The Indy finger sandwich scene is steeped in charm and having a moment. We rounded up a royal batch of afternoon tea experiences that bring the stately tradition across the pond and make it uniquely Hoosier.
EDITED BY JULIA SPALDING
48 THE SENATOR NEXT DOOR
Speculation abounds about Andrea Hunley’s decision not to seek a second term in the Indiana State Senate. Her passionate vision for leadership leaves the doors open for more.
BY CAMILLE GRAVES
52
HOME OF THE MONTH
After winning a coveted lot in a golf community by lottery, a Zionsville family embarked on a fouryear homebuilding journey. Their European-inspired house was worth the wait.
BY JEANA HARRIS
Andrea Hunley at the Indiana Statehouse
Photograph by Andrew Doench
PHOTO BY CLAY MAXFIELD
CARE THAT GETS HER HEART
You might not think twice about belly weight or a complicated pregnancy from years ago. But your heart might.
Women’s heart disease risks and symptoms can be different from men. And with cardiovascular disease still being the #1 killer of women, they can’t be overlooked anymore.
Franciscan Health provides specialty women’s heart care focused on the known symptoms and risks women face throughout their lives. With quick access to cardiology appointments, you can show up for your heart right away and get a care plan based on your unique story.
Heart & Vascular Care for the Women We Love
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(Heart Scan, Lung Scan and AAA screening)
•Specialty care in cardio-oncology, cardio-genetics, cardio-metabolics and cardio-obstetrics
•Vein Clinic at Franciscan Rejuvenate Medical Spa
CIRCLE CITY
Privacy concerns mount as automated license plate readers proliferate. 14 THE HOOSIERIST
GOOD LIFE
We found an eye-popping pair of frames in downtown’s newest optical boutique.
24 SHOP TALK
Our Indiana expert has the truth about the Mother’s Day planting rule. 14
UNSPOKEN RULES
Learn the ins and outs of Indy Design Week. 16
ASK ME ANYTHING
Indianapolis native L. Steven Taylor starts his 20th year in The Lion King on Broadway.
Meet a prickly pal long hidden at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
Five can’t-miss events in Indy this month.
DISH
Marine Layer surfs into The Fashion Mall with Cali-cool wardrobe essentials.
24 MY LOOK
Susan Brennan shows off her knit-tastic sense of style. 28 TRAVELER
Charleston, West Virginia, lures with stunning scenery and outdoor adventures. 28
It’s cherry blossom season in Columbus, Ohio. 29
Locally made dog food is bark-worthy; a yoga series at Traders Point Creamery brings furry love to the mats.
The Steakhouse Meatloaf topped with a smoky double glaze tempts at Carnegie’s in Greenfield. 32 FIRST BITE
A new bistro affords an evening in Paris without leaving Noblesville; Martha Hoover shares her second act; A MasterChef winner opens a concept restaurant in Fishers.
It’s hard to improve upon fries, but loaded-up platefuls are savory (or sweet) heaven. 36
Coffee wunderkind Jesse Head is rolling her java into Hendricks County. 38
The flavors of the Middle East and Afghanistan make a beguiling mix at Kanoon in Fishers.
EDITOR’S NOTE
Steep Impact
MY CUP runneth over this month with a cover feature showcasing some of the most gorgeous afternoon tea presentations in the city (p. 40). From macarons and ladyfingers at The Parlor P.S. to scones and sandwiches at The Cake Bake Shop, these multilayered towers of treats are a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Add in selections of freshly brewed Earl Grey, English breakfast, Darjeeling, rooibos, and the like, and you have my full attention. The magazine staff can attest that I am oft seen toting a mug with multiple tea tags dangling over the brim while making repeated trips back and forth to the kitchen because I heated up water in the kettle and forgot about it long enough that I had to start all over again. My daily progression from dandelion dark roast to jasmine green tea almost counts as a ritual, but it could certainly benefit from the addition of fancy pastries served on silver platters.
Andrea Ratcliff Editor-in-Chief
PUBLISHER Ivy Bayer
EDITORIAL
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Andrea Ratcliff
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Julia Spalding
LIFESTYLE EDITOR Christina Vercelletto
MANAGING EDITOR Camille Graves
DIGITAL EDITOR Clay Maxfield
Art | production
DESIGN DIRECTOR Margo Wininger
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Vu Luong
EDITORIAL ART DIRECTOR Maura Broderson
ADVERTISING ART DIRECTOR Christiana Bertsch
Advertising | Business
SALES DIRECTOR Holly Whitney
In this issue, we also provide a primer on automated license plate readers monitoring the roads (p. 11); share the Unspoken Rules of Indy Design Week (p. 14); celebrate spring with a Day Trip to Columbus, Ohio, for Cherry Blossom Day (p. 28); take a puppy yoga class at Traders Point Creamery (p. 29); and savor Parisian cuisine at Noblesville’s Blé French Bistro (p. 32).
And, a rising star in local politics, Andrea Hunley (p. 48) spawned surprise and speculation when she announced in January that she would not seek reelection to her Indiana State Senate seat this year. While she remains mum about her next career move, the former-educator-turned-politician gave us a peek into her experience, background, and motivation to serve in the legislature.
( CONTRIBUTORS )
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Sarah Anderton, Jena Jennings, Nancy Oliphant, Rachel Widenhofer
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CEO Stefan Wanczyk
In a delightful divergence from her design career, Indianapolis Monthly’s editorial art director Maura Broderson once spent a year training as a pastry baker, making her uniquely qualified to sample the goodies in this month’s feature on Afternoon Tea (p. 40). She plans to read this issue while sipping a cup of lavender Earl Grey with cream and sugar.
Lou Harry Playwright and theater junkie Lou Harry leapt at the chance to interview
The Lion King actor L. Steven Taylor (p. 16) in part because he shared the stage with one of Harry’s dearest friends, the late Ben Lipitz, who played Pumbaa.
“Folks like them understand that during every show, there’s a kid in the audience experiencing the magic for the first time.”
Indianapolis-based photographer and video producer Leah Tribbett has worked with a wide range of clients—from global brands to local nonprofits— creating visual content that showcases brands and tells compelling stories. For Tribbett, a clear vision is essential to every project, like this month’s Wanted (p. 23)—both creatively and in how it comes into focus.
PRESIDENT John Balardo
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Whether a patient is suffering from pain due to a traumatic injury, repetitive stress, or degenerative disease, the latest surgical procedures and pre- and postoperative techniques can repair damage to bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and more. Learn more about new developments and advances local orthopedic surgeons employ to effectively reduce discomfort, restore mobility, and improve recovery.
71 // TOP LAWYERS
When you need to seek legal counsel, who can you turn to for sound advice? Our listings of nearly 600 peer-nominated, state-licensed attorneys in 45 different specialty areas can point you in the direction of qualified local lawyers. The accompanying profiles provide more detail about their background, education, and professional experience.
TRAVEL:
In 2026, the United States observes the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a yearlong array of celebrations such as festivals and parades, historic reenactments and performances, podcasts and speeches, military salutes, ice cream socials, and more. Find out more details about America 250 events throughout Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky.
AS IT TURNS OUT, IT REALLY IS THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS.
Truly custom homes don’t actually begin with drawings. They begin with listening. At Woodstock Custom Homes, thoughtfulness isn’t a feature — it’s the foundation, and it has been from the very start.
you actually live. With a focus on architectural distinction and intentional main-level living, their process remains refreshingly personal.
You work directly with our co-owner Bob to shape a home around your life; not a preset package. Then Nick, our co-owner and your personal construction manager, is on-site daily, ensuring every detail is executed with care and precision.
Chatham Hills, Carmel’s Bedford Falls, Zionsville’s Bradley Ridge, Noblesville’s Sagamore, or on your own lot.
At Woodstock, we don’t build from templates. We build from conversations.
WoodstockCustomHomes.com
CIRCLE CITY
SPEED
READ
Private Eye
Observant drivers might have noticed cameras positioned at intersections and stretches of roads and highways throughout Indiana. These automated license plate readers, or ALPRs, are ostensibly used to catch lawbreakers—and they seem quite good at it. But that’s not what troubles community activists and the ACLU of Indiana. They’re worried about the abuse of ALPR data and a lack of state laws regulating the technology.
SPEED READ CONTINUED )
AN ALPR SNAPS PHOTOS OF PASSING CARS. Its purpose is to capture license plates, log location and time, and store the information for possible later use. The cameras may also grab the make and year of vehicles and shots of drivers and passengers. This is useful for tracking a fleeing criminal or locating stolen cars.
NO ONE KNOWS FOR SURE HOW MANY ARE DEPLOYED IN INDIANA, BUT IT’S A LOT. Citizens have reported more than 2,100 cameras to Eyes Off Indiana, which advocates for their regulation. “The real number is probably more like 5,000 or 6,000,” says Walker Lasbury, Eyes Off Indiana’s president and executive director. “There’s no transparency or oversight requirements, so all of our data is crowdsourced.”
YOU CAN SPOT THE CAMERAS IF YOU KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR. Some ALPR units fit in the palm of a hand, but many are powered by harder-to-hide solar panels (about the size of a desktop monitor). They’re often mounted on preexisting light poles or other public infrastructure. Around the country, clever police departments have put them inside traffic cones or disguised them as cacti. Also, those units that post your speed as you enter a construction zone are sometimes hidden ALPR cameras.
THE BIG DOG IN THE BUSINESS IS FLOCK.
The company deploys its technology to more than 5,000 law enforcement agencies, 6,000 communities, and 1,000 businesses nationwide. A 2023 customer survey estimates that Flock gear solves 700,000 crimes per year, or roughly 10 percent of all reported. ICE has also made use of ALPR networks to track undocumented immigrants.
AI IS KEY. If all these systems did was snap pictures of plates (something Eyes Off Indiana estimates they do more than 12 million times a day in the Hoosier state), the system wouldn’t be particularly helpful. But AI agents can quickly sift through the shots to find a specific plate—say, tied to a robbery or a hit-and-run. They can then track said car from one camera to another in real time. Or, in the case of a stolen car, an
ALPR system can alert cops that a hot vehicle is in their area.
THIS IS WHERE THE PROBLEM BEGINS. Camera data is used to catch crooks. So far, so good. However, the vast majority of those being monitored are just regular folks going about their business, unaware that civil authorities are watching them. And there are no statewide regulations governing how long this data can be stored on police databases, with whom it can be shared, or even how it can be used. “To my knowledge, there’s not any law,” says Samantha Bresnahan, senior policy specialist with the ACLU of Indiana. “There are no guards around the use of ALPRs.”
THIS INFORMATION CAN BE STORED LONGTERM AND COLLATED NATIONALLY. On its website, Flock boasts its National LPR Network offers “coast-to-coast reach” by combining data from 5,000 communities and 4,800 agencies nationwide. That database swells each month with the addition of around 20 billion new license plate reads. Theoretically, you could track a criminal, or anyone else, for thousands of miles.
THE POSSIBILITIES FOR ABUSE WOULD MAKE GEORGE ORWELL SWEAT. Actually, there have already been a few such cases at police departments around the country. In Kechi, Kansas, a cop used ALPR data to track his estranged wife; a cop in Georgia was bribed to run a woman’s license plate through the system; and a policeman in Ohio used it to keep tabs on his ex-girlfriend. In the state of Washington, ALPR data was recently declared public information, which means that stalkers could potentially use it to track their victims.
THAT’S JUST THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG. Suppose an Indiana agency wanted to share its data not just with Flock’s national network but with a private company? There’s no statewide law specifically banning that. If a cop wanted to find out where you go after work, they probably could.
OTHER SURVEILLANCE TACTICS EXIST TOO.
Ever notice those weird little trailers parked in shopping center parking lots with a camera on a pole? That’s what Flock calls a mobile security trailer, and it tracks activity the same way stationary ALPRs do. According to the
company’s site, these can typically be stationed without a permit. Flock sells indoor systems for stores and other public places, surveillance drones, and even microphones that detect things like gunfire, car crashes, and, cryptically, “disruptive community activity.” Also, private companies just cruise around taking pictures of cars in public areas to build their own databases to sell to other companies. All of this data could be combined, allowing someone interested in your life to see it play out in granular detail.
ADVOCACY GROUPS WANT ALPR DATA TO BE HEAVILY REGULATED. Bresnahan says the Indiana ACLU wants state rules that limit how long ALPR data can be stored (Lasbury suggests 30 days), restrict use of the information to narrowly defined law enforcement purposes, and ban sharing it with outof-state agencies, among other rules. “Guardrails that address both retention and oversight are critical,” Bresnahan says. “That includes an independent audit requirement so you know if anybody is abusing the system.”
THE ACLU WOULD ALSO LIKE TO KEEP ALPRS OUT OF THE HANDS OF PRIVATE GROUPS. Think this all sounds like a nosy HOA president’s dream? So does Flock, which features testimonials from “satisfied” HOA customers on its website. Lasbury says nothing is stopping any private citizen from putting an ALPR up. The testimonials laud the cameras for catching burglars, car thieves, and vandals. No word on whether they’ve also been used to search for unapproved backyard treehouses.
STATEWIDE REGULATIONS WILL LIKELY BE PASSED EVENTUALLY. But right now, oversight of cameras isn’t a top issue for most Hoosiers. Eyes Off Indiana’s online petition has only 1,137 signatures. The topic was raised during recent Indiana General Assembly sessions but didn’t go anywhere. But the idea of being watched 24/7 by the cops, who can then use that information any way they want, would seem to be a nonpartisan issue. “If we can build a coalition and a movement, there’s no way the legislature won’t take this on,” Lasbury says. “We have to get legislation on the table that allows police to do their jobs while also protecting our Fourth Amendment privacy rights.” —SAM STALL
Together, we find a way.
Spring rains remind us how precious Indiana’s wetlands are. rivers and nourish wildlife waking up for the season.
Discover how The Nature Conservancy is protecting and restoring these magical places across the state.
Q : SPRING SEEMS WARMER EACH YEAR. DO WE STILL NEED TO RESIST PLANTING A GARDEN PRE–MOTHER’S DAY? A: That old trope is just a rule of thumb, and a crude one at that. Truth is, coldhardy vegetables, such as peas and potatoes, can go in the ground as early as mid-March. And a whole range of goodies, from broccoli, to lettuce, to strawberries, can be planted mid-April. Same goes for cold-tolerant flowers including poppies, larkspur, bachelor’s buttons, sweet peas, and snapdragons. For the record, Central Indiana’s last hard freeze typically takes place around Tax Day. But not all plants can get a head start. Tomatoes, for instance, need warm, or at least warmish, nights. Plant them too soon, and they’ll just sit there until temps tick up. Cosmos and marigolds will also pout on chilly days. It’s really about what you want to plant more than a single date. Ask at your favorite gardening center if in doubt. —SAM STALL
( UNSPOKEN RULES )
Indy Design Week
A MANNER-FESTO FOR THE CITY’S BIGGEST CREATOR FEST, HAPPENING APRIL 20–25.
Pick any presentation you like. Fans welcome; expertise optional. Also, attend a session outside your wheelhouse to spark ideas. Check the location if you can’t decide. Some are in cool creator spaces. Ask your questions. Presenters are happy to respond. Linger. Meaningful interactions can happen after the scheduled program wraps. Just be respectful of presenters’ and vendors’ time. Try a lowkey Lunch & Learn session. Exchange contact info. Whether a pro or a dabbler, this is a chance to meet folks who share your creative kink. Don’t sleep on the virtual talks. They tend to offer more direct engagement with the speakers.
494,000
That’s enough to make us the third-biggest tomato grower in the U.S., behind California and Florida. The Hoosier state ranks second in the nation in tomato processing for ketchup, sauce, and the like.
ask THE HOOSIERIST
L. Steven Taylor, actor and author
Many Broadway actors leave once a contract is up. You’ve been playing Mufasa, first as an understudy, since 2012. How do you keep it fresh?
I was not technically trained, but bringing jazz into musical theater ASK ME ANYTHING
I always go back to myself being that kid in the audience seeing theater for the first time. The first time I saw a live production was when a high school teacher took us to see Les Misérables at the Murat. I’m always aware that someone out there in the audience is experiencing a theater performance for the first time. That keeps me on my toes.
What stages did you perform on in your early days?
