials. 7: Fresh flowers/seasonal bouquets are available at Bloomery, or create one straight from the fields.
COURTESY OF CARMEL SROS
CLOSET CONCEPTS, INC. SWEET PEAS FLOWER FARM
KULSRUD
Previously Mobile, Epic Coffee Sets UpBrick-And-Mortar Shop
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Once a state-of-the-art coffee trailer, Epic Coffee staffers recently set up a physical shop in Carmel at 7249 E. 146th St., Ste. 110. They serve lattes, smoothies, speciality coffee drinks, cold brews, seasonal drinks, Italian sodas, frappes, energy drinks, fresh-squeezed lemonades, refreshers, teas, bagels, breakfast sandwiches and baked goods. Hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days/week. Shop owner Kasey Ricciardi says with their community focus for ingredients/ items, five other small businesses also are supported.
Photography by Epic Coffee
The team of Simply Served Catering, a casual catering division of Ritz Charles, delivers simple ingredients that are “simply prepared and simply delicious,” including appetizers, meals, desserts and late-night snacks. Drop offs, by-the-hour staff and full bar service are available. Their Carmel office is at 12156 N. Meridian St. They typically handle corporate events, social gatherings and weddings, providing full-service buffet catering, food trucks, bars and mobile bar trucks.
Let Flavors Of Thailand Tantalize The Taste Buds
Delicious, true Thai cuisine can be secured at Thai Season Carmel Restaurant located at 1370 S. Rangline Road. The restaurant’s owner-operator, Abby Pearson, says they specialize in traditional Thai recipes that’ve been passed on for generations. “Every bite tells a story. We strive to provide wonderful meals along with authentic, memorable dining experiences.” Abby previously owned the Thai Castle restaurant, which actually outgrew its space. View options of the current, exotic menu at ThaiSeasonCarmel.com.
Photography by Simply Served Catering
Photography by Thai Season Carmel
FEEL GOOD DINING
Step Into 1950s Dinner Party With Intimate Conversations And Delicious Food At Freeland’s Restaurant
Tom Main didn't initially plan to open a second restaurant. However, the unique opportunity in Carmel inspired him to create a dining establishment that offers great food while also positively impacting the community. Since 2015, Tinker Street, Tom's restaurant in Indianapolis, has delighted diners with its rotating menus and exceptional service.
“I told developers there was less than a 1% chance I'd open another restaurant,” Tom explains.
As he learned about the North End Apartments' inclusive housing community that included adults with developmental disabilities, he realized the significant impact a restaurant could have. He says,"I've always wanted to hire people with
ARTICLE BY ALLYSON (ALLY) STRACZEK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY FREELAND’S
Deeply rooted in local history, Freeland’s is nestled in a beautifully restored period home, “The Maples."
developmental disabilities, making this project a wonderful opportunity to merge two passions."
Now a family business, Tom brought his daughter, Alyse, on board several years ago to temporarily head human resources and training. In the following years, she also took on operational responsibilities.
“In the beginning, she just came in to clean up some HR items, and then I needed her to work some manager shifts. She ended up staying, and the rest is history. It’s a blessing to be working with Alyse, a former head of HR for a Fortune 1000 company. But, she started in the restaurant industry from the ground up,” says Tom.
SIGNATURE STARTERS, BOTANICALS, ENTREES
Alyse confirms, "I stepped into the operations role to help out and gain experience in restaurant operations and guest services. Many corporate skills, like employee relations, translate well into this business."
Located in Carmel’s North End, Freeland’s is close to a neighborhood where residents with developmental disabilities are living independently for the first time. “Jobs for people with disabilities have always been a passion for Dad,” says Alyse. “We now have three of these individuals successfully working at Freeland’s, including two who started with us from the beginning.”
The Mains prioritize a safe workplace based on mutual respect among team members. “The longevity of our employees at Tinker Street is unprecedented,” explains Alyse. “Many team members have been with us for more than three years. It's a credit to my Dad."
