April 4, 2024

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Today’s Forecast

🏆 Yes, chef

INDYtoday: INDY_James Beard awards Bluebeard_APR24

When it comes to recognition by the James Beard Foundation, Bluebeard is the most decorated restaurant in Indianapolis. | Photo by @bluebeardindy

The newest cycle of James Beard Award finalists dropped yesterday, and while no Indy finalists were named this time, we’re still reminded how lucky we are to live in a foodie city. Let’s take a look at past James Beard Award cycles and how many Indianapolis chefs and institutions have made the cut.

Winners

Indy has only had one winner since the James Beard Foundation started handing out awards in 1991: St. Elmo’s Steak House, which won in the America’s Classics category in 2012. The America’s Classics Award, established in 1998, is “given to locally-owned restaurants that serve quality food, have timeless appeal, and reflect the character of their communities.”

Semifinalists

Since 2010, nine local chefs have been honored as Best Chefs semifinalists, many of them on repeat occasions — and we’re excited to see what the future holds. Just last month, two-time Rising Star Chef of the Year Semifinalist Alan Sternberg replaced James Beard veteran Abbi Merriss at Bluebeard’s helm.

INDYtoday: INDY_Love Handle James Beard awards_APR24 — Love Handle was recognized in 2020 for Outstanding Hospitality — a nomination that makes perfect sense to regular patrons.
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Photo by @luvhandy

Restaurateur Martha Hoover, the force behind Cafe Patachou, Napolese Pizzeria, Public Greens, and the late Apocalypse Burger, has also been recognized an astounding six times as an Outstanding Restaurateur semifinalist.

Three restaurants have been named semifinalists in different categories: Love Handle, Beholder, and Bluebeard. All are still open (lucky for us).

See the full list

Events

Thursday, April 4

An Evening with the Authors | Thursday, April 4 | 8-10 p.m. | The Cabaret, 140 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | $10-$12 | Comedians pose as accomplished authors reading from their most recent works.

Friday, April 5

Grafton Peek Night Market | Friday, April 5 | 5-10 p.m. | Grafton Peek Social Hall, 171 S. Madison Ave., Greenwood | Free | Groove to bluesy tunes, sip on handcrafted drinks, and savor delicious snacks while discovering unique finds from Indiana artists.

Saturday, April 6

BBQ Bootcamp 101 + 102 | Saturday, April 6 | 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | BBQ Maestros, 5460 Victory Dr., Ste. 100, Indianapolis | $120 | Become a barbecue master by attending this workshop focusing on chicken and ribs — tastings and lunch included.
Garlic Mustard Pull with INPS | Saturday, April 6 | 10 a.m. | Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis | Free | Head out to The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park and help pull garlic mustard, an invasive plant.
Blood Drive | Saturday, April 6 | 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | Indianapolis Public Library Fort Ben Branch, 9330 E. 56th St., Indianapolis | Free | Give back to your community by providing life-saving blood for patients at local hospitals.
Plant & Sip with VOICES Corp. | Saturday, April 6 | 4-6 p.m. | Flower Boys, 702 Lexington Ave., Indianapolis | $45 | Enjoy a charcuterie box and wine in an evening dedicated to you and your growth.

Sunday, April 7

Hadestown | Sunday, April 7 | 7:30 p.m. | Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University, 4602 Sunset Ave., Indianapolis | $97-$167 | Snag the last few tickets to see the touring production of this Tony-award winning musical live.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Civic

Mayor Joe Hogsett announced the fifth round of grantees receiving funding through the Elevation Grant Program. More than $5.1 million will be distributed to 27 Indianapolis nonprofits working to address root causes of violent crime. (WTHR)

Open

Barry Bagels, a family-owned deli and bagel restaurant from Ohio, opened its newest location at Clay Terrace in Carmel on Tuesday, April 2. It’s open daily at 6:30 a.m. The company also plans to add at least three more locations in Indiana. (WTHR)

Development

Community Health Network is planning major additions that will double the size of its cancer center on the south side of Indianapolis. The City-County Council will vote to approve final adoption next month. (IBJ)

Ranked

ICYMI, Taylor Swift is coming to town later this year — and a study by JeffBet found that Indy is the cheapest place to visit of all the stops on the record-breaking “The Eras Tour.” Now if we could just figure out how to get tickets... (FOX59)

Try This

Break out the turkey. Holiday World is auctioning off the first rides for its newest rollercoaster, “Good Gravy!” The auction closes on Friday, April 19. Bid here. (WISH)

Sports

What did Tyrese Haliburton do to have his best offensive game since the All-Star break? Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Pacers with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcast.

Wellness

BetterHelp creates a safe, stigma-free space where you can be your authentic self and explore your concerns. Get 25% off your first month of therapy.*

Asked

📲 Do it for the ‘gram

INDYtoday: INDY_social media accounts following_APR24

We wanna know: What local social media accounts are we missing out on? | Photo by INDYtoday team

Since you’re following INDYtoday, we have to assume you must be pretty cool. As such, we want to know which other Indy innovators, entertainers, makers, and more you follow online.

Think...

Photographers: Which locals have a true talent for capturing the city’s essence?

Fashion: Which thrift stores and small boutiques will help us up our style game?

Foodies: Who’s plugged in to the best eateries and bars in town?

Artists: Who are your favorite Indy painters, sculptors, makers, and digital artists currently on the scene?

Small businesses: Which small businesses do you think deserve a spotlight?

Local leaders: Which civic leaders or nonprofits are dedicated to making Indy a better place?

Musicians: What local acts should we add to our upcoming summer playlist?

Comedians: Which locals have been making you crack up around the Circle City lately?

Influencers: Whose fun personality or creative cuts are making waves on TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram?

Asked

What Indy-based social media accounts should we be following?

Where you lead, we will follow

The Buy

A bicycle phone holder that fits on bikes, e-bikes, and exercise bikes. The phone holder mounts right onto handlebars, letting you use navigation apps and keep your phone secure during rides.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Shea

From the editor

Some of my friends call me Pixie on account of my pink hair and small stature, so imagine my delight when I learned that Noblesville is hosting a Welcome to Fairyville event from Wednesday, April 17 to Saturday, April 20. Most of the festival events are free and include a Fairy House Contest, tea parties, a parade, and a Fairy Ball for adults.

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