I was born on the west side and grew up near Bush Stadium. I went to Riverside Elementary School, then Crispus Attucks, then Arsenal Tech. At Arsenal, they put me in beginning choir. Cindy Hartshorn, the choral director, got ahold of me and just didn’t let go. I did my first show, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. I was Zebulun and the Butler. From there, I auditioned for young adult productions and performed in summer theater programs at Theatre on the Square, which is now The District Theatre, and Footlite Musicals. For a time, I worked as a pre-K teacher’s assistant in Haughville, but I moonlighted on stage. Claude McNeal at American Cabaret Theatre offered me an office job, and before long, I was performing in shows there … Streetcorner Harmony, Swing! Swing! Swing!, and Decades.
There was a production of Decades at American Cabaret just last year. They still do it? That’s wild.
It seems like you were working steadily here. What led you to New York?
I actually went in the other direction first. American Cabaret Theatre tried to set up a sister theater in Seattle, so I left to be a part of that. It did not go well, so I started doing general auditions in Olympia and wound up performing and choreographing in theaters out there for a while.
Were there any particular influences on your choreography style?
was definitely an interest for me. So, of course, Bob Fosse and Jerome Robbins, all those heavyweights. I looked to pop choreography, too. Michael and Janet Jackson and Paula Abdul were heavy influences. I was also influenced by a lot of different people who took me under their wings along the way.
So how did you get from Olympia, Washington, to Broadway?
I first auditioned for The Lion King while I was still in Indianapolis, before I went to the West Coast. There was an open call in Bloomington, and a bunch of us from American Cabaret Theatre went and stood in line for hours. It was my first major audition outside of Indy, and it was horrible. I was one of the last people and by the time I was seen, my voice was no longer warm and nerves had hit. I couldn’t sing past what I normally sail through. I didn’t have half my range. They said, “We can see you have talent, but we need people who can sustain eight shows a week.” And I had not delivered.
Obviously, you tried again. They held an audition in Seattle when I was there. Maybe a year had gone by, but they remembered me and said, “Oh, right, you were sick or something.” I just answered, “Yeah, you could say that.” So, they took me through scales. They gave me material for different characters, Mufasa, Simba, Banzai, then mixed everyone up into groups. They sent me off with, “We are definitely interested and will be in touch,” which actors hear as, “You’re not getting the job.” Well, a few months later, they called me to do what I call Lion King school, a boot camp where we learned different African languages, some African history, some dance, but nothing specifically from the show. It culminated in a performance for the creative team. After that, they said, “We don’t have a place for you right now, but we’re definitely going to hire you.” That was another line that every actor knows, so I just took it as, “You’re still not getting the job.”
Then finally ...?
I was on my lunch break from Miss Saigon at a theater in Seattle when they called. “Are you ready to make
“I’M ALWAYS AWARE THAT SOMEONE OUT THERE IN THE AUDIENCE IS EXPERIENCING A THEATER PERFORMANCE FOR THE FIRST TIME. THAT KEEPS ME ON MY TOES.”
your Broadway debut?” They needed an immediate replacement for an actor who had booked a TV job. I learned the show in two weeks when the time frame normally would have been at least a month. What was supposed to be a sixmonth contract has lasted 20 years.
Your resume is impressive, with roles in NCIS, The Good Fight, FBI: Most Wanted, Blue Bloods, and more. How does it work when you get a TV offer? Fortunately, they are good about giving leave. One of the great things about being in a long-running show is that they can survive without an L. Steven for a little bit. That’s a key to longevity, being able to go and do other things.
What was your first offer for TV? The redo of The Electric Company from 2009 to 2011. The kids all had superpowers. I was the dad who chimed in every once in a while with a life lesson.
It seems like every Broadway actor’s Playbill bio has a Law & Order credit. Is that on your to-get list? You know you’ve made it when you’ve done Law & Order! I auditioned so many times, getting close but never booking it. One time they gave me an explanation, saying they really liked me, but that casting call was for the bad guy, and as soon as I smiled, “the bad guy goes away.” But I did book a Special Victims Unit episode. So the right thing is out there. It’s just a waiting game.
Do you have a dream show or a dream role, something you’d leap at?
This is going to sound cliche, but The Lion King is my dream show. But one dream role would be Coalhouse Walker Jr. in Ragtime. Or Javert in
Les Mis. And I do have some things in the works that I can’t elaborate on now that I’m excited about.
Your wife, Holly Ann Butler, did a one-woman show at the New York City cabaret club 54 Below. Can we expect to see you in a cabaret show? That sort of thing never appealed to me personally … until recently when I started writing some of my own material. I’m more interested now. I would love to sing and weave a story around my own material.
How did you and Holly Ann meet? In a show?
We were doing Broadway Bares, the fundraiser for Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS. We were the top two fundraisers and had a friendly rivalry going on. We made a deal that whoever won would take the other to breakfast. She’s currently touring in Beauty and the Beast, which is coming to Indy in May. I’ll join her for the last performance.
They sell your book, Sammy and His Lion, in the Minskoff Theatre lobby. What led you to write a children’s book? I wanted to do something to mark my 20th anniversary with the show. During my time as a teacher and, more recently, my time as a father, I’ve read a lot of books to kids. So that came together as a story of a 6-year-old who is anxious about the first day of school. His dad introduces him to his inner lion to help him overcome obstacles. I’m working with castmate James Brown Orleans on turning it into an animated series.
It seems like The Lion King will run forever, but do you think about moving on?
I just signed on for another year, so I’m still living the dream at least until March 2027.
VINTAGE: LATE 1800 S –EARLY 1900 S Resides in the archives of The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
THIS LITTLE porcupinefish, perhaps a juvenile at about 12 inches long, was donated to The Children’s Museum by Indianapolis Public Schools just prior to the museum’s opening in 1925. The very first item in its collection, the fish was displayed in the carriage house of the Propylaeum at 14th and Delaware streets, the museum’s original location. How the creature came to be in a local school is unknown. Porcupinefish, also known as pufferfish, are native to tropical waters. They live in reefs, caves, and seagrass beds, swelling up to increase their size and display their prickly defense mechanisms to intimidate predators. The specimen needs to be handled under specific safety protocols, since arsenic was used in taxidermy as a preservative at the turn of the last century. While the fish is not publicly displayed at this time, a miniature replica can be spotted in the museum’s Mini Masterpieces exhibit on Level 4. —CHRISTINA VERCELLETTO
Porcupinefish
ARTIFACT
Photo by TONY VALAINIS
Single-level living defined by expansive 10-foot ceilings and a light-filled, open design
Solid concrete-and-steel construction offering exceptional quiet and private, covered parking
Gourmet kitchens appointed with Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances and custom cabinetry
Resort-style amenities including a private fitness center, club lounge, and curated outdoor spaces
(1) March Madness Music Festival
April 3–5
Celebrate the NCAA Men’s Final Four weekend at the American Legion Mall with free concerts by A-list acts. ncaa.com/ mens-final-four/marchmadness-music-festival
(2) Easter Egg 5K
April 4
Stretch those winterweary legs and run off the Peeps by heading to the starting line on the Indiana State Museum lawn. Yes, there will be an egg hunt. runsignup.com/ race/in/indianapolis
(3) Come From Away
April 7–May 10
A joyous music and dance interpretation of the true story of 7,000 stranded airline passengers welcomed to a Newfoundland village on 9/11 takes the stage at the Indiana Repertory Theatre irtlive.com
(4) The Indianapolis Rare Book Fair Opening Night Party
April 17
The Columbia Club is the setting for this gathering of enthusiastic bibliophiles and antiquarians. Sip wine, nibble canapes, and get first crack at the offerings at this evening soiree. finefairs.com
(5) Oddities & Curiosities Expo
April 25–26
If you’re into the bizarre, go to this event at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. See unusual taxidermy specimens, locally made horror-inspired art, strange antiques, funeral collectibles, and alchemy accoutrements. oddities.com
WANTED
Bright Frame of Mind
Lots of eyeglass wearers love the idea of bright-colored frames but stop short of getting them, fearing they’ll be “too much” for everyday wear. Enter these hot pink Mykita Eero frames. Sculpted by hand in Berlin from slender surgical stainless steel, they deliver a pop of personality while still being understated and versatile. Designed in an aviator style, the minimalist construction ditches screws and solder points, so they weigh only 10 grams, the same as two credit cards. “I wear this frame myself,” shares Ra Opticians owner Jessica Ra. “I absolutely adore the neon pink and that it still feels minimal.” $659. Ra Opticians, Factory Arts District, raopticians.com —CHRISTINA VERCELLETTO
Photo
( SHOP TALK )
West Coast Cool
FIND A FRESH TAKE ON CALIFORNIA CASUAL AT THE FASHION MALL. BY CHRISTINA VERCELLETTO
MARINE LAYER has landed in Indy, bringing its laidback, sun-soaked spirit—and famously soft fabrics—with it. The new boutique marks the brand’s first foray into Indiana. Known for its buttery tees crafted from a blend of recycled and natural fibers—and its robust T-shirt recycling program—the shop showcases relaxed shapes, beachy staples, tailored-but-easy button-downs, marshmallowy cashmere, and versatile dresses that transition from Friday at the offi to the weekend. The space reflects that aesthetic with warm wood and vintage decor. Indianapolis was chosen for this third shop in the Midwest based partially on the high number of online orders from the area. As expected, shoppers are excited, says store manager Cole Koerselman. “I’d say 80 percent come in knowing the brand.” Menswear has so far proven the most popular. “With guys here, it seems to be heavy athleisure. Or suits,” observes Koerselman. “It’s the in-between looks, ones that feel right, that they’re missing.” And that’s a gap Marine Layer stands ready to fill.
THIS OUTFIT SEEMS TOTALLY YOU. It is. Colorful, comfy, fun!
WHAT’S A TYPICAL WORKDAY LOOK?
Stretchy pants and a statement tee or a handmade sweater top.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE COMFORT AND CREATIVITY? When you make clothes, they can be the same. The yarns often tell me what they want to be. Texture, color, and composition determine how it’ll work up. Linens are not the softest to knit but give beautiful drape. Mohair, one of my favorites, gives great loft.
WHAT’S IN YOUR CLOSET THAT YOU WON’T GIVE UP?
An Old Navy dress. It goes with everything and has nice stretch. —C.V.
DON’T MISS
(1) Selvage stretch button-down, $138
(2) Eva sweater cami, $58
(3) Beach pant, $128
(4) Cloud 9 relaxed fleece crewneck, $108
Knit Shop Owner
SPOTLIGHT ON INDY BUSINESS
SPOTLIGHT ON INDY BUSINESS
Ageless Aesthetics
Indy’s premier medical spa for fl awless results across three locations 8860 Zionsville Rd., Ste. 300C, Indianapolis agelessindy.com | ageless.aesthetics.indy
RESTAURANT
Goodness Gracious
A comforting breakfast and lunch restaurant offering catering, events, and curated picnics 24 N. Rangeline Rd., Carmel i_love_goodnessgracious
BARBER SHOP
Magic Hat Barber Shop
A premium barber shop prized for its attentive service & selection of grooming products from Brosh Pomade, D.S. & Durga, Ursa Major, and more 885 Monon Green Blvd., Ste. 101, Carmel magichatbarbershop
Support independently owned businesses with this go-to guide to local shops, personal services, dining and nightlife establishments, and more.
Chamber Member
Interested in advertising your business? Scan the QR Code to get started!
PERSONAL TRAINING
Body Outfitters
Experts who build your confidence, strength, and deliver results 8487 Union Chapel Rd., Indianapolis bodyoutfitters | bodyoutfitters.com
RESTAURANT
His Place Eatery
Soul food, BBQ, chicken & waffles, and genuine hospitality in Indianapolis 6916 E. 30th St. | 1411 W. 86th St. hisplacaeeatery | hisplaceeatery.com
FACIAL SPA
The Only Facial
An 11-step custom facial service providing honest advice and no upselling, with gratuity included 3742 E. 82nd St., Indianapolis | theonlyfacial.com
RESTAURANT
Diavola Italian Restaurant
An Italian family-owned restaurant known for authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas fired in a traditional brick oven 1134 E 54th St., Ste. I | diavola_indy
CHILDREN’S CLOTHING
Little Tulip Tree
A Beaufort Bonnet Company Signature Store offering clothing for babies and children with a refined sense of style 840 S. Rangeline Rd., Carmel | littletuliptree.com
RESTAURANT
Pizzology
Pizzology Cra Pizza + Pub is a chef-driven pizzeria with unique pastas, salads, cra cocktails, and more. 13190 Hazel Dell Pkwy., Carmel | pizzologyindy.com
Tinker Coffee Co.
An Indianapolis roaster cra ing specialty coffee with care since 2014
1125 W. 16th St., Indianapolis tinkercoffee.com | tinkercoffee
CANDLE POURING & RETAIL SHOP
Unplug Soy Candles
POUR. PLAY. SHOP. Create memories, gi joy! 12550 Promise Creek Ln., Ste. 108, Fishers unplugsoycandles.com | unplugsoycandles
RESTAURANT
TWEN T Y TAP CRAFT
Twenty Tap
A neighborhood scratch kitchen offering a unique selection of cra beers and cocktails in Meridian-Kessler
5408 N. College Ave., Indianapolis | twentytap.com
Wise Aesthetics
A luxurious medical spa with personalized care, ensuring your unique beauty and wellness goals are met with excellence Carmel, IN | wise-aesthetics.com
HOME
Urban Homestead
At Urban Homestead, find home decor thoughtfully curated to reflect timeless sophistication and warmth. 114 East Jefferson St., Tipton, IN urbanhomesteadllc
ART STUDIO
Yours For The Making
A fun art studio offering painting, beading, wreath making workshops, parties, and so much more 13620 N. Meridian St., Carmel YoursForTheMaking.co
Charleston Charm
Charleston, WV DISTANCE
WE JUST DISCOVERED YOUR NEXT WILD AND WONDERFUL WEEKEND ESCAPE.
BY LOU HARRY
PRESENT company excluded, state capitals are rarely the most tempting cities in a region to tourists. Surprise: Two states over, Charleston, West Virginia, and its gorgeous surroundings entice with plenty to fill a long weekend. For an exhilarating late spring or early summer excursion, drop your bags in a cabin with a hot tub on the deck at Ace Adventure Resort (aceraft.com). Ace organizes white water rafting through New River Gorge National Park & Preserve (nps.gov/neri). The churning Class V waters, punctuated by lulls that let you catch your breath only long enough to take in a sight or two, make for a pulsepounding few hours. When you’re ready to dry off, hike the 2-mile Endless Wall Trail up to Diamond Point for the best view of the Kanawha River. Rangers lead tours on the flora, fauna, and history of the area. (They’ll gladly take your photo at the lookouts.)
Charleston’s downtown boasts a bustling city market, striking public art, and 1010 Bridge (1010bridge.com), the “Appalachian New Americana” restaurant from James Beard Award–winner Paul Smith. (Try the Fisherman’s Pie.) Afterward, catch a live recording of the national syndicated radio show Mountain Stage (mountainstage .org/podcasts) at the Culture Center Theater. With only 24 sessions a year, you’ll need to plan ahead. Hosted by Grammy-winning country singer Kathy Mattea, each show features widely known performers (John Prine, Al Stewart, Tori Amos, and R.E.M.) as well as top-notch niche acts, like Irish band I Draw Slow and Dan Tyminski, known outside of bluegrass circles as the singing voice of George Clooney in O Brother, Where Art Thou? Finally, stop in to homey Taylor Books Cafe (taylorbooks.com), where you can browse the shelves, sip a latte, toast your trip with wine or beer, view local art, or hear live music depending on the day and time.
IF YOU GO
RIDE The Charleston Bicycle Center (wvcbc .com) will guide you to routes, including ones used by Olympiclevel competitors in USA Cycling’s Pro Road National Championship.
DINE Check out Bricks & Barrels (bricksnbarrels.com), a steak and seafood mainstay where the decor is made from salvaged wine crates.
TOUR Veteran mine workers are your guides at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine Tour (beckley.org/ coal-mine)
CHERRY BLOSSOM DAY is April 5 at Columbus’ Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Enjoy Japanese cultural performances; anime, origami, and calligraphy workshops; yukata photo booths; a bonsai display; Japanese street food; and mochi donuts. The highlight is the 100 blooming cherry trees. experiencecolumbus.com —CHRISTINA VERCELLETTO
TRAVELER DAY TRIP
Bowled Over
IT
TAKES A TEAM OF TASTERS
(L-R) Employees Rob Anderson and Daniel Thang with Kibbies inspiration Futureman and owner Matthew Anderson
ONE DOG LOVER IS COOKING UP BETTER PET FOOD, ONE BATCH AT A TIME. BY SAM STALL
MATTHEW
ANDERSON eats dog food. No, it’s not a prank. It’s quality control. He samples the kibble made by his Indianapolis company before it goes out the door. His employees do, too. “We eat from every batch,” he says. “Our production manager tastes the last sample to be sure it’s on par.”