Tom and Alyse embraced the challenges of opening Freeland's. "We're fortunate to have the loyalty and continued support of our staff and the Carmel community. It’s a humbling and grateful experience to see the staff's growth, and we're grateful the business is doing well now,” explains Alyse.
The name “Freeland” pays homage to the family who once lived in this location (Edward and Marcia Freeland).
SIGNATURE LOOK AND FEEL
To create the desired energy and feel, Tom reduced the original plans from 5,000 to 2,500 square feet. “People love a restaurant because of the way they feel in the space: the food, the people, the setting,” he says. “Our goal is to create an inviting space that's cocoon-like, where guests can enjoy themselves and leave their worries at the door.”
At Freeland’s, there are no televisions to distract from conversations. “Tom wanted to create the feel of a 1950s dinner party,” explains Alyse. “You're stepping into a home to enjoy conversation, exceptional food and service.”
Guests enjoy meals on 90% recycled china, either donated by repeat diners or upcycled.
Community involvement is central to Freeland's kitchen, where Chef Braedon Kellner grew up five minutes away. A classically trained French chef at The Culinary Institute of America, Braedon is energizing the menu.
“Chef Kellner served as executive chef at Tinker Street, and it’s a joy to collaborate with him again,” says Tom.
Freeland’s partners with the local Fields Market Garden to select and offer on its menu the freshest ingredients.
Freeland’s proudly honors its original homeowners from 1841, and is committed to tradition with innovation. On the plate, the team is striving for inventive, delicious dishes that diners wouldn't make themselves, yet there’s a familiarity to them. Staff members want to continue to evolve the guest hospitality experience.
"It took 3 years and 8 months to open Freeland's," says Tom. “At times, during that process, I would forget why I did it. But, in hindsight, when I get to see the joy it brings to our guests, it makes the entire experience worth it.”
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
Local Fare On The Go
10 FOOD AND BEVERAGE TRUCKS TO TRY THIS FALL
Woody’s Barbecue
Bring on brisket, pulled pork, ribs, chicken, coleslaw, smoked baked beans or mac and cheese from gourmet chef Claude “Dr. BBQ” Wood. His secret involves dry rubs, plus apple, hickory and cherry woods.
Hot, mini donuts, made fresh to order with seasonal toppings, can be paired with (envy)NVous iced or warm coffee, hot cocoa, apple cider or fresh squeezed lemonade in seven delicious fruit flavors.
Thai Out
Bold Asian street food delivers bang bang crispy chicken wings, spring rolls, fried rice, crab rangoon, Pad Thai, orange chicken, bubble tea and sweet basil chicken, beef, shrimp or vegetables.
Signature hot dogs with toppings, sausages, bratwursts, barbecue sandwiches, five-cheese mac and cheese, burgers, macaroni salad, nachos, potato salad, cheesecakes, brownies, cake of the day and family-friendly treats are available.
As Indy area’s first “dirty soda shop,” try handcrafted beverages based in root beer, seltzer, lemonade or sodas and their seasoned fries or funnel cake fries. Ask about their drink buckets.
Zo-Bot’s Sodas & Fries
DonutNV
Scott Diggity Dogs
Courtesy of Woody’s Barbecue
Courtesy of DonutNV
Courtesyof Zo-Bot’s Sodas&Fries
Courtesy of Thai Out
Courtesyof Scott Diggity Dogs
TacoLoco M&C
For when both Mexican and Chinese food sound good, select from among burritos, tortas, tacos, quesadillas, lo mein noodles, chicken nuggets, alambres, pan fried dumplings, lettuce wraps, fried rice and sincronizadas.
Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee
Indulge in individually crafted hot coffees, matcha, iced or frozen drinks, energy beverages, refreshers, hot chocolate, lemonade, espresso, hot tea, cinnamon apple cider and seasonal drinks, all while on the go.
Grab delicious donuts filled with ice cream decorated with syrups and toppings to taste, plus crepes accompanied by homemade whipped cream, shaved ice selections and ice cream scoops.
