The historic Stutz building located on N. Capitol Avenue is home to a number of local businesses. | Photo by @thestutzbuilding
Epicurean Indy, an event dedicated to celebrating the rich diversity + cultural tapestry of Indiana’s food scene, is getting ready for its inaugural event taking place this Friday, Oct. 4 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Stutz.
The event is the vision of local Chef Youssef Boudarine, who is also funding the event through his business J’Adore Pastry. The event is inspired by the atmosphere of international markets and open-air food festivals + reflects his personal passion for supporting diversity and creatives in the community.
“Our goal is to drive awareness for immigrant chefs and showcase the vibrant flavors and talents they bring to Indiana,” said Boudarine in a release. “By creating this platform, we are not only celebrating our diverse food scene but also ensuring that our event supports and promotes profitability for these talented chefs. We want every attendee to experience the rich, multicultural flavors of Indianapolis and understand the vital role these chefs play in shaping our local culinary landscape.”
Epicurean Indy will feature a unique fusion of food, beverage, art, and music — showcasing 15+ food and drink vendors, musicians, and artists in conjunction with First Friday open studios at The Stutz — with 100% of event proceeds going directly to the participating chefs and artists.
Local restaurants you may recognize at the event include: Lil Dumplings, Julieta Taco Shop, SALAMAT Cookies, Sakura Express, and Fernando’s.
The event will be free to attend, with each chef and artist selling their goods individually.
Computer Basics | Monday, Sept. 30 | 6-7 p.m. | Indianapolis Public Library Lawrence Branch | Free | Adults can follow along with lessons based on Northstar Digital Literacy.
Tuesday, Oct. 1
Harvest Nights | Tuesday, Oct. 1-Saturday, Nov. 2 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Newfields | $16+ | The spooky, not scary, spectacle returns to Newfields for fall fun.
Wednesday, Oct. 2
Singles Social | Wednesday, Oct. 2 | 7-9 p.m. | 16-Bit Bar and Arcade | $15+ | Bring a plus one of the opposite gender to this singles social in hopes of meeting your match.
Thursday, Oct. 3
Game Night | Thursday, Oct. 3 | 5-7 p.m. | Indy Reads | Free | Bring the family and friends for some chess and games, or bring along your favorite game to play.
Friday, Oct. 4
First Friday Artist Market | Friday, Oct. 4 | 6-9 p.m. | Locations vary | Free | Celebrate First Friday at both Fountain Square Plaza and College Avenue Plaza with local artisans.
Venzago Returns! | Friday, Oct. 4-Saturday, Oct. 5 | Times vary | Hilbert Circle Theatre | $15+ | Enjoy a musical journey as former ISO Music Director Mario Venzago returns to conduct the music of Robert Schumann and Bruch.*
A South Bend-based developer is planning to spend $21.4 million to convert the 236,000-sqft Angi Inc. headquarters on Washington Street downtown into a 180-unit apartment building, with 22 units reserved for affordable housing. The city will consider the request during its Wednesday, Oct. 2 meeting. (IBJ)
Closed
After less than a year in business in downtown Noblesville, Two Chicks District Co. closed its doors. The home store founded by “Good Bones” star Mina Starsiak Hawk originally opened in Bates-Hendricks in June 2020 and closed in October 2023. Sunday, Sept. 29 was the store’s final day. (IBJ)
Travel
The Indianapolis Airport Authority introduced several facility upgrades that travelers can expect to see at the end of the year, including solar energy-efficient systems, new furniture with electrical outlets, and upgrades to elevators, escalators, and moving walkways. (WISH)
Sports
Pacers fans, get your browsers ready. Single game tickets for the 2024-2025 season go on presale Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 10 a.m. General public sales start at 2 p.m. the same day. See the schedule.
Jobs
The new Fishers Event Center is still looking to fill dozens of part-time positions from bartender to ticket seller, guest service, and more. Browse openings and apply online.
Sports
The Colts weathered a second-half storm to a 27-24 victory over the previously undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers, but QB Anthony Richardson left in the first quarter with a hip injury. Listen to Locked On’s game recap.
Travel
Fall festivals, and pumpkin races, and delicious apple treats, oh my. If you haven’t booked your autumn adventure to Shipshewana, now is the time. Explore fall happenings, and start planning your fall getaway.*
Listen
Ready to silence the chaos and hear what matters? These next-gen hearing aids are here to crush the noise and put you back in control. With razor-sharp sound and a stealthy design, they’re your little secret. Hear the difference.*
Finance
Rates just dropped. Now could be the perfect time for you to tap into your home equity — calculate your payment.*
We love our city all the time, but even moreso during golden hour. | Photo by @aaron.creates
Last week, in front of more than 300 community leaders and stakeholders, Downtown Indy, Inc. laid out what it called a “blockbuster” year for the city of Indianapolis — and it had the numbers to prove it.
The list of wins for the city include a long lineup of major sporting + entertainment events. Which INDYtoday readers should know becausewe’ve been sharing with them with you all year.
In total, those major events brought more than 7.4 million visitors to downtown this year.
Other numbers mentioned during the presentation includes:
Seven major projects completed from September 2023 through September 2024 + 17 under construction.
The number of families living downtown has increased 66.4% since 2010.
Downtown only accounts for 5% of crime, making it the safest district in Marion County.
Fast-dissolving melatonin mints that support sleep hygiene. They’re sugar-free and formulated with a natural blend of lemon balm, chamomile, passion flower, and elderberry — all ingredients that help regulate your sleep cycle and promote relaxation.
I’m looking forward to attending Epicurean Indy on Friday because several of my favorite local chefs and artists will be there. It’s sure to be a fun event — and happens to be the day before my birthday — so what a great way to kick off my celebration.
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