Anderson got into the dog food business when his mutt, Futureman, became ill. Due to his own health issues, he was studying nutrition and started scrutinizing canine food, too. He didn’t like what he found: many unfamiliar, heavily processed ingredients. So he tried to do it better. That experiment played out in his apartment kitchen, where he baked batch after batch of food, testing numerous recipes as well as the limits of his oven’s ventilation system. “When I added fish ... remember in college when that one person would use the dorm kitchen to cook fish? That’s how badly it reeked.”
After about six months of tinkering, Anderson developed a crunchy formula made from a short list of ingredients including fish, beef liver, chicken quarters, whole eggs, lentils, and apples. He then brought in nutritionists, food scientists, and canine formulation specialists to refine it into a
product he trusted enough to sell. The result was Kibbies (kibbies.co), a dry dog food processed at relatively low temperatures to preserve flavor and nutrients. One of its key ingredients is Asian carp, an invasive species that’s abundant, sustainable, and— when finely ground, bones and all—quite nutritious for dogs.
Kibbies is produced in small batches at an industrial kitchen on the city’s east side and shipped to roughly 200 subscribers, with delivery schedules customized to each pet’s size and calorie needs. Package size stays modest, Anderson says, because freshness matters even more to canines (with their sensitive noses) than people. Anderson, of course, hopes his list of customers keeps growing. “I want as many dogs eating this food as possible,” he says. “But I don’t want to cut corners or degrade our quality just to scale up.”
Find your flow— and maybe a new best friend.
DON’T EXPECT a focused, disciplined workout at the puppy yoga classes offered at Traders Point Creamery. The 90-minute sessions on April 12, May 1, and May 17 are more about cheerful chaos than chakras. And the experience is a bit different from goat yoga. While the goats like to jump on your back when you do the child’s pose, the puppies—as if on cue—rush to lick your face as you slide into downward dog. The $40 sessions are offered by Rise Yoga & Events, and a portion of the proceeds go to support the Humane Society for Boone County, which furnishes the canines. Yes, you can adopt one—so go in knowing you might fall in love. Traders Point Creamery, Zionsville. 317-7331700 —CHRISTINA VERCELLETTO
pet project
Book Smart
Tucked into the basement of a historic library, Carnegie’s in Greenfield feels like a delicious secret. Recently relaunched by Jake Burgess of Burgess Restaurant Group (which also owns cult favorites Bonge’s Tavern in Perkinsville and FoxGardin Kitchen & Ale in Fortville) with a new menu and new chef, the low-lit spot serves comfort classics like Bonge’s famous pork tenderloin and red pepper soup, this steak-scrap meatloaf topped with a smoky double glaze, and a decadent carbonara packed with shrimp, lobster, and bacon that executive chef Justin Runyon smokes on site. 100 W. North St., Greenfield, 317-462-8480, carnegies-restaurant.com — JULIA SPALDING
SWOON
Photo
( NEW IN TOWN )
French Class
BLÉ FRENCH BISTRO OFFERS AN EVENING IN PARIS BY WAY OF NOBLESVILLE. BY JULIA SPALDING
NAMED FOR the French word for “wheat,” Blé French Bistro transformed a former Mexican eatery in the Town & Country Shopping Center into an art-filled dining room designed—with mod chandeliers, upholstered white barstools, and a splash of hot pink—to look like a sweet brasserie. The menu is a tribute to the French cuisine dear to the heart of co-owner Gabriel Di Egidio (who opened the restaurant in February with partners Frank Martinez, Rogelio Mancillas, and Gabriella Di Pietro). Di Egidio’s late father-in-law was from Lyon, France, widely considered the country’s gastronomic capital. “We spent a lot of time with him, and it left a lasting impression,” says Di Egidio, who is originally from Venezuela. “We wanted to open a space that honored that heritage.” Di Egidio says his father-in-law’s favorite French onion soup was a menu requirement. Here, the gooey dish is loaded with deeply caramelized onions and is presented in a pretty stemmed crock with a molten cheese crown. 16771 Clover Rd., Noblesville, 317-764-2219, blebistro.com
PINCH OF WISDOM
“Whenever there is a huge identity shift, you go through all the stages of grieving. There are unexpected ripple effects when you don’t quite know what the next identity holds.”
–Martha Hoover , former owner of Cafe Patachou who is launching M.S.H. Collective—her own multiplatform initiative that will include mentorship, a direct-to-consumer packaged food company, and a podcast about career and identity
( REVISIT )
Game Day Decision
Kelsey Murphy, winner of MasterChef Season 11, is turning up the heat in Fishers.
AFTER SMOKING her MasterChef competition in 2021and launching a restaurant concept (originally named Inspo and later rebranded as Clutch Kitchen) through Lucas Oil Stadium, former physical therapist Kelsey Murphy has planted her flag inside Sun King Brewery at The Yard at Fishers District. It is the same open concept space that formerly housed the three walk-up counters of Fishers Test Kitchen, the culinary incubator where restaurants such as Carlos Salazar’s Lil Dumplings and Neal Brown’s One Trick Pony were born. Over the winter, Murphy rolled out a simple menu of double smash burgers, crispy chicken sandwiches, and brisket tacos. Next month, she plans to complete a full renovation that promises “one cohesive, chef-driven destination.” 9713 District N. Dr., Fishers, eatclutch.com –J.S.
BARN RAISING Housed inside a restored Indiana barn, restaurant and event center The Lawrence opened its doors in February in West Lafayette. THE SWEET LIFE College Avenue’s The Toy Pit has added a companion candy and snack shop across the street named The Pit Stop. RARE FIND The new H Steakhouse from restaurateur Henri Najem specializes in prime beef, fresh seafood, and open-fire cooking in Westfield. –J.S.
Fully Loaded
FRENCH FRIES PROVE THE PERFECT CANVAS FOR TRADITIONAL—AND SOMETIMES RATHER IMAGINATIVE— TRAPPINGS. HERE’S WHO’S SERVING UP SOME OF THE TASTIEST LOADED FRIES IN TOWN. BY AMY LYNCH
Chicago Beef and Dog
The Italian Beefy Cheesy Fries garnish house-cut potatoes with slow-braised Italian beef, then crank up the flavor several notches with beef chili, aged cheddar cheese sauce, pickled jalapeños, and crumbled bacon. The plate is big enough to share between several people. 5402 E. Washington St., 317-359-2333, chicagobeefanddog.com
Indy Tacos
This cozy northside taqueria drizzles its popular Chori-Fries with creamy queso before scattering on crumbles of chorizo and topping the whole thing off with chopped tomato, onion, and fresh cilantro like a Mexican poutine. 2196 E. 54th St., 317-929-1424, indytacosrestaurant.com
Hoagies
& Hops
A celebration of steak and potatoes, the Philly cheesesteak loaded fries feature crinkle cuts topped with shaved ribeye, Cheez Whiz, and fried onions (or “wit,” for those in the know).
“A lot of customers spice them up with our long hot peppers or add Cooper Sharp American cheese,” says owner Kristina Mazza. 4155 Boulevard Pl., 317426-5731, hoagiesandhops.com
Smash’d Midwest Burgers
Loaded fries for dessert? Yep, if you order them Sweetie Style skin-on sweet potato fries topped with brown sugar, caramel, and a sour cream–based sauce with hints of orange. They’re available in a 7-ounce portion or colossal full-pound serving. 10 Johnson Ave., 317-419-2894; 5 American Legion Pl., Greenfield, 317-3182053; smashdmidwestburgers.com
Just Like Sunday Bring an appetite if you’re planning to tackle the Jamaican-inspired loaded fries here. The place is not shy about heaping on jerk chicken, nacho cheese, and your choice of sweet or spicy sauce. This pile of spuds is a meal in and of itself. 7245 Michigan Rd., 317-735-2966
BY
PHOTO
TONY VALAINIS
Roll Model
GROWING
UP
AROUND FAMILY-RUN VENTURES TAUGHT COFFEE TRAILER
PHENOM JESSE HEAD HOW TO THINK LIKE AN OWNER. BY JULIA SPALDING
AT 21 YEARS old, Jesse Head already runs not one but two coffee trailers. She launched the first one, The Wandering Bee, at the age of 19 when she was barely a year out of high school. Then, sensing the business of mobile lattes and dirty sodas was growing faster than she expected, she invested in a second custom-built trailer, The Flying Pig. “I wanted to do something where I could be my own boss. I didn’t see any reason to wait,” she says. Her accomplishments seem less surprising once you learn where she comes from. Entrepreneurship is practically the family trade. Before she started whipping up foam-topped energy drinks, flavored lemonades, bubble teas, and sprucedup espresso drinks like her personal favorite Honey Bun Latte, Head was
logging hours at her family’s novelty bent pencil company, Bentcil. It was founded nearly five decades ago by her grandfather, Tom Killion, who invented a bent pencil product while teaching a plastics class at Ben Davis High School. Both her father, a farmer, and mother are business owners. And her sister runs Oinking Acres Farm Rescue & Sanctuary next door to Head’s family farm in Brownsburg. At first, that was where she set up shop, catering to customers attending events and flower u-pick sessions. Today, she travels throughout Hendricks County for pop-ups and private events. “People will come up to the trailer and say, ‘Oh this looks so fun. I would love to do this.’ I tell them to go for it!” Head says. “I mean, it’s a lot of work. But if you have a good business model and a smart plan that you can stick to, then you should be successful.”
(1) Sweet Paige’s. “My favorite bake shop. The macarons are the size of your palm.” (2) The Pioneer Woman. “I watch a lot of stuff.” (3) Georgetown Market. “I love their juice bar and their smoothie bar.” (4) Corridor.
“The first time I experienced chef Logan [McMahan]’s food was when he did a private dinner at the farm. We have this super-long table that we set up, and it’s beautiful.” (5) Fourwheeling. “I love being outside.”
FOODIE
WEDNESDAY,
Grilled lamb chops and a round of dipping appetizers including falafel and the mildly tangy Middle Eastern cheese labneh fill the table at Kanoon.
Smoke Signals
KANOON SMOKED MEAT & STEAKHOUSE
8594 E. 116th St., Fishers 317- 567-4021, kanoon-indiana.com
THE FLAVORS OF THE MIDDLE EAST AND AFGHANISTAN COMBINE TO CREATE A BEGUILING MIX AT A LIVELY DOWNTOWN FISHERS SMOKEHOUSE. BY TERRY
IT WAS a frigid, lateJanuary Friday, and the sidewalks along 116th Street were still edged in banks of snow. Inside one unassuming storefront, however, the scene couldn’t have been warmer. Adam, the affable, always-smiling son of Naser Hineiti, owner of the recently opened Kanoon Smoked Meat & Steakhouse, was introducing a lavish selection of the restaurant’s extensive menu to a 16-person table of clearly dazzled customers. First came trays of freshly mixed drinks: the house special mint lemonade, nonalcoholic mojitos, and strawberry smoothies. Then, with a flash of pyrotechnics, platters of kebabs appeared, the flames of little makeshift torches
REVIEW
KIRTS
licking at the smoky meat. Eye-popping cuts of bone-in lamb and beef worthy of a sultan soon followed. Anyone stopping in at that moment would be sure of one thing: Kanoon is unlike any other eatery in Fishers—or Indy, for that matter.
Kanoon is one in a recent surge of Arab-owned spots up and down the I-69 corridor northeast of Indy, most of them coffeehouses with lush pastry cases and tables packed until the wee hours. But the Hineitis’ place is one of a kind. Unless, that is, you’ve been to one of the handful of other Kanoon locations as far flung as Waterbury, Connecticut, or Herndon, Virginia—the latter of which Naser helped convince a childhood friend to open. But the longtime engineer at General Motors and Eli Lilly,
finished with Mediterranean spices, as well as a host of fresh Mediterranean mezza, sweets, and a full Afghan menu
NEIGHBORHOOD Downtown Fishers
MUST-ORDER
Flaky sambousek pastries and garlicky baba ghanoush; slow-smoked lamb ribs with smoked rice; Kabul-style Afghan pulao; zesty chicken karahi; and a slice of rosewaterscented baklava with a scoop of ice cream and Turkish coffee
3 STAR RATING
a Palestinian born in East Jerusalem who moved to Alabama for college in the early 2000s, had long wanted a second, “fun” chapter to his own career. So he found an available space in the heart of Fishers, assembled a staff, and early last year took the team to Virginia for two weeks to learn Kanoon’s process for smoking large cuts of meat. However, he is quick to point out that each Kanoon owner has carte blanche to add whatever they want to the menu. “We’re really just a name licensee,” he says. “We’re a family restaurant. My wife, Samah, makes most of the appetizers, as well as many of the desserts.”
For first-timers, a family-style dinner starting with an assortment of Samah’s flavorful mezza is the best approach. Among cold spreads, thick, garlicky baba ghanoush is a must, as is a vibrant, tangy tabbouleh salad with plenty of lemon and a garnish of briny carrots with a slight kick. They’re both worth skipping the hummus, which is a bit grainy and lacking in bite. Flaky sambousek pastries filled with spiced ground beef are standouts among hot starters, and slices of funky Soujuk, sausage with a distinct chew, are addictive. Go easy, though, as the true Kanoon experience comes from splitting beef short ribs, brisket, a generous bone-in cut of lamb shoulder, or stuffed chickens, which are smoked for several hours,
often over cherry or apple, then hit with an aromatic blend of spices and finished in the oven. This produces fork-tender meat with a character that’s distinct from your corner barbecue, especially when served with mounds of delectable smoked rice, which the kitchen slow cooks then finishes in a big pot with a plate of wood chips to add depth.
Smoked meats are sold by the pound, so the generous portions can price out a bit high. As a result, and at the request of some of his Muslim clientele, Naser hired a staff member’s father, an accomplished chef who hails from Afghanistan, to add a roster of more affordable yet no less hearty plates. That means customers can get Kabul-style pulao (fluffy, raisin-studded rice with flecks of crispy lamb) and tandoorilike grilled chicken finished in a chunky tomato curry. Be sure to order a basket of light-as-air Afghan naan to sop up the sauce. You’ll also want to stick around for one of Kanoon’s intriguing desserts such as the Kunefa, crispy threads of phyllo dough stuffed with milky white cheese heated in small metal pans and doused in a rich sugar syrup. The cheese pull alone
is worth it. A strawberry parfait cup and the house cheesecake, both inspired by last year’s TikTok Dubai chocolate sensation, lean to the sweet side. A wedge of Samah’s slightly sturdier baklava with a welcome undertone of rosewater and a scoop of vanilla ice cream tucked inside is perhaps the best bet, especially with a demitasse of stout Turkish coffee or a fragrant, milky karak chai to extend the experience. Naser plans to add live music and occasional special events. “And I might consider expanding one day,” he says, his eyes brightening. For now, having a fun second career that includes his family and a mix of the food he grew up with and the food he came to love in the U.S. is more than enough.
Samah and Naser Hineiti’s menu includes freshly mixed drinks; pistachiotopped Kunefa; and (bottom) the Hot Mezza Platter.
Photos by TONY VALAINIS
BY ANDREW DOENCH
Top Tier
BY JULIA SPALDING
Afternoon tea is having a moment—and it is as delightful as it sounds. From our sweetest little cafes to downtown’s poshest new hotel, the finger sandwich scene is steeped in charm. We rounded up a royal batch of afternoon tea experiences that bring the tradition across the pond and make it uniquely Hoosier. So throw your pinky in the air like you just don’t care. It’s teatime.
PHOTOS
Cheeky Bastards
Second Sunday of the month 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
INDY’S
The Royal Treatment
TEATIME REVIVAL COVERS A LOT OF TERRITORY. HERE ARE THE BEST PLACES IN TOWN TO ENJOY SOME POMP AND PASTRIES.