Mr. Dough Indy
Fresh Neapolitan-style gourmet pizzas are served up with handcrafted dough. This pizza napulitana is the round version typically prepared in the Italian city of Naples and characterized by a soft, thin dough with high edges.
Pronounced “pier-doggy,” pierogi are a popular Polish food, similar to dumplings. They’re pockets of dough wrapped around savory or sweet fillings (meat, cheese, vegetables, desserts), then either sauteed, boiled or deep-fried and served with toppings such as sour cream or butter.
Pierogi Love Indy
Ice Cream Donuts
Courtesyof Ice Cream Donuts
Courtesy of Mr DoughIndy
Courtesy of TacoLoco M&C
CourtesyofTravelin’ Tom’s Coffee
ELEVATING CONFIDENCE THROUGH PASSIONATE CARE
Dr. Emily Hrisomalos is a double board-certified plastic surgeon and an expert in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery of the face and neck. Together with Advanced Medical Aesthetician Susan Barnes, their practice treatment philosophy revolves around delivering compassionate, customized care and exceptional results that help patients look and feel their absolute best.
Hidden Gems Of Authentic Spirits And Craftsmanship Await Discovery, One Sip At A Time
Whisking Up An Indiana Bourbon Trail
While there may not be a formal Indiana bourbon trail, such as Kentucky’s long-standing one, many view the Hoosier State’s bourbon scene as diverse and dynamic. By definition, bourbon mash bill/recipe must contain at least 51 percent corn. Kentucky’s rich soil for growing high-quality corn leads to unique flavors of Kentucky-made bourbon. However, Indiana’s lesser-known distilleries, such as some highlighted in this feature, comprise a trail along which each sip also tells a story of tradition, innovation and the spirit of the Midwest.
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
Independent craft beer maker Sun King Brewery opened a $5 million, 15,000-square-foot craft distillery and tap room in Carmel during 2016. At the time, the company’s co-founder Dave Colt completed his distiller’s education at the Distilled Spirits Epicenter in Kentucky, stating “whiskey is distilled beer, so you’re already halfway there.” The Carmel team then produced a handful of creative, small-batch spirits and more traditional products, such as whiskey, gin and rum. The former distillery spot eventually was transformed into an event and dining area. The Carmel location still includes a full bar with local and regional spirits, cider, beer and wine, often now partnering with West Fork Whiskey Company.
Located in Westfield, this distillery provides more intimate, adultsonly experiences. Select from among Straight Bourbon, Absinthe, Peated Bourbon, Three Knock Bourbon, Rye, Single Malt or Bottled Old Fashioned. Head Distiller Brad Colver offers a one-of-a-kind experience where up to six friends can create a 15-gallon barrel of whiskey that’s uniquely theirs. Enjoy live music on weekends. Guests are welcome to bring in their favorite local eats.
As Indiana’s largest Black-owned distillery, this team in Hammond creates artisan spirits and craft cocktails. Their patio is kidfriendly, dog-friendly and bike-friendly, and they sometimes have live music. Their award-winning rye whiskey uses the same grain bill as their renowned beers, creating a unique crossover experience. The team states their Old Fashioned is consistently one of their top sellers.
This “grain-to-glass” artisan distillery, craft cocktail bar and events venue is located in Churubusco, and is named in honor of moonshiner Edwin Coe Dupuis. The family-owned and operated team makes an array of premium spirits, offering meals and live music, too. Unlike distillery staffs who purchase neutral grain liquor, founder Joe Collins states all of Edwin Coe’s spirits are made completely in-house at their facility, from milling grain, fermenting, distilling, aging, blending, bottling and hand-labeling each product.
EdwinCoeSpirits.com | 260.286.1107
Brewing
From Covington, this staff creates whiskeys, wines, craft beers and wood-fired pizza. Their reserve label bourbon is a blend of Indiana white corn and red winter wheat, described as “smooth on the palate with just a hint of a sweet finish.” Patrons indicate this is a friendly spot to hang out.
windyridgewinery@sbcglobal.net | 765.793.2629
“Farm to bottle” bourbon made in Newtown is provided from a true family business, with “every bit of grain used being sourced from local fields or the family farm.” Owners indicate their products are harvested, milled, mashed, fermented and distilled with lessons passed down from their grandfathers. Their custom-built potstill reportedly was designed and made in Germany. They have tours and tastings. They make corn whiskey, single barrel bourbon and 100% sweet corn bourbon.
