Tabla de contenidos para December 2021 en Indianapolis Monthly

YESTERDAY, a full week after Halloween, my mom called in the middle of the afternoon on a Sunday and left a voicemail. That rarely happens, and since I am an anxious person, my mind went in a million different directions—none good. Turns out, she wanted to know if my college-aged children needed socks for Christmas. They don’t—who does?—but I was nevertheless grateful for the call because I realized that, based on timing, my mom was woefully behind on her holiday gift-buying, which means I’m completely screwed: I don’t usually start until she finishes. So, in a way, the call really was an emergency, just not the kind I had anticipated. As my anxiety morphed into terror, socks really didn’t seem like a silly gift at all given that I have…

SPEED READ YEARS BEFORE UNIGOV WAS A GLEAM IN MAYOR RICHARD LUGAR’S EYE, THE CITY-COUNTY BUILDING (CCB) WAS DESIGNED TO CONSOLIDATE CITY AND COUNTY FUNCTIONS. It brought Indy’s city government, the nine Marion County townships, the Indianapolis Police Department, and the Marion County Courts together under one roof. Before this, city and county offices were distributed around Old City Hall, the Marion County Courthouse, and various rented spaces. The CCB opened in January 1962, almost a full decade before Unigov was established. IT WAS THE FIRST INDIANAPOLIS BUILDING THAT WAS TALLER THAN THE SOLDIERS AND SAILORS MONUMENT. The 28-story CCB held the title of the city’s tallest until 1970, when Regions Tower was completed. MANY THINK THE BUILDING ISN’T EXACTLY PRETTY. Essentially a large rectangle flanked by two smaller boxes, the…

THE BEAT PATTY AND Bradley came to the main branch of the Indianapolis Public Library this fall seeking shelter. They had been sleeping in the park across St. Clair Street, and they were cold and wet. They carried bags filled with their belongings. The two hoped the library might have some ponchos. Yanna McGraw was behind the desk in the atrium when she saw them come in. “Do you need help?” she said. “You’re a caseworker, aren’t you?” Patty asked. “How’d you know?” McGraw said. “I know a caseworker when I see one,” Patty replied. Patty pauses as she retells the story, and says as an aside, “I know that sounds bad.” McGraw was happy to be recognized, though. She is, in fact, a social worker, hired by the library…

THE TICKET ALISON TAVEL knew her father had invented software and electronic gear in the early days of personal computers, but she didn’t know him. Just 10 weeks old when Don Tavel died in a 1988 car accident, Alison says she grew up without an emotional connection to the man who designed a music synthesizer nearly lost to time. She rarely thought about Don’s “Resynator” invention until she toured as an assistant to singer-songwriter Grace Potter. “People talk about synthesizers a lot on tour,” Alison says. “We’re around a lot of musicians who are total gear nerds.” Through some internet sleuthing, Alison learned the Resynator was a precursor of MIDI technology that combined digital tracking and analog effects. Through family history, Alison knew a Resynator prototype had been stored for…

Philanthropist THIS IS A DESTINATION JUMPSUIT. WHERE ARE YOU OFF TO? A Gwen Stefani concert in Las Vegas. It will put me in the mood for dancing. IT FITS LIKE A DREAM. It’s custom-made by a local designer, Vivien Jackson. WHAT ELSE DO YOU GET GLAMMED UP FOR? The Tots & Paws Little Red Dress Party this month for the Humane Society of Hamilton County. BEST TREND RIGHT NOW? Sequins. I was awarded Best Shoes at this year’s Wine, Women and Shoes fundraiser because I wore Christian Louboutins made of sequins.…

WITH A MISSION to pour coffee for both “millennial transplants” and “life-long residents of Speedway,” The Spark arrived in the hometown of the Indianapolis 500 in July. During the off-season, it’s a place for the small-town community to relax with a nice cup of coffee in a sunny spot on Main Street. But when race fans fill the streets once a year, it will no doubt give off a more caffeinated vibe. The coffee is sourced from two Indianapolis-based roasters, Bee Coffee and Circadian Coffee. Besides serving espresso drinks (likealimited-edition Oktoberfest butterscotch mocha topped with pretzels and caramel) and goodies from nearby Little Piece of Heaven Bakery, The Spark hosts live music on First Fridays and a monthly rotation of local artwork. 1402 N. Main St., Speedway, thesparkcoffee.com…

