02.27.2024

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Today’s Forecast

🍰 Pastries for the people

Pastries for the people: Local pastry chef inspires with creativity

Pastry chef Youssef Boudarine stands behind booth of macarons with Ariel

You can expect to see J’Adore at special events like Rev this year. | Photo by J’Adore

As Youssef Boudarine continues to push the boundaries of culinary excellence, his influence on the Indianapolis dining scene is undeniable. With each dish he carefully creates, he inspires conversation — which is his ultimate goal.

Boudarine, the talented pastry chef behind the desserts at Bluebeard, hails from Berber, a small town in Morocco. He developed a passion for culinary arts while assisting his mother in the kitchen. “I mainly grew up with my mom and siblings,” Boudarine said. “I helped her a lot in the kitchen, especially when it comes to making bread because that was my favorite thing.”

Over the last eight years, Boudarine has been pivotal in developing pastry programs at Indianapolis establishments like Commission Row and Bluebeard. His eye-catching desserts have elevated his popularity, culminating in his own pop-up shop, J’Adore.

Mushroom pastry by Youssef Boudarine — Enjoy edible artwork by J’Adore at future pop-ups.
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Photo by J’Adore

“I want to make everything fairly priced. I don’t do it to make money, but I go home after these pop-up’s feeling so happy because a lot of people show up and enjoy their time,” Boudarine said. “I want to do a lot of research on the products I provide and provide cultural contexts as well. J’Adore is how I make bougie, fancy food accessible to anyone.”

Returning to his initial goal, he said, “I want to create a dessert that inspires conversation, where people ask ‘What’s this? How do we eat this?’ That’s my goal, to have one plate connect five or six people.”

Starting Tuesday, March 5, Boudarine will teach middle school students at the Junior Chef Academy, with selectees competing at the World Food Championships in Indianapolis this November. Classes are free, with tryouts on Thursday, Feb. 29 at Paramount Englewood.

Boudarine hopes for a J’Adore storefront soon, but will continue pop-ups around the city until then — and you won’t want to miss them.

Learn more about his background

Events

Tuesday, Feb. 27

Indy Attractions Pass | Tuesday, Feb. 27-Saturday, April 20 | Times vary | Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | $75 | The pass covers the entrance fee to eight popular attractions in Indianapolis and is usable for three days.
Building a Beloved Community by We Are Indy Arts | Tuesday, Feb. 27-Sunday, March 3 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis | Free | Comprised of a unique assembly of visual artists to cultivate community through workshops, lectures, and events.

Wednesday, Feb. 28

IUPUI Men’s Basketball vs. Milwaukee | Wednesday, Feb. 28 | 7 p.m. | Indiana Farmers Coliseum, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis | $49+ | Watch the Jaguars take on the Milwaukee Panthers in this men’s basketball game for Black + minority-owned business night.

Thursday, Feb. 29

Dream Big 2024 | Thursday, Feb. 29 | 6-9 p.m. | Biltwell Event Center, 950 S. White River Pkwy Dr. W., Indianapolis | $125 | Support Teachers’ Treasures with a silent auction, games, prizes, and a buffet + cocktails.
Bear Necessities Trivia | Thursday, Feb. 29 | 8-10 p.m. | Downtown Olly’s, 822 N. Illinois St., Indianapolis | Free | Thom Foolery and She Nanigans take over for a night of pub trivia fun.

Friday, March 1

Mindfulness Hike | Friday, March 1 | 10 a.m. | Williams Park, 940 S. Locust Ln., Brownsburg | Free | Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of nature while a naturalist leads you through a journey of mindfulness.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Announced

Nuova Vita Vintage will be relocating from the 907 N. Pennsylvania Ave. location to the third floor of The Stutz building. A grand reopening will take place on Saturday, March 23 from 12 to 6 p.m. in its new studio space.

Closed

Side Door Bagel will be temporarily closed for renovations this week. To support the business during this time, you can purchase an e-gift card through their website.

Ranked

Both the Indianapolis Children’s Museum and Conner Prairie were ranked best in nation, according to a USA Today poll. The Children’s Museum was voted No. 1 as the best children’s museum in the country + Conner Prairie was ranked No. 8 best “open air museum” in the nation. (IndyStar)

Sports

The Indianapolis Indians have announced their daily deals for the season and Wednesdays will include half-off ticket prices. Additional deals include $3 draft beers for Thirsty Thursdays and free meals for kids every Sunday home game. Head out for their opening night at Victory Field on Tuesday, April 2. (WTHR)

Trending

The NBA is considering bringing more events to Indianapolis given the success of the NBA All-Star weekend. Last week’s festivities were the highest-attended All-Star Game in more than 14 years, drawing in 190,000 people to downtown Indianapolis. (IBJ)

Travel

If you are planning to travel on or after May 7, 2025, be sure to get your Real ID. You can obtain your Real ID driver’s license or state card at any Indiana BMV branch in person. Be prepared by checking the list of necessary documents you’ll need. (IndyStar)

Ranked

Indianapolis was ranked No. 3 as top cities for fan-friendly NBA experiences, according to Oddspedia. Indy’s Midwestern friendliness, affordable accommodations, restaurants, and cheap tickets were just a few of the reasons Indy was highly ranked. (Oddspedia)

Award

The Indiana Landmarks’ 2023 Cook Cup for Outstanding Renovation was awarded to Hendricks Commercial Properties for its transformational work on the Bottleworks Hotel.

Sports

Will the Fighting Irish finish their season strong? Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on Notre Dame basketball with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

Read

Love to read in bed? Us, too. Some helpful tools we love: a rechargeable book light to clip on books or a remote control page turner for Kindle readers.*

Plan Ahead

🏁 Rev those engines, race day is coming soon

Get your tickets to “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” before it’s sold out

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway at sunset

IMS looking like a snack — we mean track. | Photo by @aaron.creates

It won’t be long before you hear Hoosiers declaring, “This is May.”

The 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 is expected to sell out this year as sales are on track with the most recent sold out Indy 500 eight years ago, a testament to casual fans becoming yearly attendees.

IMS President Doug Boles believes that people have been more likely to purchase their tickets early after the sellout in 2016. Fans are eager to watch 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson’s debut at the Indy 500.

This year, race attendees can expect to see renovations such as new video monitors, new paint coats, and paved walkways, thanks to the investments of track owner Roger Penske.

Additionally, Hoosiers and tourists will see “Welcome Race Fans” original artwork from five local artists. The artwork will be installed around the city and will be unveiled on Thursday, May 2 at the Indianapolis Artsgarden.

The Buy

The Buy 2.27.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

Something from Six & Main’s Brands That Give Back collection, so you can shop your favorite coffee, jewelry, cards, and tees all while knowing you’re supporting brands that make a difference. Causes include: animal rescue groups, local water based incentives, and national parks.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Mia

From the editor

I’ve been a fan of Youssef’s pastries for quite some time now. I had an early birthday celebration at Bluebeard just so I could have his dessert. I can’t wait until J’Adore’s shop location opens up, but until then you can catch me at all the pop-ups.

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