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🥣 No All soup for you
Shapiro’s has been Indianapolis’ beloved deli stop for more than 115 years. | Photo by @amy_eatz
Consider this our official declaration: It’s soup season. Whether you’re looking to warm your hands or conquer a cold, here are a few spots stirring things up.
Indy’s Grateful Dead bar claims it cooks “The Greatest Chili Ever Sold” — and we don’t disagree. Pair your cup with a massive “The Shining Star” pork tenderloin.
Kids enjoyed last year’s Big Ten Fan Fest just as much as the adults. | Photo provided by Indiana Sports Corp
Suit up, fans: The Big Ten Fan Fest presented by Dr. Pepper is headed back to the Indiana Convention Center Friday, Dec. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 6 — and it’s bigger than ever.
We’re talking 200,000+ sq ft of interactive football fun, including games, giveaways, food and bev, team merch, and family-friendly entertainment.
Grab Fan Fest passes on Ticketmaster or at the Georgia Street Ticket Office. Admission runs under $16 for adults, $10 for youth (ages 3-12), and free for kids two and under, as well as fans with a military ID.
Bonus: On Friday, youth 13 and under repping their team jersey get in free.
On Saturday, don’t miss band performances at 5:15 p.m. and 6 p.m., right before kickoff.
This weekend, INDOT will effect seven road closures or restrictions for construction work, including on I-465, I-69, and Binford Boulevard. Most will occur between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. — check the list. (IndyStar)
Community
Broad Ripple leaders are holding public meetings to discuss the village’s 2026 Master Development Plan, which aims to revitalize the area. Mark your calendar for the next meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 21 — location will be announced at a later date. (WTHR)
Listen
Bennedict Mathurin is back, and the Pacers finally snapped their eight-game losing streak. Locked On explores how he could continue to lead the team to victory.
Ranked
OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants list is live, and two local restaurants made the cut: Vida and Noblesville’s 9th Street Bistro. Make a reservation for a holiday dinner before they book up for the year.
Watch
How much do you know about Hoosier music history? The Indiana Music History Project is recording and releasing 60+ minute interviews with 50 local living legends who have influenced the industry in surprising ways. Watch the first eight interviews. (WISH)
Drink
André, “the official sparkling wine sponsor of the NFL,” released their proposed signature mimosa recipes for every NFL team and are holding a contest to see which one wins. We are actively gagging as we type this — the Colts’ is a buttermilk ranch mimosa. (IndyStar)
Lifetime language learning in Babbel’s biggest sale of the year, with access to all fourteen languages 65% off for Black Friday. Think: Bite-sized lessons, easy-to-grasp grammar, bingeable podcasts, and interactive speaking practice, all simple to fit into your everyday routine. Fuel your own curiosity or grab the 65% off deal as a holiday gift for a loved one.*
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
I love sharing feel-good news and local love with y’all every morning, and I can’t tell you how much your giving campaign contributions mean to me. Shout out to reader John, who said, “Have taken my wife to restaurants that were recommended, and scored big points.” I’m happy to have been your wingwoman.