When I lived in Indianapolis before, I was poor and relied on public transit to get around. I had just enough funds to have tacos and beers with my friends, and we hung out a lot in Irvington, where I lived at the time. I’m glad that some investment is being made in public transit here—the RED LINE and the coming PURPLE and BLUE LINES (indygo.net/projects). In fact, the need for that was one of the last things I wrote about for Indianapolis Monthly before moving to New York. As much as I love this city, it’s different when you have a car and money. You get to see more of what the place has to offer. Back in the day, I would treat myself once a week to a…

Hidden Art Stash If you know the significance of a plastic clock shaped like a funny blue whale and why it would cost $150, you’ll want to beat a path to SHEAFER + KING MODERN (1103 E. 52nd St., 317-983-3575, sheaferking.com), located just off an unassuming intersection of the Monon Trail in SoBro. Part of the Solomon Paris Antiques building, the new gallery contains about 500 to 600 works from the 1950s to 1980s (including the Vitra “Zoo Timers” clock by George Nelson), with a focus on paintings, numbered lithographs, and ceramics. Signed Robert Indiana posters from the Indianapolis Museum of Art’s 1970 opening are currently on offer ($1,200), along with a newly acquired collection of Walter Sorge oils and prints. NEW MAGAZINE SHOP Liz Foster put all the…

Abboo Candle Co. What started as a creative outlet for Fortville stayat-home mom Michelle Schreiber has evolved into a child of its own. Abboo Candle Co. (abboocandleco.com), which takes its name from her grandfather’s sobriquet for her, offers unique scent profiles such as a rich tobacco and caramel blend. And the minimal design allows Abboo’s candles to fit in almost anywhere. MOCO Candles Graphic designer Morgan Conner leans into her artsy side to label her candles in thick, fluid typography. MOCO Candles (moco-candles.com) are known for their intoxicating scents such as Home Grown, with hemp, rosemary, and shea butter notes. Her best-seller is a candle based on the popular matcha milk drinks, with hints of sweet green tea and vanilla. Melange Du Jour Carla Veras isn’t making the candles her…

EBONY CHAPPEL Freelance writer Ebony Chappel loved talking with author Ashley C. Ford about her favorite places for “Best Of Indy” (p. 53). But Ford’s confessions about the difficulties she faced here also resonated. “As a person who has experienced this city in similar ways to Ashley—being reliant on transit and having no disposable income—it was validating to hear her unvarnished take.” MARC ALLAN Freelance writer Marc Allan has witnessed the growing number of homeless people and those with mental illness at the Central Library. So when he learned the library had hired a social worker, he wanted to tell that story (p. 18). “Libraries are one of the few places that welcome these folks,” he says. “It’s forward-thinking of them to bring on someone who can help people who…

Q: EVERY GUIDEBOOK OF HOOSIER ODDITIES INCLUDES THE STATUE OF JOE PALOOKA IN OOLITIC. WHO WAS HE? A: The 18-foot-tall behemoth, currently brooding next to Oolitic’s town hall, has devolved from a celebration of a popular comic strip into a tale of fleeting fame. The cartoon, created in 1928, followed the exploits of Joe Palooka, a pugilist who, over the decades, fought Nazis, commies, bears, and even, on occasion, other boxers. In 1948, the Indiana limestone industry commissioned a statue of the character to mark its centennial. The strip’s creator, Ham Fisher, attended the unveiling and even included the affair in one of his comics. But in the following years, Joe’s popularity took a dive. The statue, after being repeatedly vandalized, was repaired in 1984 (the same year the strip…

AS A YOUNG MOTHER in the 1960s, Pat Koch had her hands full, whether it was helping her husband, Bill Koch, run Santa Claus Land (which became Holiday World), or taking care of their five children. But residing in a town basically devoted to Christmas, Pat always found the time to make a big deal of the holiday. She loved decorating the house, and had one tree ornament that was particularly special to her: this carousel horse. While the slowly rotating ride may not be the biggest attraction at the amusement park, it has always been Pat’s favorite. Now 90 years old, she still helps manage the Southern Indiana destination. And when the Christmas tree goes up in the Koch matriarch’s house this month, the carousel horse will hang in…