THE CAKE BAKE SHOP
With locations in Broad Ripple and Carmel City Center, Cake Bake owner Gwendolyn Rogers’ glittery universe delivers a fairytale afternoon tea amid the gleaming counters lined with elaborately layered cakes under glass domes. The afternoon tea ($65 per person) includes a selection of teas, finger sandwiches, house-made scones with cream and preserves, and mini-desserts. Cake Bake also offers a children’s version ($45 for ages 12 and under), serving hot chocolate, lemonade, or tea. 6515 Carrollton Ave., 317-257-2253; 799 Hanover Place, Carmel, 317-257-2253; thecakebakeshop.com
CHEEKY BASTARDS
With a name like Cheeky Bastards, you know this Geist spot doesn’t stand on ceremony. Its whimsical reservation-only afternoon tea falls on the second Sunday of the month and features an assortment of finely brewed teas, finger sandwiches, fresh scones with clotted cream and jam, and pastries galore. The whole $50 affair is authentically British in that it is a little irreverent and a little proper. 11210 Fall Creek Rd., 317-288-9739, cbindy.com
L.S. AYRES TEA ROOM AT THE INDIANA STATE MUSEUM
The Indiana State Museum houses a lovingly
recreated L.S. Ayres Tea Room built using original furniture, historic photos, and period details to evoke the elegance of the original downtown department store restaurant. Visitors can step inside most days to view the decor and artifacts. Afternoon tea and lunch service are offered to the public only during the holiday season but are also available by private rental throughout the year. 650 W. Washington St., 317-232-1637, indiana museum.org
MS. B’S TEA ROOM & BISTRO
This woman-owned space in Clayton incorporates its line of teas into themed events that range from a period Sherlock Holmes Mystery Tea to last month’s “topsy-turvy” Dr. Seuss Inspired Teatime. But its daily afternoon tea service is also a celebration. No reservation is necessary for its standard $35 tea or Tea for Two (which includes an extra pot of tea) for $50. Vegan alternatives and other dietary replacements can be accommodated by reservation. 4883 Iowa St., Clayton, 317-539-2507, msbsteas.com
THE PARLOR P.S.
Next door to an antique shop in downtown Mooresville, Paul and Shelly Slagle’s Victorian-themed restaurant serves a $55
afternoon tea that feels equal parts formal dinner and Southern comfort. The tiered tray comes stacked with creamy crab dip and crispy wontons, fried green tomatoes, a chicken salad croissant, and Parlor Fries, plus a scoop of sweet cream cheese (in place of traditional clotted cream) alongside the ladyfinger cookies. There are no reservations at this first-come, first-served establishment open seven days a week.
6 W. Main St., Mooresville, 317-584-3010, the parlorps.com
SASSAFRAS LUNCH & TEA ROOM
In a sunny yellow Georgian-style home in historic downtown Greenwood, Sassafras feels like a visit to a very elegant friend’s house with linen napkins, fine stemware, and vintage teacups galore. Afternoon tea is served Tuesday through Friday after 2:30 p.m. and Saturdays after 3 p.m. (reservations required) for $30. The $12 Princess Tea offers a children’s petite version. 229 N. Madison Ave., Greenwood, 317-888-8449
SERLIANA
Located inside the new InterContinental hotel that repurposed a 100-year-old building just off Monument Circle, Serliana makes a great case for special occasion dining in down-
town Indianapolis. And its Saturday and Sunday afternoon tea service ($30–$60) is especially fancy. Executive chef Craig Baker elevates the ritual with smoked salmon open-faced sandwiches on Amelia’s semolina, housemade scones with clotted cream, and artful princess cakes, lemon curd tarts, and other pretty pastries. 17 W. Market St., 463-3030380, serlianaindy.com
THE TEA ROOM OF RUSTIC ROOT
It is hard to imagine a more precious setting than this Beech Grove gift shop and tearoom filled with pretty table settings and dripping with flowers and chandeliers. The $22 Petite Tea includes tea, a sandwich, soup, a scone, and a sweet treat. And the $15 Princess Tea for ages 12 and under comes with a tiara. 626 Main St., Beech Grove, 317591 9497, tearoomofrustic root.com
TWIGS & TEA
This Fishers gift shop doubles as a sweet dining room. Its $45 tea service is a formal affair, with floral table settings and a tower of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and seasonal desserts such as the popular raspberry coconut cake. Afternoon tea is by reservation only and available 1–3 p.m., 11399 Lantern Rd., Fishers, 317-288-4329, twigsandtea.com
A Tea to Remember
LONG BEFORE TODAY’S INSTAGRAM-WORTHY PLATTERS OF SCONES AND MACARONS, THE L.S. AYRES TEA ROOM TURNED AN EIGHTHFLOOR DINING ROOM INTO A CITY RITUAL.
IN INDIANAPOLIS, at least, you could say the current interest in afternoon tea has deep roots in one of the city’s cultural anchors: the L.S. Ayres department store at the bustling corner of Meridian and Washington streets. Many Hoosier parents or grandparents have stories about shopping for clothes, furniture, appliances, artwork, and even collectible stamps at the retail behemoth that opened in 1905. But the store’s uncontested star tenant was the Tea Room. “It really was the center of activity for the store,” says Susannah Koerber, chief curator and research officer at the Indiana State Museum. The restaurant filled a then-new niche,
providing a stylish but reasonably priced place where women, for many years mostly middle class and up, gathered.
High above the sales floors, the eighth-floor L.S. Ayres Tea Room became a full-blown social hub. It was a power center for “ladies who lunch,” club meetings, and civic groups. Models glided between tables wearing the store’s latest fashions, radio shows broadcast live from the dining room, and families folded a tearoom meal into their holiday traditions, pairing a visit to see Santa with Chicken Velvet Soup, Pecan Balls, and a stop at the children’s Treasure Chest. “It was also a good way to sort of socialize the kids,” Koerber says, “because
it was a little more formal— definitely a place where you had to use your manners.”
The Tea Room endured in various forms until 1990, when it fell victim to the downtown store’s sluggish sales. Fortunately, the Indiana State Museum obtained quite a bit of the restaurant’s furniture and serving pieces— even a sample of the original carpet—to assemble a recreation of the landmark, opened to the public in 2002. The museum serves afternoon tea in the space during the holiday season, and the room can be reserved year-round for special events, introducing a new generation to this piece of Indiana history.
Sassafras T ea Room
HIGHLIGHT
Chicken salad with dried cranberries and Granny Smith apples
TEATIME
Tue–Fri 2:30 p.m., Sat 3 p.m. PRICE
$30
brew crew
Sip Happens
HOW TO HANDLE THE CUPS, SCONES, AND CENTURIES-OLD CUSTOMS OF AFTERNOON TEA LIKE YOU BELONG AT THE TABLE.
MODERN AFTERNOON tea originated in 1840s England—widely attributed to Anna Russell, the 7th Duchess of Bedford—as a moment of midday sustenance between the British aristocracy’s standard two main meals of breakfast and evening dinner (not to be confused with the heartier “high tea” evening meal, which emerged among the working class around the same time and was often served at high dining tables after a long day). The custom today often includes a brunch element. And though you don’t need a tiara or British accent to partake these days, especially as the Americanized service has come to focus more on fun and whimsy than ritual and propriety, it doesn’t hurt to keep a few rules of tea etiquette tucked inside your linen napkin.
KNOW THE LAY OF THE LAND. Each of the three tiers of a teatime tray serves a specific purpose. The bottom level holds savories, mainly small sandwiches and some-
times extra treats like salty dips. The middle tier is traditionally for heavier, buttery scones with clotted cream and preserves, which pair nicely with your sips of tea. The top layer is reserved for the prettiest little desserts that are customarily saved for last.
BREAK THE SCONE, DON’T SLICE. Never mind the crumbs, this lightly sweet quick bread is at its best when broken off by the bite and anointed with the accompanying cream and preserves. The jury’s out on which comes first in the slathering.
DON’T CLINK. Adding milk and sugar to your tea is fine, but avoid hitting the side of the (often quite fragile) cup while stirring. And never leave your spoon in the cup afterward.
PINKIES DOWN. A throwback to a time when teacups lacked handles, the raised finger is now considered silly and performative—less Queen Elizabeth, more Dr. Evil.
WHERE TO FIND THE BEST TEAS IN TOWN FOR YOUR OWN AT-HOME AFTERNOON TEA TRADITION.
HUBBARD & CRAVENS
Established in 1991 by Rick Hubbard and Jerry Cravens, this coffee-forward shop also offers a high-end selection of teas by the 4-ounce tin, including China Black, Citron Green, the fruit-infused Calypso white tea, and a smoky Gunpowder with hints of honey liquor. 4930 N. Pennsylvania St., 317-2515161; 6229 Carrollton Ave., 317-803-4155; hubbardandcravens.com
RARE BREW
Visit the online store or catch up with this Indy-based tea company at area farmers markets. Among its pouches of loose-leaf teas is a series of cocktail-inspired flavors: Green Tea Piña Colada, Blueberry Acai Mojito, and Bourbon Ginger Pear. rarebrew.com
THE
ROYAL FRENCHMEN TEA CO.
A farmers market regular, this local tea blender has a loyal following of customers hooked on its pretty, tea basket–ready line that includes Orange Blossom, Mountain Dragon, and Raspberry Lemongrass. facebook.com/royalfrenchmentea
TEA’S ME
Operating out of a sun-splashed little cafe on the edge of Tarkington Park (with a kiosk outpost on the IU Indianapolis campus), this local favorite is owned by former Indiana Fever star Tamika Catchings. The shop pours a variety of black, green, and herbal teas beautifully studded with dried fruit and other add-ins. Try the Almond Orange or Champagne Raspberry—which Tea’s Me also sells by the bag, with a focus on keeping customers educated about the specifics of brewing and the benefits of drinking loose 3967 N. Illinois St.; 420 University Blvd.; teasmeindy.com
artistic touch to your tea setting with these honeybeeimprinted hexagon cubes made with sweet brown turbinado $19 at Williams Sonoma.
CLASS IS IN
Session
AANDREA HUNLEY is someone who stands out in a crowded room. From the way people talk to her to the way they talk about her, even from photos and articles, many find her just so—likable.
As the saying goes, you can be the sweetest peach on the tree, but some people just don’t like peaches. But the third-year Indiana state senator’s critics seem few and far between. When you meet her and speak with her face-toface, you can’t help but be drawn in.
Amiable, poised, and beautiful, it doesn’t hurt that Hunley has a headlinefriendly background. She entered the foster system in her native Fort Wayne at a young age and was adopted into a large, multiracial family with whom she felt loved and accepted (she is herself biracial, with one Black and one white biological parent). She married her high school sweetheart, and both attended Indiana University, where she earned a Bachelor of Education, before moving to Indianapolis. While teaching full-time, she earned a Master of Education in Teaching English as a Second Language and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary School Administration. In 2012, she became principal at IPS Center for Inquiry School No. 2, gaining a reputation as a focused leader who balanced
After
sweeping her district by surprise in 2022, former IPS principal and current assistant Senate minority leader
Andrea Hunley is not running for a second term. But if her passionate vision for leadership is any indication, her story isn’t over. By Camille Graves
support for her staff and students with a philosophy of firmness and accountability. After 10 years, she decided to run for office, sweeping her district thanks to the efforts of volunteers from her school.
Hunley has a knack for simultaneously championing people and rallying support, from her family to her professional community. While the secret to her winning approach—her powerful relationships— is obvious, it goes beyond what any headline can capture.
Hunley’s aim is not only to be worthy of others’ trust. It’s also to affirm her trust in those around her—and their trust in each other. She wants to build a culture founded on accountability.
AT 9
A.M. on February 5, the Senate Utilities Committee, on which Hunley is the ranking minority member, convenes in Room 130 of the Indiana Statehouse. Whether to move House Bill 1368 forward with a new amendment is to be put to a vote.
Introduced in the 2026 legislative session by Rep. Ed Soliday, the amendment to HB 1368 proposes that the DNR be given permitting primacy over the EPA in approving carbon capture and storage, or CCS, projects in the state.
Testimony in support of the amendment comes from Soliday and industrial powerhouses like Heidelberg Materials and the Indiana Ethanol Producers Association, but a presentation by the DNR ignites the subtle drama of a day in the life of a policymaker.
Hunley zeroes in on the weaknesses in the DNR’s argument, launching into a polite but tough grilling concerning the department’s ability to adequately administer the permitting process. She ultimately expresses disappointment with the DNR representatives’ admissions of, “I’ll get back to you on that,” and, “I don’t know.”
The primary voice of opposition comes from an activist and representative of Concerned Citizens Against Wabash Valley Resources, a retired instructor in calculus-based chemistry and physics and former military engineer, who declined to be named for this story.
The activist speaks quickly, packing a wealth of information into his 13-minute testimony. He explains the high expense and low efficiency of CCS and the EPA’s failure to manage critical CO 2 leaks in Satartia, Mississippi, and Decatur, Illinois. He opposes CCS altogether, but his concerns also regard local ability to regulate a practice that a federal agency struggles to control. The senators listen attentively, but the information is dense; many in the room stare at their phones.
But Hunley adds that even though she came down hard on the DNR in the meeting, she later talked to the representatives privately, setting up a time to speak with them the following week. That’s at the heart of Hunley’s philosophy. She doesn’t want to just drop the hammer and walk away. She wants to problem-solve.
Carbon sequestration in Indiana, or anywhere, is a convoluted and dreary issue, but it’s one with far-reaching implications, from the integrity of deep earth aquifers that supply millions of people with clean water to industries that supply millions of people with jobs and goods. Decisions made in the space of an hour on a snowy Thursday morning can have impact that reverberates indefinitely.
But this is still just a Thursday morning for Hunley, packed with public appearances, lingering hallway conversations, and photo opportunities. Hunley is lucky to snag a cup of greens and mac and cheese prepared by students from Arsenal Technical High School’s culinary program who occupy a table in the Statehouse rotunda for Career and Technical Education Day. Otherwise, the only thing she eats is a Life Savers mint.
When testimonies are done, Hunley gives a statement: “My past experience was as a teacher,” she quips before delivering a dressing down of the DNR, comparing the representatives’ simplistic vocabulary (“Geology, science, water table, pore space”) to the words her fourth-grade students learned in science.
“The only person who really walked us through the scientific components of this was [the gentleman from Concerned Citizens Against Wabash Valley Resources]. When I think about who has the ability to understand the complexities of this and who seems most prepared, it was the person who was in opposition. I just want to note that,” she says forcefully.
When the vote is taken, Hunley, along with Democrat J.D. Ford and Republican Spencer Deery, submits a no. The bill moves forward, 5-3.
Asked later about the discussion, Hunley reveals that she and Ford originally planned to vote in favor but were swayed by the DNR’s inability to defend its claim that it can handle permitting.
“I was so frustrated,” she says. “I was embarrassed of them.”
Yet, dozens of urgent bills cross Hunley’s desk every legislative session, giving Hunley and her peers in the General Assembly the power to make or break individual livelihoods, communities, and the environment at whim.
Hunley explains that though she reads through and makes notes on each bill personally, she relies on her policy team, who provide summaries and recommendations, to help her form opinions. She also leans on her caucus, subject matter experts, lobbyists, and citizens. The night before HB 1368 came to a vote, Hunley was on the phone with Utilities Committee Chairman Eric Koch until 9:30 p.m.
“It’s a lot of reading, asking a lot of questions,” she says. “I never promise my vote to anybody, because I really don’t know
STUDY GROUP
Above: Hunley with press secretary Chester Bryant and intern Tina El-Amoor. Right: Mementos on display in Hunley’s Senate office.
how I’m going to vote. I might walk in thinking one thing, but I’m really listening to what’s happening in the committee conversation or on the floor.”
Ultimately, she prioritizes the opinions and concerns of experts and average folks, highlighting her coffee shop conversations with people in her district— because they don’t get paid lobbyists to represent them.
Which is why it’s no surprise that on this day, her decision comes down to the testimony between a passionate, retired educator with an extensive background in chemistry, physics, and engineering and representatives of a government department who perhaps thought their position of official authority would speak for them.
WHEN HUNLEY first entered the field of candidates for the 2022 Senate campaign, she was something of a dark horse. District 46 was newly created and heavily Democratic, encompassing downtown Indy and most of the surrounding inner city south of I-70. She was one of five Democrats in the primary—and the only one with no political experience.
Hunley reached out to colleagues and experts for advice, but Michael Huber, formerly deputy mayor for economic development under Greg Ballard, now president of Indy Eleven, helped her make the final decision.
“I said, ‘Michael, do you think I can do this?’ and he said, ‘Hunley, it’s going to be really hard.’ … And I said, ‘Yes, but do you think I can do it? Do you think this is going to be white guy hard or Black girl hard? Because I’ve only known hard.’ And he kind of laughed and said, ‘Well, I guess you have your answer. Then go for it.’”
To the surprise of many, Hunley won the primary by a landslide, earning 43.9 percent of votes. The general election was a piece of cake after that; she won 72.9 percent of votes.
In an interview with Chalkbeat, she credited her win to a team of 275 volunteers who canvassed 42,000 homes.
