March 21, 2024

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Today’s Forecast

🔥 Flavortown, meet Naptown

INDYtoday: INDY_Kountry Kitchen soul food_MAR24

Kountry Kitchen’s fried catfish is an Indy staple. | Photo by @see_do_eat

If you’re a fan of Food Network or just a devotee of spiky-haired, goatee-clad television hosts, you’ve probably seen an episode or two of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”. It’s been a staple of the channel since 2007 and boasts more than 400 episodes, with restaurateur Guy Fieri traveling the country searching for casual spots with delicious food.

Fieri has stopped in Indianapolis before, but only two of the locations he’s visited are still open today: Historic diner Steer-In and quick-serve Mexican stop The Tamale Place. So we’d like to propose that the “King of Flavortown” make his triumphant return to Indy and try out these well-loved restaurants. If you’re reading this, Food Network, you’re welcome.

Kountry Kitchen Soul Food Place

A few years ago, Fieri wouldn’t have been able to stop by Kountry Kitchen, as a fire forced the owners to close its doors for nearly four years. But last fall, it finally reopened, welcoming customers back to enjoy true southern fried-everything cuisine. It’s more than just a local legend — dozens of celebrities have dined here, including former President Barack Obama and, just recently during All-Star Weekend, Shaq.

INDYtoday: INDY_Big Hoffa's milkshakes_MAR24 — If you’re looking for a milkshake that comes with its own army of additional desserts crammed inside, you’ve come to the right place.
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Photo by INDYtoday team

Big Hoffa’s BBQ

Just north of the city, Big Hoffa’s serves up fall-off-the-bone smoked meats and delicious sides in a pirate-themed setting (to be honest, we’re not sure we get the connection, but the food is so good we haven’t questioned it). If that wasn’t enough, save room for dessert — the restaurant’s creamery makes showstopping milkshakes that are so big, they demand sharing.

Workingman’s Friend

This no-frills diner is so old school that it doesn’t even accept credit cards. But don’t let the unassuming facade fool you — the joint has received many awards for its incredible smashburgers, including best burger in Indiana.

What other restaurants do you think fit the Triple D bill?

Cast your own episode

Events

Thursday, March 21

Driving Miss Daisy | Thursday, March 21 | 7 p.m. | The Center for the Performing Arts, One Center Green, Carmel | $32-$53 | Experience this heartwarming Off-Broadway success, which was also adapted into an Academy Award-winning film.
Dance Kaleidoscope Presents New Voices | Thursday, March 21-Sunday, March 24 | Times vary | Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | $30-$50 | Watch dancers ignite the stage with dynamic choreography from some of the newest voices in contemporary dance.

Friday, March 22

Indiana Comic Convention | Friday, March 22-Sunday, March 24 | Times vary | Indiana Convention Center, 100 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis | $66-$299 | Attend this family-friendly convention that caters to interests including comic books, magazines, toys, games, Star Wars, anime, manga, and cosplay.

Saturday, March 23

5K Beer Run x Sun King Brewery | Saturday, March 23 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Sun King Brewery, 135 N. College Ave., Indianapolis | $35-$50 | Run, walk, or jog a 5K course, then celebrate at the finish line with beer.
2024 Total Solar Eclipse: Celestial Civilizations | Saturday, March 23 | 1:30-3 p.m. | Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | $4-$6 | From calendars and navigation to religion and ceremonies, learn how events like eclipses were perceived by early humans.

Sunday, March 24

Indy Fuel vs. Kalamazoo Wings | Sunday, March 24 | 5 p.m. | Indiana Farmers Coliseum, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis | $16-$60 | Cheer on the Fuel for their 10th season in the ECHL.

Monday, March 25

Spring Break Day Camp at the Eiteljorg | Monday, March 25-Friday, March 29 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | $60-$65 | During five days of activities, children ages 9-12 will create jewelry, pottery, oil pastels, and other artistic projects.

Events calendar here

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Travel

How to spend a weekend in vibrant Cincinnati, OH

Rotating photos of spots in Cincinnati, including shops, bars, and restaurants.

Get away to Cincinnati for wildly different — yet easily accessible + affordable — experiences. | Photos courtesy of Visit Cincy; gif by 6AM City

Just two hours from Indianapolis is the Cincy Region — a Midwestern destination where urban vibrancy and Southern charm collide. Here are some of our top recs for where to go + things to do during your next trip to Cincy:

What to do

American Sign Museum | This unique museum is dedicated to the art, history, and development of signs throughout American culture.
Cincinnati Reds | Cheer on Major League Baseball’s first professional team at the Great American Ball Park.
Revival Vintage Bottle Shop | Discover ultra-rare bourbons during a guided tasting at this Covington, KY hot spot.