Runway Ready The chic and playful Alice + Olivia “Gleeson” airport sweater sends the contemporary brand’s Stace mascot to a new location: the departure terminal. Armed with luggage, a camera, and a fabulous wardrobe constructed of beads and sequins, Passport Stace is ready to go anywhere you do this holiday season, whether you’re taking to the sky or visiting family for a slice of pie. $465, Saks Fifth Avenue, The Fashion Mall, 317-816-0171, saksfifthavenue.com…

THE TURF SoBro STREET SAVVY DINE Celebrity chefs Janine Booth and Jeff McInnis may be the faces behind Root & Bone (1), but the real stars of this restaurant are the shareable, Southern-style dishes, like a fried green tomato BLT with tomato jam. Drool. 4601 N. College Ave., 317-602-8672, rootnboneindy.com SHOP Bell bottoms are back, and you’ll find a groovy selection under the open rafters at The Urban Hippie (2), along with leggings, cozy plaid shirts, and flower-child dresses. 4601 N. College Ave., 317-602-4831, indyuh.com DRINK Scarlet Lane Brewing (3) is like Morticia Addams—spooky and dangerously seductive. It laces together hopsheavy beers and indie horror cinema, with can designs as colorful and campy as old movie posters. There’s a movie or trivia night every Wednesday. 4601 N. College Ave., 317-986-6125,…

Smooth Move When New Palestine native Tanya Khokhar returned from a four-year stint in Long Beach, California, her goal was to open a counter-service business on Indy’s east side. The one requirement? It had to be sustainable. That’s how she came up with the idea behind Parched, a smoothie shop (with a planned backroom stage space) where drinks come out in glass jars that customers can bring back for rewards. Khokhar’s menu of refreshing elixirs is named after California cities, such as the berry-based Pasadena, and the ultra-healthy Santa Barbara that mingles strawberries and bananas with flaxseed, ginger, and the Peruvian super root maca. 9922 E. Washington St., 317-735-1977, iamparched.com…

Honey Hot The fiery-yet-sweet Honey Hot sauce at Chicken Scratch is divine. Crown owner Tia Harrison with the wing sauce title. 5308 N. Keystone Ave., 317-426-3457, orderchickenscratch.com Mild Barbecue Sauce I have a rule about barbecue and its sauces: The meat stands alone. I appreciate the way Garrett’s Smokehouse Barbecue allows me to get its smoky and sweet sauce on the side. Choose the mild and the pulled pork. 5502 Emerson Way, 317-722-0506, garrettsbbq.com Chipotle Lime Mayo I was not prepared to love a mayo the way I did Festiva’s citrusy and creamy Baja fish taco topper. 1217 E. 16th St., 317-635-4444, festivaindy.com Cilantro Crema Chef Tracey Couillard’s elote fritters at Ash & Elm sit on a bed of a tangy, velvety cilantro cream that is to die for. Order…

NEW BOOKS A Little Devil in America By Hanif Abdurraqib Butler University’s new writer-in-residence has written for The New York Times Magazine and Pitchfork, but his latest collection of essays—about Black performances from Sun Ra to Whitney Houston—is our favorite thing from him yet. Bonus: Abdurraqib, who recently won the MacArthur “Genius Grant,” speaks at Butler’s Shelton Auditorium on December 2. Somebody’s Daughter By Ashley C. Ford Ford, who has written for IM, moved back to Indianapolis from New York last year just in time to publish her smash hit of a memoir. The book, which chronicles her relationship with her father in prison, has been reviewed favorably by The New York Times, The Washington Post, Oprah, and just about everyone else. Rise to the Sun By Leah Johnson Few…