“She had a huge team of teachers, of students, of parents going out and supporting her door-to-door, and I think that made a huge difference in what was a very competitive primary,” says Tina Ahlgren, a teacher at Harshman Middle School who worked with Hunley at CFI 2. “I think sometimes folks underestimate the power of relationships that stem from being an educator in the community.”
When Ahlgren first came to work for
SCHOOLHOUSE TO STATEHOUSE
Left: Hunley hosts an ice cream social at Shin Dig in September 2025. Below: Hunley with her husband, Ryan, their two daughters, and her parents on the day she was honored by the Senate after announcing her “retirement.”
Hunley in 2018, she was a high school teacher with 13 years under her belt searching for a new job. Both attended Christ Church Cathedral. Though Ahlgren had never worked in a K-8 school, Hunley convinced her to come to CFI 2.
“As a veteran teacher, you’re like, ‘I know what I’m doing. I don’t want my principal bothering me,’” Ahlgren says of the transition. But younger students were a whole new ballpark for her. She acknowledges that she had a lot to learn.
“She was the perfect leader because she did a great job of giving me autonomy and freedom to do what I knew how to do well, but [she] was also incredibly supportive and good at holding me accountable.”
But Hunley admits that her first year as a principal wasn’t easy. “I come in as this ready-to-go administrator. The youngest person by far on staff, I had braces, I looked like a baby, and I thought I knew everything,” she says, chipper despite the fact she’s telling a story about a time she fumbled hard. “I had 11 people on my staff of 41 or 42 quit after my first year. I learned a lot.”
At the time, the district offered coaching, so she opted into the program and spent over a year with executive coach Jeff Hannah, who helped her focus on building a vision, bringing people on board, and helping people grow—not just handing orders down.
Hunley remembers a stand of tall trees that became a part of CFI 2’s property when the fence was moved. They were a welcome diversion to the 455 kids crammed into the small campus in the middle of downtown, but teachers and parents worried that kids climbing them would get hurt.
So Hunley met with the student council, which included representatives from kindergarten to eighth grade. Together, they created a list of essential agreements: No boost-ups (if you can get up the tree by yourself, then you can climb it). No more than three kids in a tree at a time. And you have to come down the first time the recess whistle blows.
“We only had one kid break their arm in eight years,” she admits. But that risk is a part of it.
The experience helped solidify Hunley’s desire to lead not from a place of control but from a place of trust and investing in others’ ideas, even if those ideas seem risky. Taking a chance on the kids’ collaboration paid off, and parents remained supportive. “The kids are helping make these rules. They own it, and when they have buy-in, they also enforce it with each other,” she says.
By the time Ahlgren joined Hunley’s staff, many of the mistakes of Hunley’s first year were well behind her.
“My previous principal was great in many ways, but he was very much a fear-based leader,” Ahlgren says, talking about the first time she planned a major, public-facing event for CFI 2. On the drive home after staying late at work preparing, Ahlgren came to a relieving revelation: “If it all falls apart, if everything goes poorly tomorrow—she’s not going to be mad at me. I’m not going to get yelled at. … That’s a huge difference in mentality as a worker, to be able to want to do good work versus being afraid to do bad work because you’re afraid of what will happen.”
IT’S 11:38 A.M. , and Hunley doesn’t bother going up to her office to grab a coat before dashing across Capitol Avenue to the Indiana State Teachers Association building, where the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is holding its annual Day at the Capitol.
“I hope they’ll give me grace and allow me to speak right away,” she says nervously as she steps into the elevator. She has to be back at the Statehouse for caucus by 12:30.
In the hallway, she’s stopped by women giving hugs, snapping selfies,
and reopening conversations begun in previous interactions. Hunley obliges as if she has nowhere else to be. She doesn’t attempt the classic inch toward the door, nor does she cut them off, allowing them to end the conversation.
When she finally tears herself away, Hunley explains she doesn’t mind appearing overbooked. “I want to show up for people, and it’s OK to me that people know that. That I will check in on folks genuinely because I care about them,” she says.
So inside the ballroom, she deftly nabs an empty chair from a table and, without a hint of embarrassment, scoots it next to the last speaker. This is typical of Hunley, at the heart of who she is as both an individual and as a leader. She’s earnest. She treats quirks and mistakes like they’re matters of course, something to correct, if necessary, but not something to let paralyze you or slow you down.
As she takes her seat, Jennifer Crossley, councilor for District 4 in Monroe County, has the microphone. “Show of hands, how many people here have ever thought to run for office?” she asks. She follows up with a challenge: “Now ask your, ‘Why?’ Why not you?”
PUT TO THE TEST
Above: Hunley in the Statehouse rotunda. Left: Hunley at Central Library during her 2022 campaign.
Hunley first considered running for office when she saw decisions on local and statewide education matters being made in the Statehouse without, it seemed, the input of the teachers, administrators, and families those decisions affected. She wanted to influence policy. Before she started making calls, she printed out a map of the new District 46.
“I was looking at the neighborhoods, and ... I could see the faces of kids that live there. They were my students,” she says. “I’m like, ‘I think I am the one to represent these families.’”
Many teachers in Hunley’s orbit have also made the decision to run for office.
Standing in the bitter cold outside the Statehouse without a coat, Jason Anderson, a teacher in the culinary program at Tech High School, says he’s running to become a delegate to the state convention and precinct committeeperson for the Democratic
A chance entry into a lottery for a new home site yielded a series of pleasant surprises for a Zionsville couple. Scoring a choice lot in a golf community was just the first step toward a successful design collaboration to create the European-influenced house of their dreams.
From the editor: A version of this article was published in our March issue with photos showing a property from Homes by Design and MBK Design. IM regrets the error.
By Jeana Harris
by Sar a h Shields
RECURRING THEMES
Stone from the home’s porte cochere reappears above the living room fireplace (left) and in the basement and wine cellar. Its rough-hewn texture unifies the spaces while also adding visual complexity and interest.
Photos
FFROM THEIR career experiences as engineers, Aubrey and Courtney Lehman could easily tell you how to avoid mistakes that cause downstream consequences or how creative synthesis can be used to achieve a goal. But designing a custom home from top to bottom? That’s a different story.
Their design dilemma began when they were selected in the Holliday Farms lot lottery. Initially, they joined the neighborhood golf club as nonresidents. Moving wasn’t really on their radar, though their long-term plan included Courtney’s wish to live on a golf course. On a whim, they entered the lot lottery … and, to their surprise, were chosen third.
After processing the news, the Lehmans set out to narrow down their lot options to fit their lifestyle and desired level of privacy. They wanted a cul-de-sac without being right on top of the golf course. The lot they chose sits higher than the hole behind them, with a small creek and mature tree line acting as natural buffers.
Once the land was secured, design began. Starting from scratch proved “very freeing but also very scary,” Aubrey says. The Christopher Scott Homes building team said, “What do you want to do? We can do anything!”
Inspiration came from their thencurrent home. “We were taking a lot of our favorite elements from our previous home and keeping those, and then there were certain things we wanted to tweak,” she says, “There were lots of little things we wanted to improve upon, plus adding a lot of fun spaces.” To the delight of their daughters (now 10 and 13), features like a pool and dance studio were incorporated into the plans.
GATHERING SPACE
The open kitchen that acts as the “main hub of the house” features a custom-mixed shade of green on the island cabinetry.
After some revisions, the design still wasn’t landing for the Lehmans. This was their first time building a home, and they soon realized another set of eyes was necessary. “You don’t know what you don’t know,” Aubrey says.
Finally, Aubrey turned to Google.
“I was trying to find a designer with another perspective on how to make this beautiful, but also how to improve some of the layout and design. That’s how we found Whittney.”
INDIANAPOLIS-BASED Whittney
Parkinson Design is a full-service interior architectural and design firm. Parkinson’s work appears frequently in national publications, and she has garnered a large online following who
STUDY IN CONTRASTS
While the main living areas are bathed in Farrow & Ball’s soothing Shadow White paint, the hearth room (far left) delivers an exquisite punch of drama, with walls and trim saturated in Deep Reddish Brown. The rich color makes the room infinitely cozy.
adore her masterful ability to blend patterns and layer finishes to create warm, timeless homes.
The Lehmans were wowed by her. “When we met face-to-face, it just felt right,” Aubrey says. “She got what we were trying to accomplish. She helped us optimize the space and the layout.”
Bringing Parkinson in early, even before breaking ground, ensured a clear vision from start to finish. “The home needed an aesthetic direction and identity,” Parkinson says. “I was able to reprogram the floor plan to their liking, and we changed a large portion of the front elevation of the home.”
The exterior draws inspiration from the English countryside with charming details like a stone porte cochere,
arched wood doors, and a cozy gable. “This home most definitely has a European bent in terms of aesthetic,” says Parkinson, who joined the project on the heels of a trip to Europe.
“My objective after that trip was to make selections that would stand the test of time and defy whatever trend was happening all around us,” she says.
She and Aubrey proved to be kindred spirits. “I’m not one to follow trends very much,” Aubrey explains. “I know what I like, and I love it forever. So, when we created the house, we wanted it to be very classic. We tried to find things we would love forever.”
THE HOME’S aesthetic is a riff on traditional style. A palette of carefully selected materials—marble, soapstone, and woodwork in a walnut stain— remains consistent throughout the house. “Marble patinas beautify over time, and we felt as though it aligned best with a European-inspired home,” Parkinson says.
Located down its own hallway, the primary suite is a tranquil oasis. Here, bespoke features elevate the room to extraordinary levels. Its focal point is
The primary bathroom rivals posh spas. Rustic architectural details appear in the exposed beams and wood-clad ceiling, which contrast with the elegant marble and gleaming tilework. It’s a space that invites lingering.
LAP OF LUXURY
an enormous arched window, the creation of which was no small feat.
“When I revised the front elevation, the porte cochere over the driveway was so overpowering, I felt as though the right side of the home needed that same balance for symmetrical purposes,” Parkinson explains. “We quickly realized no vendors in the U.S. could make that size of a window, so it was completely custom made in Italy and shipped over through Glass House Gallery in Carmel.”
In the laundry room, the walls are swathed in a serene landscape mural that’s complemented by delicate bluegray cabinetry. “This is a room I spend a lot of time in, so I wanted it to be functional and beautiful,” Aubrey says.
There’s a pleasant juxtaposition between the living room’s high ceiling and enormous windows against the cozier feel of the kitchen. A hardworking space—complete with a Lacanche range and extensive counter prep space—it’s softened by features that lean Old World. Colonial-style pendant lights glow against inset antique mirror glass on the paneled appliance fronts. Due to Covid-related delays, the house took nearly four years to complete. Never deterred, the Lehmans knew the wait was worthwhile. With a smile, Aubrey says, “The home is warm, comforting, and we just feel at ease. We love it all.”
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Not sure what to expect with hip, knee, or shoulder replacement? Here are the latest trends in local hospitals and surgery centers.
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Joint and bone issues are becoming more common as people stay active later in life.
Many symptoms begin gradually, and patients often wait longer than they should before seeking evaluation. Early attention to joint stiffness, recurring pain, or changes in movement can help prevent small concerns from becoming long-term limitations.
Advances in imaging, minimally invasive surgery, and personalized rehabilitation have improved the way many orthopedic conditions are treated. a faster return to daily activities. Foot and ankle health is also an important part of overall mobility, since even small changes in gait
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an analytics program to and keep costs down. A patient engagement app connects patients time. During surgery, a transponder worn by the patient tracks progress throughout surgery, and accuracy. That data is later shared with the surgical team so they can make improvements in their processes. The transponder also gives the patient’s loved ones real-time updates about what is happening during the surgery.
“That reassures people,” Meneghini says. “I’ve had family members say, ‘Oh my God, I love this.’ That’s real patient care improvement at a low cost.”
PRIOR TO SURGERY
Preparation for surgery occurs weeks or months before the patient is wheeled into the operating room. With a goal of optimizing patient outcomes, patients receive plans based on their individual circumstances and needs.
Many orthopedic surgeons have adopted parts of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol. ERAS is an evidence-based approach developed to minimize surgical stress, reduce complications, and speed up recovery.
One of its main components is nutrition. Patients are assessed to determine if they are “nutritionally sound.”
“In the last two to three years, we’ve recognized that preoperative nutrition is very important to improving patient outcomes,” says Dr. Brian Badman, a
shoulder surgeon with Central Indiana Orthopedics. “If a patient starts out low on protein and then goes through the stress of surgery, we’ve found that the patient actually had worse
outcomes from a wound-healing standpoint.”
Central Indiana Orthopedics implemented a protocol that calls for patients of protein shakes two to three weeks prior to surgery, as well as other drinks to increase amino acids and other components that help with healing.
“Any metric we can improve helps with patient recovery,” Badman says.
Restrictions on water intake prior to surgery also garner a second look. Historically, patients were asked to refrain from drinking anything after midnight the night before surgery. By the day of, they could be fully dehydrated. Some medical facilities now allow patients to drink water up to a couple hours prior to surgery.
Community Health Network aggressively pre-hydrates patients via an IV prior to and during procedures. This helps stabilize blood pressure and decreases any dizziness the patient might experience.
Ongwijitwat says. “It’s not a single things that makes the patient do better.”
Since weight loss can decrease surgical risks, it may be encouraged.
“Some of the new injectable medicasometimes used prior to surgery,” Malin says.
Exercise is another component of enhanced recovery. Patients receive a list of exercises to do prior to surgery. Some begin physical therapy. This continues throughout their journey.
“Doing motion work exercises increases patients’ range of motion,” says Dr. Daniel E. Gerow, DO, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon at Midwest Center for Joint Replacement. “The ERAS protocol recover at home.
IN THE OPERATING ROOM
Orthopedic surgeons use a number of techniques, cutting-edge technologies, and other resources to help relieve patients’ pain, improve healing, and provide a better outcome.
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cryoneurolysis, a process in which the anesthesiologist freezes some of the nerves around the knee.
“It provides improved pain relief up to six weeks after surgery,” Malin says. Malin also gives injections specially formulated for each patient to help with pain control.
Community Health Network numbs patients with a spinal injection designed to last only two hours, along with light sedation. After surgery, patients aren’t groggy and can get up, walk around, and begin PT right away, rather than wait until the next morning to begin therapy.
Whether it’s shoulder, hip, or knee surgery, orthopedic surgeons focus on minimally invasive techniques that spare muscle and are soft-tissue friendly. For example, many use the anterior (front) approach in hip replacement because there’s much less trauma to the patient.
Knee replacements are also undergoing a change. Instead of total knee replacements, surgeons can now replace only the part of the knee that’s worn out, most commonly the medial, or inner knee.
“There’s a much quicker recovery, less risk of infection, less risk of blood clots, and a much easier recovery,” Gerow says.
Robotics and navigation are often used to enhance the surgeon’s accuracy
in making bone cuts and placing the components.
POSTOPERATIVE CARE
Thanks to the new anesthesia techniques, orthopedic patients can participate in physical therapy in the hospital within two hours. Eighty to 90 percent return home the same day.
“The standardized discharge criteria is based on the functional level of the patient,” Ongwijitwat says. “If they can walk a certain number of feet, their pain is well-controlled, they are medically stable, and able to navigate stairs if they have them at home, we’ll discharge them.”
PT is part of patients’ at-home regimen and is generally prescribed for up to six weeks for knee replacements, while hip replacement patients may need only two weeks of PT.
“Motion is life,” Gerow says. “My goal after shoulder, hip, and knee replacement is to get people back to the activities they love. Staying in motion is the key to longevity.
The art of the follow-up after surgery is coaching them, to say, ‘Hey, be con-
Gerow says a recent study looking at shoulder replacement showed eight out of 10 patients were back to swimming, after surgery.
recovery for patients to stay positive.
“There can be days where there’s a little more pain or days when it feels like it’s a setback,” Malin says. “It
isn’t necessarily a smooth upward recovery.”
One of the main factors considered after surgery is pain control. Keeping the patient’s pain controlled while decreasing the dosage of addictive opioids is vital. Today’s multifaceted approach medicines, acetaminophen, and steroid medicines. Journavx, a new pain medication, optimizes pain control, has few opioids without any fear of addiction.
OTHER ADVANCES
In July 2025, Badman became the augmented reality shoulder surgery in Indiana using the ARVIS Shoulder system. While wearing a special headset that gives the surgeon “x-ray vision,” the surgeon can see the patient’s internal anatomy on their skin and the placement of the surgical instruments simultaneously, allowing for more precise placement.
“The robot that has been used in hip
“Whether we’re operating in our ambulatory surgery center or seeing patients in the office, everything related to patient care
is at our fingertips digitally,”
Meneghini says. “Most ambulatory surgery centers in the U.S. remain on paper. It’s totally archaic.”
and knee surgery has been out for a while now and has been validated,” Badman says, referring to the recent robotic-assisted surgery trend. “Shoulders are another avenue.”