Where to eat

Bouquet | Relax at this urban oasis with craft beer, cocktails, and farm-to-table, seasonally-inspired dishes. (Pro tip: This is a featured stop on The B-Line®, a self-guided bourbon tour.)
Cafe Mochiko | This nationally-recognized Asian American eatery is known for its ube-flavored pastries and chili ramen.
Mita’s | Dine on an eclectic variety of tapas inspired by traditional and modern foods of Spain + Latin America.

Where to stay

The Lytle Park Hotel | Located downtown, this historic hotel is close to the Taft Museum and features luxe amenities like a rooftop with spectacular views.
Hotel Covington | This historic hotel sings in style, character, and comfort with vintage touches and modern tailoring.

More can't-skip spots in Cincy

News Notes

Coming Soon

You hungry, Garfield Park? The former taproom manager of Garfield Brewery is planning to fill the neighborhood’s need for dining options. The new venture, Parkside Public House, is expected to open in June at 2602 Shelby St. and will serve sandwiches, soups, and salads. (IBJ)

Closing

Downtown Thai restaurant and jazz club Bangkok Restaurant & Bar is closing after 10 years in business. Its last day serving customers will be Saturday, March 23. (IBJ)

Plan Ahead

Want to get a (relatively) close look at the 33 drivers competing in the Indy 500? Tickets are on sale for the 2024 AES 500 Festival Parade, which hits the streets of downtown Indy on Saturday, May 25. The theme is “Iconic Moments in Indy.” (WTHR)

Ranked

File this under unsurprising news: Sports Business Journal ranked Indianapolis as the No. 5 Best Sports Business City in the country. It cited Indy’s success in owning unique events like the Indy 500, as well as hosting events like the Big Ten Football Championship Game and the NBA All-Star Game. (WISH)

Community

The Indianapolis Black Heritage & Legacy Trail, a new initiative to figuratively connect historic black communities, is asking residents to share their stories and help in the creation of the legacy project. Learn more. (WRTV)

Seasonal

If spring has you feeling exuberant, you might wanna hit the Indianapolis Zoo for its xZOOberance event, which opens today. The festival runs on Thursdays-Sundays through April 14 and features live performances, spring-themed activities, and animal encounters.

Sports

It’s bracket breakdown time, NCAA fans. Get ready for March Madness and learn how to craft a winning bracket with Locked On Hoosiers.

Learn

Meet The Daily Upside, a free business newsletter that offers sharp analysis of the latest finance, economics, and market news. Navigate the complexities of inflation, rate hikes, and more without clickbait headlines. Join 1+ million subscribers when you sign up for free.*

Home

It’s time for beautiful, energy-efficient windows in your home. Save on new windows in Renewal by Andersen^®’s spring savings event — happening for a limited time only.*

History

💤 A nap by any other name

An aerial view of downtown Indianapolis and Monument Circle. | Photo via Indiana Historical Society

Indianapolis is a city of many names. Indy? Makes sense. Circle City? Yep, that checks out. But why Naptown?

Contrary to what you might think, Naptown isn’t a derogatory reference to the city’s sleepiness (which many would argue isn’t accurate). It actually has its roots in something completely opposite: Indy’s vibrant jazz culture of the 1920s.

Legend has it that jazz club musicians shortened our city’s six-syllable name (read: a mouthful) for easier use in both song and casual conversation. They simply stressed the fourth, most prominent syllable in the name Indianapolis, and the rest is history.

The term was first used in print by the Indianapolis Recorder, an African American newspaper that’s still in circulation today, in 1927. Nowadays, many use it as an affectionate nickname, including local businesses like Naptown Thrift and Naptown Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Boxing.

The Buy

These No. 1 best-selling women’s running shorts, because spring is officially here and that means more workouts outside (yay). Under Armour’s shorts have a built-in brief and are lightweight and breathable, thanks to sweat-wicking material.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Shea

From the editor

I think I’d have to classify myself as a Big Hoffa’s regular. I’m a huge fan of barbecue, but I’m an even bigger fan of fries topped with ridiculous things; if that sounds like you, try the Hoffanator.

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