New Climbing Gym A stone’s throw from the Windsor Park neighborhood, NORTH MASS BOULDER (1411 Roosevelt Ave., 317-953-6667, northmassboulder.com) recently introduced the area to a kind of rock climbing called bouldering. With no ropes or harnesses, patrons use little more than chalk and special shoes to work their way up and around outcroppings. And the state-of-the-art facility isn’t just a climbing destination. It also features a fitness studio offering a variety of group classes from yoga to meditation to Capoeira. Finish strong upstairs at the Top Out Café, serving fresh juice, healthy meals, and local beer on tap. PERSONAL TRAINERS You don’t have to be a Colts player or a top influencer to work out at FIT FLEX FLY (16707 Southpark Dr., Westfield, 317-218-3928, fitflexfly.com), but you might see those hard bodies…

If someone asked me, “What’s your style?” I would probably say “truck-stop chic.” I’m a product of the ’90s, so that has been my thing since I was a kid. I think thrifting has changed over the years, though. You used to go to a Value World or a similar place, dig through a bunch of stuff, and take your time. Now, you go to places that are already curated. But some great thrift stores remain here. NAPTOWN THRIFT (2174 E. 54th St., 317-602-5639, naptownthrift.com) is my favorite, hands down. They have T-shirts, patterned shirts, crew necks, jackets, good brims—great stuff for people like me. I also love ZODIAC VINTAGE (1060 Virginia Ave., 317-306-9600) in Fountain Square and NAP OR NOTHING (3919 Lafayette Rd., napornothing.net), which my homie Maxie runs.…

IF you have the right eye, you can find some true gems on Facebook Marketplace. Interior designer Becky Morrison spotted her family’s next house among the endless rows of drab amateur snapshots—a character-rich Colonial in their beloved Meridian-Kessler with the large lot they were hunting for, plus an outdated look that would let Morrison and her husband, Mike, rework the inside and out to their taste. For them, a full-scale renovation is fun. “The big challenge of design is to figure how clients use their space,” says Morrison, owner of Lynn & Campbell decorating firm. “When you design for your family, that’s figured out already.” The other challenge in this house, like many old homes, is being creative with storage. “The space isn’t always where you expect it to be,” she…

UPSCALE CASUAL Dinner and a movie has never quite been as local or as luxe as it is at this long-anticipated cinematic and culinary collaboration in Windsor Park. Firstrun indie and classic films play on the screen in the cinema, with snacks and expert cocktails from the bar making nods to movie culture as in a Hollywood Boulevard(ier) and the 35MM with dry gin, orgeat, and lime. Leave plenty of room pre-or post-film (or just come back the next night) for blockbuster dinner offerings by Bluebeard’s Abbi Merriss in the adjacent brasserie. Crudités, patés, and the addictive CC’s dip with cheddar, cashews, and scallions make for a tasty preview before the menu’s feature presentations, including one of Indy’s best steak frites with a delectable house “ranch,” fish and chips with…

SOUL FOOD Chef Tia Harrison’s second, mostly carryout spot on Keystone Avenue streamlines the menu to the best sellers from her original Chef Tia and Co. location on West Washington Street. Meaty, tender wings with a variety of sauces and spice levels, as well as earthy, dressed-up fries, cover most of the menu here. But that’s more than enough for a delectable Cajun-inflected feast. Signature honey hot wings, either naked or breaded for extra crunch, come customized with the amount of sauce you want. And fries are available with a simple toss of truffle seasoning and parmesan or dressed up to entree status with chipotle steak or shrimp and Alfredo sauce. Sandwiches such as a “scratch” burger, as well as a few salads and pastas, complete the offerings at this…

Honest music that doesn’t age. I remember scouring the shelves of cassette tapes in record stores as a teenager to find Mellencamp’s albums. Now 30 years later, his music still feels like home to me. TROY OLIVE Via Twitter Excellent interview. I can’t wait for the new album and the book of his paintings. DAVID CAMPBELL Via Twitter One of my favorite artists of all time. JILL WARD Via Twitter As an Indiana kid, I refused to like John Mellencamp because I thought he made us Hoosiers look like a bunch of rubes. Then I went to IU and saw him about town being a normal person, and my respect grew. As I’ve aged, it has blossomed into full-on admiration. JORDAN WHITT Via Twitter I’ve been a Mellencamp fan for…