The big advantage of augmented reality is that it is far less expensive than a robot, which can cost over a million dollars. Badman says the debate on which is better—a robot or augmented reality—will be borne out in the next few years.
“It’s not yet widely adopted by anybody, but it’s an exciting direction,” Ongwijitwat says.
Since 2003, Greenwood Orthopaedics has provided complete orthopedic care to adults and children in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The orthopedic doctors and other specialists at Greenwood Orthopaedics have received advanced training beyond general
Pediatric orthopedics
There have also been advances in the implants, themselves. The latest hip replacement implant has a ceramic ball and cross-linked polyethylene that wears down by only about 0.02 millimeters per year. Modern knee and hip replacements can last up to 40 years, whereas 20 years used to be their life expectancy. So, there you have it. Orthopedic patients are happier, healthier, and experience better outcomes. says. “And it’s really improved patients’ quality of life.”
Dr. Martin
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DAVID JURKIEWICZ, Bose McKinney & Evans LLP, Indianapolis
ANDREW KIGHT, Jacobson Hile Kight LLC, Indianapolis
MARTHA REDDY LEHMAN, Amundsen Davis LLC, Indianapolis
HARLEY K. MEANS, Kroger, Gardis & Regas, LLP, Indianapolis
WESTON OVERTURF, Kroger, Gardis & Regas, LLP, 111 Monument Circle, Suite 900, Indianapolis, IN 46204
MARK R. OWENS, Barnes & Thornburg LLP, Indianapolis
ALLISON M. SCARLOTT, Barnes & Thornburg LLP, Indianapolis
JAMES T. YOUNG, Rubin & Levin, Indianapolis
MARK S. ZUCKERBERG, Bankruptcy Law Office of Mark S. Zuckerberg, P.C, Indianapolis
COMMERCIAL
LAW
BJ BRINKERHOFF, Jeselskis Brinkerhoff and Joseph, LLC, Indianapolis
SEAN BURKE, Mattingly Burke Cohen & Biederman LLP, Indianapolis
DARREN A. CRAIG, Frost Brown Todd LLP, Indianapolis
CHARLES P. EDWARDS, Barnes & Thornburg LLP, Indianapolis
MEAGHAN
KLEM HALLER, Dentons Bingham Greenebaum, Indianapolis
DAVID K. HERZOG, Hoover Hull Turner, Indianapolis
ANDREW W. HULL, Hoover Hull Turner, Indianapolis
MICHAEL W. MCBRIDE, CohenMalad, LLP, Indianapolis
ALICE M. MORICAL, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, Indianapolis
KENNETH J. MUNSON, Hoover Hull Turner, Indianapolis
RONALD G. SALATICH, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, Indianapolis
BRETT B. THOMAS, CohenMalad, LLP, Indianapolis
RONALD J. WAICUKAUSKI, Johnson Jensen Williams, LLP, Indianapolis
CONSTRUCTION LAW
JEFFREY “JEFF” A. ABRAMS, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, Indianapolis
JOHN P. DALY
JR., Golitko & Daly, P.C., 8900 Keystone Crossing Blvd., Suite 150, Indianapolis, IN 46240
ANTHONY M. ELEFTHERI, Drewry Simmons Vornehm, LLP, Carmel
SCOTT A. HARKNESS, Norris
Choplin Schroeder LLP, 101 W. Ohio St., Floor 9, Indianapolis, IN 46204
JOHN P. HIGGINS, Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC, Indianapolis
FREDERICK “RICK” R. HOVDE, Hovde Dassow + Deets, Indianapolis
JOSH T. MARTIN, Lewis And Wilkins LLP, Indianapolis
RICHARD L. NORRIS, Norris Choplin Schroeder LLP, 101 W. Ohio St., Floor 9, Indianapolis, IN 46204
JON NOYES, Wilson Kehoe Winingham Injury Lawyers, Indianapolis
PETER A. SCHROEDER, Norris Choplin Schroeder LLP, 101 W. Ohio St., Floor 9, Indianapolis, IN 46204
KEVIN N. THARP, Riley Bennett Egloff LLP, 500 N. Meridian St., Suite 550, Indianapolis, IN 46204
TRAVIS R. WATSON, Riley Bennett Egloff LLP, 500 N. Meridian St., Suite 550, Indianapolis, IN 46204
CORPORATE LAW
ANTHONY P. AARON, Ice Miller LLP, Indianapolis
TOM BLACKWELL, Blackwell, Burke, Fowler & Rossow, P.C., Indianapolis
KENT M. BROACH, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, Indianapolis
JOSHUA L. CHRISTIE, Ice Miller LLP, Indianapolis
STEPHEN E. FERRUCCI, Clapp Ferucci, Indianapolis
JASON FULK, J Fulk Legal, LLC, Carmel
E. JOSEPH KREMP, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, Indianapolis
MATT MACALUSO, Keller Macaluso, 11595 N. Meridian St., Suite 390, Carmel, IN 46032
R.J. MCCONNELL, Bose McKinney & Evans LLP, Indianapolis
JOHN MILLSPAUGH, Bose McKinney & Evans LLP, Indianapolis
KATIE S. RILES, Riley Bennett Egloff LLP, 500 N. Meridian St., Suite 550, Indianapolis, IN 46204
BRAD SCHWER, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, Indianapolis
BARRY WORMSER, Wormser Casey LLC, Indianapolis
MICHAEL A. WUKMER, Ice Miller LLP, Indianapolis
Ivy League Education: Graduated Princeton University.
Proven in Court: Over 30 years of Trial Experience, practices and has published decisions in State and Federal Courts, is admitted before the United States Supreme Court, and has collected over 50 Million Dollars for his clients throughout his career.
Strategic Advantage: Former insurance defense attorney insight. Mr. Crossen practices primarily in the State of Indiana. However, he also handles cases outside the State and has tried a case to a jury in Texas.
Focused Practice: Personal injury and workers’ compensation since 2000.
Top Recognition: Perennial Super Lawyers® and National Trial Lawyers Top 100.
Trevor J. Crossen — Proven Trial Attorney. Trusted Advocate for Injury Victims.
Decades of courtroom experience, national recognition, and a relentless commitment to securing justice for his clients.
Trevor J. Crossen, founder of Crossen Law Firm, brings over 30 years of experience exclusively representing personal injury and workers’ compensation victims. With a background in both insurance defense and plaintiff representation, he offers a strategic advantage to his clients. Recognized among Indiana’s top trial attorneys and consistently selected to Super Lawyers®, Mr. Crossen has successfully argued cases in State and Federal Courts. He also has jury trial experience and multiple published decisions in State and Federal Courts. Mr. Crossen graduated from Princeton University where he also played Safety for the Princeton Tigers Football Team. He won an Ivy League Football Championship while attending Princeton. His experience, insight, and dedication help clients pursue the compensation they deserve.
When your future is on the line, trust an attorney with the experience, recognition, and proven results to
Pictured: Andrew Ardizone, Gina Koeneman, and Trevor Crossen
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS LAW
KATRINA M. CLINGERMAN, Ogletree Deakins, Indianapolis
MELISSA A. DAVIDSON, Hankey Marks & Crider, Indianapolis
STEPHANIE L. GUTWEIN, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, Indianapolis
KIMBERLY D. JESELSKIS, Jeselskis Brinkerhoff and Joseph, LLC, Indianapolis
TODD J. KAISER, Ogletree Deakins, Indianapolis
DOROTHY
“DOTTIE” PARSON MCDERMOTT, Jackson Lewis P.C., Indianapolis
ALEXANDER L. MOUNTS, Krieg DeVault LLP, Indianapolis
CHRISTOPHER S. SEARS, Ice Miller LLP, Indianapolis
ENERGY LAW
JEREMY L. FETTY, Parr Richey Frandsen Patterson Kruse LLP, 251 N. Illinois St., Suite 1800, Indianapolis, IN 46204
NICHOLAS K. KILE, Barnes & Thornburg LLP, Indianapolis
TERESA MORTON NYHART, Taft
Stettinius & Hollister LLP, Indianapolis
NIKKI GRAY
SHOULTZ, Bose
McKinney & Evans LLP, Indianapolis
ENVIRONMENTAL LAW
AMY BERG, Ice Miller LLP, Indianapolis
KIMBERLY S. DALSANTO, Taft
Stettinius & Hollister LLP, Indianapolis
FRANK J. DEVEAU, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, Indianapolis
WILL GARDNER, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, Indianapolis
DAVID R. GILLAY, Barnes & Thornburg LLP, Indianapolis
KRISTINE A. GORDON, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, Indianapolis
E. SEAN GRIGGS, Barnes & Thornburg LLP, Indianapolis
EDWARD C. HARCOURT, Amundsen Davis LLC, Indianapolis
DAVID HATCHETT, Hatchett & Hauck LLP, Indianapolis
ANGELA P. KRAHULIK, Ice Miller LLP, Indianapolis
KYLE A. LANSBERRY, Lewis Wagner & Trimble, 1411 Roosevelt Ave., Suite 102, Indianapolis, IN 46201
ARIE LIPINSKI, Lipinski Law, Indianapolis
DANIEL MCINERNY, Bose McKinney & Evans LLP, Indianapolis
ERIK S. MROZ, Drewry Simmons Vornehm, LLP, Carmel
2026 TOP LAWYERS
AMY E. ROMIG, Plews Shadley Racher & Braun LLP, Indianapolis
FAMILY LAW
VANESSA LÓPEZ AGUILERA, López Law Office, P.C., Indianapolis
JULIE M. ANDREWS, CohenMalad, LLP, Indianapolis
SARAH T. BAKER, Baker Lindsey Sadler, LLP, 8440 Woodfield Crossing Blvd., Suite 490, Indianapolis, IN 46240
BETH A. BARNES, Cross Glazier Reed Burroughs, PC, Carmel
ANDREW J. BARTELT, Emswiller, Williams, Noland & Clarke, LLC, Indianapolis
AMANDA R. BLYSTONE, Broyles Kight & Ricafort, P.C., 8250 Haverstick Rd., Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240
CATHY M. BROWNSON, Cathy M. Brownson, LLC, Noblesville
ALEXANDER R. CRAIG, Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, 5845
Lawton Loop E. Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46216
DAVID W. CRAIG, Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, 5845
Lawton Loop E. Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46216
STEVEN “STEVE” M. CRELL, Cohen
Garelick & Glazier, 8888 Keystone Crossing Blvd., Suite 800, Indianapolis, IN 46240
TREVOR J. CROSSEN, Crossen Law firm, 2555 E. 55th Place, Suite 211, Indianapolis, IN 46220
CHRIS CZERNIK, Hensley Legal Group, PC, Indianapolis
TIMOTHY F. DEVEREUX, Wagner Reese, LLP, Carmel
THOMAS C. DOEHRMAN, Doehrman Buba Ring, Carmel
THERESA EBBS, Glaser & Ebbs, Indianapolis
At Johnson Jensen LLP, the mission is clear: helping clients rebuild their lives after the trauma of injury or loss. Since its founding
reputation for excellence in personal injury cases, including medical malpractice and product liability. Respected throughout the legal community, Johnson Jensen LLP often receives cases through referrals from past clients and Partner Bob Johnson, the current President
brings a steadfast commitment to advocacy and leadership, currently serving as Counsel to the Board of the Indianapolis Bar Association
Together, Bob and Travis embody Johnson compassion, and exceptional client advocacy.
Indianapolis, IN 2624 (317) 997-962 johnsonjensen.com
N. Jensen & Robert W. Johnson
SCOTT A. FAULTLESS, Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, 5845
Lawton Loop E. Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46216
DAVID C. FRANGOS, Frangos Legal, LLC, Indianapolis
DUSTIN F. FREGIATO, Ladendorf Fregiato & Bigler, Indianapolis
SARAH GRAZIANO, Hensley Legal Group, PC, Indianapolis
R.T. GREEN, Team Green Law, Indianapolis
BETSY K. GREENE, Greene & Schultz Trial Lawyers, 3730 N. Washington Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46205
JEFFREY A. HAMMOND, CohenMalad, LLP, Indianapolis
WILLIAM O. HARRINGTON, Harrington Law, P.C., Danville
JARED A. HARTS, Golitko & Daly, P.C., 8900 Keystone Crossing Blvd., Suite 150, Indianapolis, IN 46240
GABRIEL A. HAWKINS, CohenMalad, LLP, Indianapolis
JOHN HENSLEY, Hensley Legal Group, PC, Indianapolis
TRAVIS N. JENSEN, Johnson Jensen, 1101 N. Delaware St., Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46202
2026 TOP LAWYERS
ROBERT W. JOHNSON, Johnson Jensen, 1101 N. Delaware St., Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46202
KATHERINE G. KARRES, Hurst Limontes LLC, Indianapolis
WILLIAM J. KELLEY II, Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, 5845 Lawton Loop E. Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46216
ROB KING, Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers, 320 S. Rangeline Rd., Carmel, IN 46032
SPENCER H. KING, Hensley Legal Group, PC, Indianapolis
JACOB KOTTER, Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, 5845 Lawton Loop E. Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46216
SAM D. KRAHULIK, Krahulik Injury Counsel LLC, Indianapolis
PAUL S. KRUSE, Parr Richey Frandsen Patterson Kruse LLP, 251 N. Illinois St., Suite 1800, Indianapolis, IN 46204
LANCE LADENDORF, Pavlack Law, LLC, Indianapolis
MARK C.