Old55Distillery.com | info@old55distillery.com
Edwin Coe Spirits
Old 55 Distillery
Award-winning spirits and refreshing cocktails are found at this creative craft distillery, bar and restaurant in Bloomington. They have a patio, tasting room, food and spirits, all from scratch and with real botanicals, fruits and spices. Distillery-hosted events include cocktail classes, bingo brunch with celebrity callers and weekly trivia gatherings. They also hold tours and have a gift shop. They create butcher’s bourbon, four-grain bourbon, single malt straight whiskey, Cardinal gold bourbon and Perry’s Secret Stock Crimson Corn Bourbon.
As a woman-owned and family operated distillery in Nashville, this team offers tours, whiskey tastings and their “famous moonshine shake-up cocktails.” They were the first new distillery to open in Indiana after the Artisan Distillers law passed in July of 2013. Owner Susan Spagnuolo states their “Hoosier Hooch” flavored moonshines are made from Indiana handcrafted corn whiskey and only natural flavors that make them “dangerously drinkable.” They make five whiskeys, by hand, in small batches, with grains they get from Indiana farmers to acheive 100% Indiana grown results.
This sweet mash distillery is located in the heart of Brown County in Nashville. Distilling actually began during 2015 in the small, upper rooms of Big Woods Pizza Co. The tiny craft distillery quickly grew; by 2017, construction was underway on a new facility set on a wooded, 325-acre property about a mile away. The setting became the gorgeous Hard Truth campus, with the Hard Truth Tours and Tastings Center opening at the end of that year. They offer a sweet mash bourbon, sweet mash wheated bourbon, chocolate malt sweet mash rye whiskey, high road rye and sweet mash rye. Ask them about their Maple Bourbon Cream or the Mizunara Finished Sweet Mash Rye.
Cardinal Spirits
Bear Wallow Distillery
Feed Your Soul
Food is exciting to cook, and satisfying to eat but is it enjoyable to read? Novels where food is prominently featured can be a veritable feast for the eyes. Food imagery, also called gustatory imagery, adds depth to a novel, providing a springboard for all kinds of descriptive and symbolic language. Different dishes can transport a reader to new regions of the world, reveal a character’s culture, or symbolically deepen the meaning of a text. So, dive into this list of autumn reads and don’t forget to save room for seconds.
ARTICLE BY HANNAH BARRICKS
Stanley Park
by Timothy Taylor
True crime fans and foodies alike will enjoy this beautifully written novel. The novel follows a Vancouver based chef, Jeremy Papier and his failing bistro. As Papier tries to hold his dreams together, his homeless father drags him into a real-life, 1940s “cold case” investigation. The novel mindfully uses the investigation as well as Papier’s commitment to locally grown foods to pay tribute to Vancouver’s landscape and history.
A Moveable Feast
by Ernest Hemingway
Published after his untimely death, A Moveable Feast is Hemingway’s memoir. A love letter to 1920s Paris and the literary movement, Hemingway charters the reader through his early years there, one cafe at a time. Along the way, familiar characters like Gertrude Stein and F. Scott Fitzgerald float in and out. This no-frills prose will stick to your ribs and leave you satisfied.
The School of Essential Ingredients
by Erica Bauermeister
Love is in the air at this Monday night cooking school. The novel follows a cast of hapless students as they are instructed in both the kitchen and in life by the school’s owner, Lillian. Lillian is the group’s fairy godmother as she hands out morsels of advice and challenges the students with advanced recipes. A cozy read, be prepared to fall in love with the decadence of the school’s dishes as well as the sweet message that lingers long after you put down the book.