If you can’t wait for the Christmas Eve marathon on TBS and TNT, stream it from their apps. Drinking game: every time Ralphie says “Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot range model air rifle.” It’s 28 times. Spot Jean Shepherd, the real-life Ralphie, who makes a cameo as an adult. Pick a side, statue or lamp. All together now: “You’ll shoot your eye out!” We double-dog dare you to serve Peking duck, mashed potatoes, fudge, Ovaltine hot chocolate, and cookies in the shape of bar soap. The film bombed at the box office. Work it into the conversation. Skip A Christmas Story 2.…

Monon Toys and Crafts INFO 6510 Cornell Ave., monontoys.com HOURS Daily, 11 a.m. to late afternoon (closing time varies) ON THE FAMILY-FRIENDLIER side of Broad Ripple, north of the alcohol-soaked strip, Monon Toys and Crafts opened this year with fine playthings not easily found in Indiana. Proprietor Alla Kapchunova didn’t have many toys when she was young, but she cherished a collection of teddy bears that kept her company during the long Russian winters of her childhood. Now a psychologist raising her own kids in Indianapolis, she struggled to find high-quality, intentionally educational toys and ultimately decided to source and sell them herself. You won’t find plastic trinkets in her shop of international curiosities, but rather low-tech and eco-friendly finds like stuffed animals woven with organic materials and chemical-free silicone…

THE VIEW from Birdie’s Rooftop Bar on the fourth floor of The Bradley hotel in Fort Wayne is dramatic enough to appear fake. But the 270-degree panorama of the Summit City’s skyline is the real deal—a sweep of the domed Allen County courthouse, The Landing, and beyond. In fact, it might be one of the few distractions capable of luring guests out of their rooms at the recently opened boutique hotel. An evening counterpart to the lobby-side restaurant, Arbor, Birdie’s takes its name from the hotel’s co-owner, Barbara Bradley Baekgaard, Fort Wayne–based cofounder of the Vera Bradley fashion brand, nicknamed Birdie by her grandchildren. The menu focuses on patio-ready bites like Mac’n Cini (a Midwestern take on Italian arancini rice balls), which pair nicely with prettily garnished cocktails. Order a…

This Time I’ll Be of Use 81355 Indy hip-hop veterans Oreo Jones, Sirius Blvck, and Sedcairn Archives teamed up to form this supergroup, which released its first album in May. Pronounced “bless,” 81355 performs mindbending rap music. The trio’s experimental, electronic sound appealed to Justin Vernon’s record label, which signed the group. Reflections/Introspection: The Music of Thelonious Monk Charlie Ballantine One of Indy’s premier jazz musicians, guitarist Charlie Ballantine added to his already-impressive catalog in September with this tribute to jazz pianist Thelonious Monk. Featuring reworked, guitar-led arrangements of tunes like “Brilliant Corners,” “Monk’s Dream,” and “Reflections,” the double LP contains noteworthy contributions from saxophonist Amanda Gardier, who also happens to be Ballantine’s wife. Concrete Beach Karate, Guns & Tanning Longtime friends Valerie Green and Paige Shedletsky head up this…

Health and fitness are part of my everyday life. Personally, I love lifting weights. There’s this misconception that women who lift weights look masculine or bulky, but I have most of my curves because I do so. When I lived in Indy, I generally worked out at the LA FITNESS (6160 N. Keystone Ave., 317-254-8977, lafitness.com) in Broad Ripple. My parents still live near there, and after not being able to visit since September 2019, I was super excited to come back this August and host the Make-A-Wish gala at the JW Marriott. REIS-NICHOLS (3535 E. 86th St., 317-255-4467, reisnichols.com) loaned me some jewelry for the event, and it was nice to see they’re keeping up with the trends. Just down the road from Reis-Nichols is CORELIFE EATERY (4335 E.…