LADENDORF, Ladendorf Fregiato & Bigler, Indianapolis
GREGORY LAKER, CohenMalad, LLP, Indianapolis
NATHANIEL LEE, Lee Cossell & Feagley, LLP, Indianapolis
SIDNEY LEWELLEN, Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, 5845 Lawton Loop E. Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46216
JAMES F. LUDLOW, James Ludlow, Attorney at Law PC, Indianapolis
EDWARD (NED) B. MULLIGAN V, CohenMalad, LLP, Indianapolis
KYLE NOFFSINGER, Banks & Brower, LLC, Indianapolis
JEFF D. OLIPHANT, Landman Beatty Lawyers LLC, 9100 Keystone Crossing, Suite 870, Indianapolis, IN 46240
TONY W. PATTERSON, Parr Richey Frandsen Patterson Kruse LLP, 251 N. Illinois St., Suite 1800, Indianapolis, IN 46204
ERIC S. PAVLACK, Pavlack Law, LLC, Indianapolis
MICHAEL “MIKE” W. PHELPS, Hankey Marks & Crider, Indianapolis
EDWARD R. REICHERT, Golitko & Daly, P.C., 8900 Keystone Crossing Blvd., Suite 150, Indianapolis, IN 46240
JENNIFER RISSER, Hensley Legal Group, PC, Indianapolis
TIMOTHY A. ROWE, Rowe & Hamilton, Indianapolis
Kristen
FRED SCHULTZ, Greene & Schultz Trial Lawyers, 3730 N. Washington Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46205
JASON SHARTZER, Shartzer Law Firm, LLC, Indianapolis
MICHAEL J. SOBIERAY, Stewart & Stewart Attorneys, Carmel
SAMANTHA
STEVENS, Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, 5845 Lawton Loop E. Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46216
ROY T. TABOR, Tabor Law Firm, Indianapolis
BRANDON TATE, Waldron Tate Land LLC, Indianapolis
BRYAN C. TISCH, Yosha Law, Injury & Accident Lawyers, Indianapolis
JOHN F. TOWNSEND III, Townsend & Townsend LLP, Indianapolis
AMY VAN OSTRAND, Rowe & Hamilton, Indianapolis
STEPHEN M. WAGNER, Wagner Reese, LLP, Carmel
DONALD W. WARD, Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers, Indianapolis
JOSEPH N. WILLIAMS, Johnson Jensen Williams, LLP, Indianapolis
2026 TOP LAWYERS
LOUIS “BUDDY” YOSHA, Yosha Law, Injury & Accident Lawyers, Indianapolis
JAMES H. YOUNG, Young & Young, Attorneys at Law, Indianapolis
PRODUCT
LIABILITY
DINA M. COX, Lewis Wagner & Trimble, 1411 Roosevelt Ave., Suite 102, Indianapolis, IN 46201
EDWARD
HOLLORAN III, Quarles & Brady LLP, Indianapolis
BENJAMIN A. KATCHUR, Lewis Wagner & Trimble, 1411 Roosevelt Ave., Suite 102, Indianapolis, IN 46201
JONATHAN A. KNOLL, CohenMalad, LLP, Indianapolis
DANIEL LONG, Quarles & Brady LLP, Indianapolis
PAMELA A. PAIGE, Plunkett Cooney, PC, Indianapolis
ERIC A. RIEGNER, Frost Brown Todd LLP, Indianapolis
KEVIN C. SCHIFERL, Frost Brown Todd LLP, Indianapolis
JOHN JOSEPH TANNER, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, Indianapolis
PROFESSIONAL MALPRACTICE LAW
STEVE M. BADGER, Barnes & Thornburg LLP, Indianapolis
JOHN B. DRUMMY, Kightlinger and Gray LLP, 225 S. East St., Suite 220, Indianapolis, IN 46202
STEVEN LAMMERS, Lammers Law Group LLC, 880 Monon Green Blvd., Suite 101, Carmel, IN 46032
TRAVIS W. MONTGOMERY, Carson LLP, Carmel
PUBLIC FINANCE LAW
DENISE (BARKDULL) LUND, Frost Brown Todd LLP, Indianapolis
KIMBERLY W. BLANCHET, Barnes & Thornburg LLP, Indianapolis
THOMAS PITMAN, Barnes & Thornburg LLP, Indianapolis
HANS STECK, Dentons Bingham Greenebaum, Indianapolis
REAL ESTATE LAW
AARON AFT, Ice Miller LLP, Indianapolis
JOHN B. BAXTER, Krieg DeVault LLP, Carmel
NICHOLAS A. BOHNEY, Wooton Hoy, LLC, Greenfield
GREGORY A. CHANDLER, Eads
Murray & Pugh P.C., Indianapolis
E. DAVIS COOTS, Coots Henke & Wheeler, P.C., Carmel
BRIAN C. CRIST, Barnes & Thornburg LLP, Indianapolis
THOMAS W. DINWIDDIE, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, Indianapolis
STEVEN J. GLAZIER, Cohen
Garelick & Glazier, 8888 Keystone Crossing Blvd., Suite 800, Indianapolis, IN 46240
THOMAS M. HANAHAN, Taft
Stettinius & Hollister LLP, Indianapolis
BRANDT N. HARDY, Amundsen Davis LLC, Indianapolis
FRANK A. HOFFMAN, Krieg DeVault LLP, Indianapolis
GEORGE W. HOPPER, CohenMalad, LLP, Indianapolis
ROBERT F. INSELBERG, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, Indianapolis
MADALYN S. KINSEY, Amundsen Davis LLC, Indianapolis
E. JOSEPH KREMP, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, Indianapolis
JASON M. MASSARO, The Massaro Legal Group, LLC, Carmel
2026 TOP LAWYERS
MATTHEW B. MILLIS, Easter & Cavosie, Carmel
MATTHEW NEUMANN, Dentons Bingham Greenebaum, Indianapolis
RORY O’BRYAN, Harrison Moberly, LLP, Indianapolis
ERICK D. PONADER, Taft
Stettinius & Hollister LLP, Indianapolis
MATTHEW PRICE, Dentons Bingham Greenebaum, Indianapolis
ANDREW RANKIN, Dentons Bingham Greenebaum, Indianapolis
J. ERIC ROCHFORD, Malapit & Rochford Eminent Domain Trial Attorneys, Indianapolis
JAMES H. SCHWARZ, Taft
Stettinius & Hollister LLP, Indianapolis
BRIAN J. TUOHY, Tuohy Bailey & Moore LLP, Indianapolis
ROBERT WILDMAN, Bose McKinney & Evans LLP, Indianapolis
ERICA WILLIAMS, Quarles & Brady LLP, Indianapolis
BRYAN WOODRUFF, Bose
McKinney & Evans LLP, Indianapolis
SECURITIES LAW
TIMOTHY J. CAPEN, Ice Miller LLP, Indianapolis
BROCK L. EASTON, Castor Easton, LLP, Indianapolis
DAVID P. HOOPER, Barnes & Thornburg LLP, Indianapolis
TAX LAW
JEFFREY A. ADAMS, Cohen Garelick & Glazier, 8888 Keystone Crossing Blvd., Suite 800, Indianapolis, IN 46240
J. ALEX BRUGGENSCHMIDT, Buchanan & Bruggenschmidt, P.C., 80 E. Cedar St., Zionsville, IN 46077
JULIE A. CAMDEN, Camden & Meridew P.C., 10412 Allisonville Rd., Suite 200, Fishers, IN 46038
WILLIAM J. DALE, Dale & Eke, Indianapolis
GREG J. DUNCAN, Dentons Bingham Greenebaum, Indianapolis
SCOTT C. FRISSELL, Krieg DeVault LLP, Carmel
JAMES K. GILDAY, Gilday & Associates, P.C., Indianapolis
PAUL M. JONES JR., Jones Pyatt Law, LLC, Greenwood
RANDAL J. KALTENMARK, Barnes & Thornburg LLP, Indianapolis
TODD C. LADY, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, Indianapolis
JEFFREY PEEK, Hall, Render, Killian, Heath & Lyman, P.C., Indianapolis
TRUSTS AND ESTATES
LISA M. ADLER, Adler Estate Law LLC, Carmel
JOHN B. BISHOP, Lewis Wagner & Trimble, 1411 Roosevelt Ave., Suite 102, Indianapolis, IN 46201
MARYELLEN K. BISHOP, Lewis Wagner & Trimble, 1411 Roosevelt Ave., Suite 102, Indianapolis, IN 46201
KRISTINE J. BOUAICHI, Ice Miller LLP, Indianapolis
RHONDA YODER BREMAN, Schlueter Breman, LLC, Indianapolis
AUTUMN BRYANT, Randall & Bryant, Indianapolis
CARA M.
CHITTENDEN, Rebecca W. Geyer & Associates P.C., Carmel
GERALD L. COWAN, Law Offices of Gerald L. Cowan, Noblesville
JOHN J. DEROSS JR., Lewis Wagner & Trimble, 1411 Roosevelt Ave., Suite 102, Indianapolis, IN 46201
2026 TOP LAWYERS
JAYME E. DONNELSON, Hess Hess & Donnelson, LLP, Carmel
REBECCA W.
GEYER, Rebecca W. Geyer & Associates P.C., Carmel
GREG HALCOMB, Halcomb Singler, LLP, Carmel
BRIAN C. HEWITT, Lewis Wagner & Trimble, 1411 Roosevelt Ave., Suite 102, Indianapolis, IN 46201
RONALD “RONNIE” M. KATZ, Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC, Indianapolis
DIANE HUBBARD
KENNEDY, Diane
Hubbard Kennedy, Attorney at Law, Indianapolis
RICHARD O. KISSEL II, Taft
Stettinius & Hollister LLP, Indianapolis
CLAIRE E. LEWIS, Law Office of Claire E. Lewis, Indianapolis
MICHELE
LORBIESKI, Lewis Wagner & Trimble, 1411 Roosevelt Ave., Suite 102, Indianapolis, IN 46201
HEATHER MCPHERSON, Mallor Grodner Plummer, Carmel
EILEEN P.H. MOORE, Ice Miller LLP, Indianapolis
CHRISTOPHER J. MUELLER, Lewis Wagner & Trimble, 1411 Roosevelt Ave., Suite 102, Indianapolis, IN 46201
MICAH J. NICHOLS, Krieg DeVault LLP, Carmel
JAMES REED, Cross Glazier Reed Burroughs, PC, Carmel
STEVEN C. ROBINSON, Robinson Farthing Spandau Williams LLC, Indianapolis
BRYAN SAN JOSE, Bose McKinney & Evans LLP, Indianapolis
ELIZABETH A. SCHLUETER, Schlueter Breman, LLC, Indianapolis
MARTHA “MARTI”
T. STARKEY, Harrison Moberly, LLP, 8335 Keystone Crossing Blvd., Suite 220, Indianapolis, IN 46240
JEFFERY D. STINSON, Stinson Law Firm, LLC, Carmel
JOHN S. TERRY, Terry Legal Group, LLC, 301 E. Carmel Dr., Suite H400, Carmel, IN 46032
ROBERT W. YORK, Robert W. York & Associates, 7212 N. Shadeland Ave., Suite 150, Indianapolis, IN 46250
WHITECOLLAR CRIMINAL DEFENSE
JACKIE M. BENNETT JR., Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, Indianapolis
NEAL A. BRACKETT, Barnes & Thornburg LLP, Indianapolis
ADAM BROWER, Banks & Brower, LLC, Indianapolis
JAYNA M. CACIOPPO, Taft
Stettinius & Hollister LLP, Indianapolis
RILEY H. FLOYD, Hoover Hull Turner, Indianapolis
DAVID J. HENSEL, Hoover Hull Turner, Indianapolis
ALYSSA C. HUGHES, Barnes & Thornburg LLP, Indianapolis
KATHLEEN L. MATSOUKAS, Barnes & Thornburg LLP, Indianapolis
JOSHUA MOUDY, Kammen & Moudy, LLC, Indianapolis
LINDA L. PENCE, Amundsen Davis LLC, Indianapolis
DANIEL E. PULLIAM, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, Indianapolis
TRENT J. SANDIFUR, Taft
Stettinius & Hollister LLP, Indianapolis
JAMES H. VOYLES JR., Voyles Vaiana Lukemeyer Baldwin & Webb, Indianapolis
2026 TOP LAWYERS
WORKERS COMPENSATION LAW
KRISTEN M. CARROLL, Kightlinger and Gray LLP, 225 S. East St., Suite 220, Indianapolis, IN 46202
TY M. CRAVER, Van Valer Law Firm, LLP, Greenwood
ROBERT J. DOYLE, Due Doyle Fanning & Alderfer, LLP, Indianapolis
ROBERT A. FANNING, Due Doyle Fanning & Alderfer, LLP, Indianapolis
ENRIQUE S. FLORES, Flores Law Group, Indianapolis
PAUL T. FULKERSON, DeFur Voran LLP, Fishers
RYAN L. GARNER, Norris Choplin Schroeder LLP, 101 W. Ohio St., Floor 9, Indianapolis, IN 46204
RORI L. GOLDMAN, Hill Knotts & Goldman, LLC, Indianapolis
MATTHEW M.
GOLITKO, Golitko & Daly, P.C., 8900 Keystone Crossing Blvd., Suite 150, Indianapolis, IN 46240
BRANDON HALL, Greene & Schultz Trial Lawyers, 3730 N. Washington Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46205
ANTHONY L. HOLTON, Reminger, Indianapolis
RANDAL KLEZMER, Klezmer Maudlin PC, Indianapolis
STEPHEN M. KOERS, Lewis and Wilkins LLP, Indianapolis
KRYSTEN M. LEFAVOUR, Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, 5845 Lawton Loop E. Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46216
MATTHEW W. MELTON, Norris Choplin Schroeder LLP, 101 W. Ohio St., Floor 9, Indianapolis, IN 46204
LIBBY VALOS MOSS, Kightlinger and Gray LLP, 225 S. East St., Suite 220, Indianapolis, IN 46202
AUBREY KUCHAR NOLTEMEYER, Kightlinger and Gray LLP, 225 S. East St., Suite 220, Indianapolis, IN 46202
DANIEL L. QUIGLEY, Law Offices of Daniel L. Quigley, Indianapolis
JAMES P. SCHEIDLER, Reminger, Indianapolis
DONALD S. SMITH, Riley Bennett Egloff LLP, 500 N. Meridian St., Suite 550, Indianapolis, IN 46204
RICHARD J. SWANSON, Macey Swanson LLP, Indianapolis
CAROL M. WYATT, Dugan Wyatt & Czernik LLC, Indianapolis
Valerie Horvath
Pictured from left to right:
Left to right – Mary Allgier, Paula Schaefer, Michael Ruppert, Lainie Hurwitz, Lauren Harpold
AMANDA R. BLYSTONE
BROYLES & RICAFORT, PC
FAMILY LAW
Amanda has been practicing family law in Indianapolis since 2001. Her philosophy is to represent clients in a way that vigorously protects their interests while doing everything possible to minimize the emotional toll and financial hardship that often comes with family law litigation.
8250 HAVERSTICK RD., SUITE 100, INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46240, 317-571-3600, WWW.BKRFAMILYLAW.COM
J. ALEX
BRUGGENSCHMIDT
BUCHANAN & BRUGGENSCHMIDT, P.C.
REAL ESTATE
Alex concentrates his practice on representing real estate, local government, and small business clients in both litigation and transactional matters. With a reputation for being both practical and strategic, Alex helps clients close deals, resolve disputes, and safeguard investments.
80 E. CEDAR ST., ZIONSVILLE, IN 46077, 317-873-8396, HTTPS://BBINLAW.COM, JAB@BBINLAW.COM
JULIE ANN CAMDEN
CAMDEN & MERIDEW P.C.
TAX AND FAMILY LAW
Julie Camden practices in the areas of tax and family law, whether they are simple or complex issues. She often files bankruptcy on taxes, too. Julie won the American Bar Association’s tax challenge nationally. Julie is licensed in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Florida.
10412 ALLISONVILLE RD., SUITE 200, FISHERS, IN 46038, 317-770-0000, CAMLAWYERS.COM, JC@CAMLAWYERS.COM
CAROL NEMETH JOVEN
JOHNSON JENSEN WILLIAMS, LLP
APPEALS
Carol has decades of appellate and civil litigation experience. As a former Chair of the Indianapolis Bar Association’s Appellate Practice Section, she regularly serves as a moot court judge for the Indiana Appellate Institute and as a moderator of the Section’s annual Appellate Roundtable.
1101 N. DELAWARE ST., INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46202, 317-633-5270, WILLIAMSGROUP.LAW, CAROL@WILLIAMSGROUP.LAW
STEVEN J. GLAZIER
COHEN GARELICK & GLAZIER
REAL ESTATE
Steve Glazier concentrates his practice in the area of transactional real estate law, including sophisticated financings (REMIC, CMBs, etc.). In addition to earning his law degree from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in 1980, Mr. Glazier is a licensed real estate broker. He is a dedicated Indianapolis native, an active community volunteer, a graduate of Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory High School and attended Indiana University (undergraduate). He is a founding member of Cohen Garelick & Glazier. While faithfully anchored to the Indianapolis community, his over 40 years in practice allows him to work in real estate on a national level.
8888 KEYSTONE CROSSING BLVD., SUITE 800, INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46240, 317-669-9412, WWW.CGGLAWFIRM.COM, SGLAZIER@CGGLAWFIRM.COM
JEFFREY ALAN ADAMS
COHEN GARELICK & GLAZIER
MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS, ESTATE PLANNING, TAX AND REAL ESTATE
With over 25 years of experience, Jeffrey Adams provides legal advice in the areas of Mergers & Acquisitions, Tax, Estate Planning, and Real Estate with a passion for assisting his clients in navigating the complexities of the law and arriving at successful resolutions.
8888 KEYSTONE CROSSING BLVD., SUITE 800, INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46240, 317-573-8888, WWW.CGGLAWFIRM.COM, JADAMS@CGGLAWFIRM.COM
CHRISTOPHER M. BARRY
CRAIG, KELLEY & FAULTLESS LLC
PERSONAL INJURY
Chris Barry, partner at Craig, Kelley & Faultless, focuses on personal injury and semi-truck crash cases. A Wabash College and IU McKinney Law graduate, he has been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, and as a Super Lawyers Honoree. He is licensed in Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri.
5845 LAWTON LOOP E. DR., INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46216, (317) 545-1760, WWW.CKFLAW.COM, CBARRY@CKFLAW.COM
STEVEN M. CRELL
COHEN GARELICK & GLAZIER, P.C.
PERSONAL INJURY AND WRONGFUL DEATH
For 38 years, Steve Crell has focused his practice on the representation of clients who have been seriously injured or killed by the wrongful conduct of others. This includes auto and truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, animal bites, and nursing home negligence and abuse. Steve is a registered civil mediator with the experience in federal and state courts to assert, protect, and defend the claims of his clients. For his successes, Steve has been awarded life membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an exclusive group of less than 1% of nationwide attorneys who have obtained a single verdict or settlement for a client exceeding $1 million.
8888 KEYSTONE CROSSING PLAZA, SUITE 800, INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46240, 317-573-8888,
ALEXANDER R. CRAIG
PERSONAL INJURY
Alex Craig graduated from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law (2013). He has been recognized as Top 40 Under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers since 2015 and as a Super Lawyers: Rising Stars Honoree since 2021. Alex was awarded the Max Goodwin Young Lawyer Award in 2023 from the ITLA.