The Sol Majestic
by Ferrett Steinmetz
If you love science fiction, this big-hearted, culinary space opera is sure to hit the spot. The story follows impoverished Kenna, an aspiring guru who hungrily wanders the cosmos until he wins dinner at the galaxy’s most renowned restaurant, The Sol Majestic. A novel that is both fun and thought provoking, Steinmetz uses striking food imagery to explore what truly excites the spirit.
Finance Your Business Growth
From the innovation hubs of Carmel to the bustling streets of downtown Indy, opportunity is thriving, your business should be too.
Whether you’re scaling your operations, investing in commercial property, or launching a new venture, the right financing partner can make all the difference. First Financial Bank offers competitive rates, a fast and simple approval process, and local teams committed to helping you succeed.
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
OCTOBER 3RD
Oktoberfest
Carmel City Center | 6:00 PM
Celebrate Oktoberfest Friday with German-style food, drinks, games and live music by Der Polktaz. The event takes place on the Plaza level along Veterans Way/Hanover Court. The celebration's free and open to all ages. Parking is available in Veterans Way Garage, the Civic Square Garage and lot at the southeast corner of City Center Drive and Range Line Road.
OCTOBER 3RD
The Piano Man: A Billy Joel Tribute
Feinstein's At Hotel Carmichael | 5:30 PM
Eric Baker & Friends presents A Billy Joel Tribute, as a night of songs and stories highlighting hits of "the" piano man. This is a full band show. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; show starts at 7:30 p.m. $25 food/beverage minimum per guest. Cabaret seating: all seats at the table are for sale (buying one seat doesn't secure the table).
OCTOBER 9TH
Il Divo By Candlelight
Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts | 7:30 PM
This quartet captivates audiences worldwide, and they've sold 30 million albums while earning 160 Gold and Platinum certifications across 35 countries. Currently comprising Urs Bühler (tenor, Switzerland), Sébastien Izambard (tenor, France), David Miller (tenor, USA) and new member Steven LaBrie (baritone, USA), they recently marked their 20th anniversary with their 10th album and first independent release. Tickets start at $55
OCTOBER 10TH-12TH
World
Aquatics
Swimming World Cup
Carmel High School Natatorium Complex | 10:00 AM
The World Aquatics Swimming World Cup 2025 kicks off the short-course (25m) season. World Aquatics, formerly known as the Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA), is the sole and exclusive world governing body for all Aquatics. Since June 2021, World Aquatics comprises 210 National Member Federations in the five continents. Visit WorldAquatics.com for updates.
OCTOBER 11TH
Late Night On Main With The Brothers Footman
Carmel Arts & Design District | 6:00 PM
These brothers play mixture of rock, hop, funk and soul. This is a free, community event. The Feinstein's VIP Lounge opens at 7 p.m; a limited supply of $500 tickets are available. With a $500 donation, one receives four tickets. Go to CarmelPorchFest.org/VIP for more information; 100% of ticket costs go to support the Carmel PorchFest Grant Program.
OCTOBER 19TH
Shop Til You Drop
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral | 9:00 AM
Representatives of the St. Herman's Missions Society of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral host this annual event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy shopping with various vendors and have a Greek lunch with pastries. There is free admission to this artisan and craft fair. Phone 317.733.3033 for questions.
As a leading supplier of luxury Natural Stone in the Midwest, we are dedicated to providing you with the largest selection and highest-quality materials available. Based in Indianapolis and starting in 2020, we feature an expansive inventory of natural stones in our 55,000 SF showroom. Open to the public, our team welcomes you to Experience the Plutus Difference. Your Premier
You’re busy, but do one thing for you — make today the day you schedule your mammogram, for your peace of mind and the ones you love most.
With regular screenings, breast cancer can be found early when it’s most treatable. At Ascension St. Vincent, our doctors recommend yearly mammograms starting at age 40, or earlier if you have a family history of breast cancer.
Choose from flexible time slots and encourage a friend to schedule her mammo today, too.
• Digital 3D mammography
• Breast ultrasound and MRI diagnostic mammograms Check it off your to-do list
• Screening and