I’ve only lived in Indy for about four years. With two of those years lost to COVID-19, there are still plenty of restaurants I need to try. I do frequent RIZE (9705 Fishers District Dr., 317-516-4838, rize-restaurant.com) and RUTH’S CAFÉ (3443 E. 86th St., 317-757-8006, ruthscafeindy.com) for breakfast, though. And I love going to GARDEN TABLE (908 E. Westfield Blvd., 317-737-2531, thegardentable.com) in Broad Ripple for lunch. Regardless of the meal, I could eat appetizers all day. My favorites are the empanadas at LIVERY (720 N. College Ave., 317-383-0330, liveryrestaurant.com) and basically all of the apps at THE EAGLE (310 Massachusetts Ave., 317-929-1799, eaglerestaurant.com). If I were to open my own restaurant, I would want it to bring something new in terms of flavor, plating, and service. I think one…

Pumkinfish Inside The Garage, Pumkinfish (906 Carrollton Ave., 317-974-9167, pumkinfish.com) is fully stocked with items to make your recipients blush. Or at least laugh, at picks like the memory game Do You Look Like Your Dog?; pencils that ask “Where’s Your Frickin’ Father?” for merely “Okay Moms”; and a cheeky “You Tried” trophy to applaud efforts that fell short. Pair those with a bag of sweet snacks from South Bend Chocolate Co., a Real Housewives of Indianapolis wine tumbler, Snoop Dogg’s cookbook, or cocktail accessories and mixology kits. That RHOI cup won’t fill itself. Good Neighbor J. Crew meets Coachella at this new boutique (850 Massachusetts Ave., 317-220-8750, shopgoodneighbor.com), a Detroit transplant with a focus on do-good brands for men and women. Most of the looks lean casual via matching…

DOWNTOWN INCLUDES Fletcher Place, Fountain Square, Mass Ave, Mile Square Aroma INDIAN Familiar tandoori and tikka masala staples mingle with heartier, more elevated offerings at this elegant pan-Indian spot that opened in the former Rook location in early 2021. Lunchtime lamb and chicken rolls in crispy flatbread wrappers stand out, as do hearty chaat dishes dressed up with yellow peas, yogurt, and chutneys. An impressive lamb shank is the highlight of the chef’s specialties and easily feeds two or more. A full bar and an artful array of desserts help round out a special-occasion meal. Opt for the orange pudding, a creamy, lightly sweet rice pudding served in an orange shell with a chocolate tuille and a host of vibrant garnishes. 501 Virginia Ave., 317-602-7117, aromaindy.com Ash & Elm Cider…

TACOS Almost every morsel handed over the counter at this Fishers Test Kitchen installment comes with a little cup of bone-broth consommé for dipping, dunking, or drenching. The concept from Detroit native Levi Kinney rubs a little Midwestern grit into Mexican taqueria standards, packing its tacos and tortas with hearty proteins like hickory-smoked brisket and beer-braised pork shoulder. As a tribute to his hometown, Kinney offers two kinds of Coneys, but don’t miss the warm and cheesy adobo-buttered Gordito’s Bread. Fishers Test Kitchen, 317-953-6401, gorditosrustbelt.com Hoss Bar & Grill CASUAL The dining room surrounds a central bar where frozen daiquiris and peanut butter White Russians are blended to life and delivered alongside sibling brewery Big Lug’s beers. Chef Blake Ellis’s menu matches that fun energy with extra-thick burgers in 6-and…

BREWPUB At this casual eatery on the grounds of Fort Benjamin Harrison, house-brewed beers share the spotlight with skillfully smoked meats. Specials have included executive chef John Barker’s succulent half chicken with tingly Alabama white sauce and a pulled beef sandwich doused with root beer–barbecue sauce, stuffed inside a brioche bun. The Korean pork taco gets a fiery boost from sweet chili–gochujang sauce, and a layer of brie ensures that the grilled cheese sandwich delivers optimal gooeyness. 5764 Wheeler Rd., 317-735-2706, tritonbrewing.com Usta Turkish-Mediterranean Cuisine TURKISH Sakin and Gulay Demir relocated from Bloomington, Illinois, to the former Qdoba location in Broad Ripple to open this authentic Mediterranean eatery. Thick, garlicky haydari yogurt dip and aromatic stuffed grape leaves are highlights among cold appetizers served with warm pita bread. Ask for…