DAVID W. CRAIG
CRAIG, KELLEY & FAULTLESS LLC
PERSONAL INJURY - TRUCK ACCIDENT LAW
David W. Craig, Board Certified in Truck Accident Law (NBTA), is an author, podcast host, and a nationally recognized truck accident attorney. He serves on the Board of Regents for ATAA and has been recognized as a Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers.
5845 LAWTON LOOP E. DR., INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46216, 317-545-1760, WWW.CKFLAW.COM, DCRAIG@CKFLAW.COM
SCOTT A. FAULTLESS
CRAIG, KELLEY & FAULTLESS LLC
PERSONAL INJURY - TRUCK ACCIDENT LAW
Scott Faultless is Board Certified in Truck Accident Law by the NBTA. He is on the Board of Regents for the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, co-chairs the annual “Winning Truck Wreck Cases” Seminar, and is recognized as a Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyer in Indiana by The National Trial Lawyers.
5845 LAWTON LOOP E. DR., INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46216, 317-545-1760, WWW.CKFLAW.COM, SFAULTLESS@CKFLAW.COM
SAMANTHA CRAIG STEVENS
CRAIG, KELLEY & FAULTLESS LLC
PERSONAL INJURY
Samantha Craig Stevens graduated from Ball State University with honors. She attended Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, graduating in 2015. She was listed from 2019 to 2025 as a Rising Stars Honoree by Super Lawyers among Indiana attorneys in the category of general personal injury.
5845 LAWTON LOOP E. DR., INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46216, 317-545-1760, WWW.CKFLAW.COM, SSTEVENS@CKFLAW.COM
WILLIAM J. KELLEY II
CRAIG, KELLEY & FAULTLESS LLC
PERSONAL INJURY
William “B.J.” Kelley, author of Soft Tissue Injuries and Hard Ball Tactics, graduated from Georgetown University and was a trial lawyer for the Department of Justice. He’s been recognized as a National Trial Lawyers Top 100, Motor Vehicle Top 25, and Super Lawyers Honoree for multiple years.
1305 TEKULVE RD., BATESVILLE, IN 47006, 812-933-1950, CKFLAW.COM, BJKELLEY@CKFLAW.COM
WHITNEY COKER
CRAIG, KELLEY & FAULTLESS LLC
PERSONAL INJURY
Whitney Coker, partner at Craig, Kelley & Faultless, helps clients pursue full compensation for injuries caused by the negligence of others and hold insurance companies accountable. She has been recognized by Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, and The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch.
5845 LAWTON LOOP E. DR., INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46216, 317-545-1760, CKFLAW.COM, WCOKER@CKFLAW.COM
JACOB KOTTER
CRAIG, KELLEY & FAULTLESS LLC
PERSONAL INJURY
Jacob Kotter is a personal injury attorney at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC. He graduated from Indiana University in 2009, and Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in 2014. He has been recognized as a Rising Stars Honoree since 2025 and Top 40 Under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers.
5845 LAWTON LOOP EAST DR., INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46216, 317-545-1760, WWW.CKFLAW.COM, JKOTTER@CKFLAW.COM
KRYSTEN M. LEFAVOUR
CRAIG, KELLEY & FAULTLESS LLC
PERSONAL INJURY - WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
Krysten LeFavour works with the personal injury team at Craig, Kelley & Faultless. She is a former hearing judge with the Workers’ Compensation Board serving from 2007 to 2018. She is a fierce advocate, representing injured workers and those injured by the negligence of others.
4124 SHELBY ST., INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46227, 317-545-1760, WWW.CKFLAW.COM , KLEFAVOUR@CKFLAW.COM
CATHERINE ANN SINGLETON
GRESK & SINGLETON, P.C.
IMMIGRATION
Catherine A. Singleton is a co-founder of Gresk & Singleton, P.C., where she focuses on U.S. immigration law and waivers. Her global studies in French, Italian, Arabic, and Spanish enrich her compassionate representation in complex immigration matters.
150 E. 10TH ST., INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46204, 317-237-7911, GRESKSINGLETON.COM , MEDIA@GSLAWINDY.COM
SIDNEY LEWELLEN
CRAIG, KELLEY & FAULTLESS LLC
PERSONAL INJURY
Sidney Lewellen is a personal injury attorney at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC . Sidney graduated from IU McKinney School of Law in 2023. She is licensed to practice law in Indiana, Iowa, and Tennessee. Sidney has been named an Indiana Super Lawyers: Rising Stars Honoree since 2025.
5845 LAWTON LOOP E. DR., INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46216, 317-545-1760, WWW.CKFLAW.COM , SLEWELLEN@CKFLAW.COM
MARTHA “MARTI” TAYLOR STARKEY
HARRISON & MOBERLY, LLP
WILLS, TRUSTS, ESTATES, AND RELATED LITIGATION
Marti is an Equity Partner at Harrison & Moberly, LLP. She has practiced in the area of wills, trusts, estates, and related litigation for 44 years and built her practice by providing excellent legal work in an atmosphere of care and concern for each client. Marti is known for her client care.
8335 KEYSTONE CROSSING, SUITE 220, INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46240, 317-639-4511, HARRISONMOBERLY.COM , MSTARKEY@HARRISONMOBERLY.COM
ANDREW Z. SOSHNICK
FAEGRE DRINKER BIDDLE & REATH LLP
FAMILY LAW
Drew Soshnick is a trial lawyer with extensive experience representing high-net worth persons in divorce. He is a diplomate of the American College of Family Trial Lawyers and a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and the International Academy of Family Lawyers.
300 N. MERIDIAN ST., SUITE 2500, INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46204, 317-237-0300, FAEGREDRINKER.COM, DREW.SOSHNICK@FAEGREDRINKER.COM
WESTON ERICK OVERTURF
KROGER, GARDIS & REGAS, L.L.P.
CREDITORS’ RIGHTS AND BANKRUPTCY
Wes is a partner with KGR and practices in the areas of bankruptcy and creditors’ rights. He represents creditors, debtors, and interest holders in Chapter 7, 11, 12, and 13 bankruptcy cases in bankruptcy court and state court in Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky.
111 MONUMENT CIRCLE, SUITE 900, INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46204, 317-777-7443, KGRLAW.COM/PROFESSIONALS/WES-OVERTURF, WES@KGRLAW.COM
TERRY KAISER PARK
THE LAW OFFICE OF TERRY KAISER PARK, P.C.
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
Terry Park is the firm’s founder with more than 43 years of experience. Known across Indiana for medical malpractice, birth injury, and wrongful death cases, she is committed to holding physicians and hospitals accountable while mentoring the next generation of trial attorneys.
8900 KEYSTONE CROSSING, SUITE 550, INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46240, 317-231-1100, TKPMEDMAL.COM, TPARK@TKPMEDMAL.COM
TONY PAGANELLI
PAGANELLI LAW GROUP
BUSINESS AND REAL ESTATE LITIGATION
For more than 30 years, Tony Paganelli has advised companies, executives, and professionals in complex litigation, real estate, and business matters. He has tried cases and obtained injunctions across the country and is consistently recognized by Indiana Super Lawyers and The Best Lawyers in America.
10401 N. MERIDIAN ST., SUITE 450, INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46290, 317-550-1855, PAGANELLIGROUP.COM, TONY@PAGANELLIGROUP.COM
PATRICIA MCKINNON
MCKINNON FAMILY LAW, P.C.
FAMILY LAW
Patricia McKinnon is a Certified Family Law Specialist with over 30 years of experience in the area of family law. She is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame Law School. Patty has been named an Indiana Super Lawyer for the past 20 years.
P.O. BOX 34067, INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46234, 317-686-1900, INDIANAFAMILYLAWYER.COM, PMCKINNON@INDIANAFAMILYLAWYER.COM
ELIZABETH SCHUERMAN
PAGANELLI LAW GROUP
CIVIL LITIGATION AND HEALTHCARE LAW
Lizzie Schuerman practices in civil litigation and insurance defense, representing clients in medical malpractice and premises and general liability matters. A trusted advocate in state and federal courts and a leader in the legal community, she has been named to Indiana Super Lawyers since 2014.
10401 N. MERIDIAN ST., SUITE 450, INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46290, 317-550-1855, PAGANELLIGROUP.COM , ESCHUERMAN@PAGANELLIGROUP.COM
ANNE L. COWGUR
PAGANELLI LAW GROUP
APPELLATE PRACTICE, EMPLOYMENT LAW, AND CIVIL LITIGATION
Anne Cowgur represents clients in appellate, municipal, employment, trust and estate, and commercial litigation matters. In addition to Bar Association leadership roles, she has been recognized among the Top 25 Women and Top 50 Super Lawyers in Appellate Law and Best Lawyers in America.
10401 N. MERIDIAN ST., SUITE 450, INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46290, 317-550-1855, PAGANELLIGROUP.COM, ACOWGUR@PAGANELLIGROUP.COM
ANTHONY R. JOST RILEY BENNETT EGLOFF LLP
BUSINESS, COMMERCIAL, AND BANKING LAW AND LITIGATION
Tony Jost represents clients in business law and litigation, including banking, in federal and state courts. He counsels clients in commercial leasing, real estate, business acquisition, financing, business entity formation, lender documentation, bankruptcy, regulatory matters, and general contractual matters.
500 NORTH MERIDIAN ST., SUITE 550, INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46204, 317-636-8000, RBELAW.COM, TJOST@RBELAW.COM
RAEGAN M. GIBSON
THE GIBSON LEGAL GROUP
REAL ESTATE AND COMMERCIAL LITIGATION
Raegan and her team at The Gibson Legal Group are proud to represent individuals and businesses in real estate and commercial litigation. Whether it’s a dispute over a contract, property, boundary line, zoning, or a business deal, Raegan fights for her clients with persistence and tenacity.
8440 WOODFIELD CROSSING BLVD., SUITE 360, INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46240, 317-721-7978, THEGIBSONLEGALGROUP.COM, RAEGAN@THEGIBSONLEGALGROUP.COM
JEFFREY BELLAMY
THRASHER, BUSCHMANN & VOELKEL, P.C.
REAL ESTATE, LOCAL GOVERNMENT, AND LAND USE
Jeff covers land use matters from zoning boards through the courts. He represents numerous HOAs & condominiums. He counsels local governments throughout the state on interlocal combinations, mergers, and service collaborations with a fire and EMS focus and presents on the topic regularly.
8440 WOODFIELD CROSSING BLVD. SUITE 310, INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46240, 317-686-4773, INDIANA-ATTORNEYS.COM, BELLAMY@INDIANA-ATTORNEYS.COM
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 51
party because of Hunley.
Anderson, who lives in Hendricks County, is a moderate and lifelong Republican but decided to switch parties after speaking with Hunley about HB 1423, which, if passed, would strip independent control from IPS and unite it with charter schools into one educational corporation. While Anderson couldn’t get an immediate appointment, Hunley’s assistant encouraged him to find her as she was making rounds in the rotunda.
“So I saw her, just walked up, introduced myself, and she was so gracious. She took time out of her very busy schedule to listen,” he says. “Some senators—I’ll leave the names out—I couldn’t even get the intern or legislative assistant.”
Anderson didn’t make the decision to switch lightly. A chef and missionary before going into education, he’s been feeling some frustration with the Republican Party for some time. He wants his voice to be heard when it comes to legislation that impacts his students.
Ahlgren, too, is running for delegate to the Democratic state convention and precinct committeeperson in her district. Both teachers share the same sentiment about Hunley: “She cares.”
When Hunley is handed the microphone at the AKA luncheon, she starts by apologizing that she’ll have to sneak out early before she calls out, “Church! Turn to the person next to you and say, ‘You should run!’ Now turn to the other person next to you and say, ‘You should really run!’”
Like Crossley, she talks about her path to office. She highlights the overwhelmingly positive outcome, but she also points to her volunteers and donors—encouraging those who don’t run to get involved with the candidates they support.
“That is one way we can all come together,” she emphasizes.
THIS PAST January, Hunley announced she will not be running for a second term in the Senate. As of this
writing, Hunley hasn’t revealed her next move, but she says she misses the executive side of leadership.
When asked what she would fix if she could fix anything, she answers: potholes.
“I say that a little tongue-in-cheek, but I really mean it. When I ask people, ‘If you had your magic wand, what’s the one thing you would fix about the city?’ everyone says potholes. … They’re indicative of a bigger problem. They’re indicative of poor management and spending. They’re indicative of intentional disinvestment in certain neighborhoods.”
She insists that it matters how citizens feel about their city. If everyone, from commuters, to cyclists, to wheelchair users, is complaining about potholes, then why aren’t potholes being prioritized?
It all comes down to creating systems for accountability and consequence, Hunley says.
“I have a philosophy that feedback is a gift. When you give someone feedback, you are saying to them, ‘I believe in your ability to do better. I believe in your ability to have a relationship with me, and in order to have a relationship with me, you have to do these things better,’” she says.
“We have to be bold, and brave, and firm about what we accept in terms of how people treat each other, how people treat communities, how people treat neighbors, and we need to say, ‘This is what we expect.’ If you’re not meeting those expectations, then we’ve got to hold folks accountable to that. A community sets the norms, and we can decide how we’re going to treat each other. We need to own that. We just need to own it.”
When Hunley decided to run for office, she was braced by the love, support, and trust of her parents, her husband and children, and her thriving school community. Her vision extends that love, support, and trust to everyone she touches. For her, the stakes aren’t professional or financial. They’re built on genuine care for those who give so much back to her.
“I don’t know how to say this in a way that doesn’t come across negatively, but I just don’t need anything,” she admits. “I have a beautiful [life]. I don’t need to be the principal in charge. I don’t need to be the politician that stands on stage. I don’t need a title. I don’t need a bunch of money. We’re fine. We’ve been poor before. It’s OK. I just don’t need anything. And I think that because of that, I’m not afraid of losing anything. I think that makes me willing to just hold to my own morals and values.”
FAMILY FUN IN CLERMONT COUNTY
Pack up the family and come play in Clermont County, just east of Cincinnati. Stand where a president’s story began at U.S. Grant’s Birthplace, then head outdoors for fresh air and adventure. Hike, bike, or paddle your way through East Fork State Park or explore the scenic beauty of the Little Miami River.
And the fun doesn’t stop there; Clermont County is just minutes from Cincinnati’s downtown regional attractions making it the perfect home base for your next getaway. Start planning your adventure today!.
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friendly Solo dining Cocktails
Named one of IM’s Best Restaurants in 2025 New addition to the guide BR 2025
$$$$ $50 and up
$$$ $30–$40
$$ $20–$30
$ Under $20
Restaurants included in this guide are selected at the discretion of the Indianapolis Monthly editorial staff based on food quality, innovation, atmosphere, service, value, and consistency. IM does not accept advertising or other compensation in exchange for dining coverage. Price symbols indicate the average cost of a meal per person (without tax, tip, or alcohol). Due to limited space, this list does not cover every evaluated restaurant. For a more comprehensive guide to Indianapolis dining, visit IndianapolisMonthly.com/Dining. Feedback? Please email jspalding@IndianapolisMonthly.com
9th Street Bistro
BR 2025 CONTEMPORARY Samir and Rachel Firestone Mohammad’s tiny seasonal innovator continues to delight diners who secure a coveted reservation. A standby at collaborative wine dinners and dining festivals, its take on globally inspired Midwestern flavors has served as an influence for a number of other restaurants on this list. A community dinner series focused on local farmstead ingredients continues to sell out. 56 S. 9th St., Noblesville, 317-774-5065, 9thstbistro.com $$$$
10th Street Diner
VEGAN Hearty plant-based takes on diner classics occupy the entire menu at this rehab of a former pawn shop, a comfy backdrop for enjoying such tasty fakeouts as a gooey seitan Reuben, a “chicken” pot pie, and chili that rivals your favorite con carne version. 3301 E. 10th St., 463-221-1255 $$
1933 Lounge
STEAKHOUSE This St. Elmo spinoff serves a similar core menu of steaks and seafood to its sister spot, then widens its scope to encompass sushi, sandwiches, and sliders. An ambitious cocktail menu lends a speakeasy vibe, and wellportioned desserts lend themselves to sharing. Multiple locations, 1933lounge.com $$$$
Aberdeen Social House
BOURBON BAR This bar and restaurant feels like a bit of Kentucky transplanted to the north side, with a reserve spirit menu as long as your arm. Lunch, brunch, and dinner menus rely on Midwestern classics with an upscale twist (the shrimp and grits also boasts lobster, for example). 150 W. 96th St., 317-324-5000, aberdeensocialhouse.com
$$$$
Abyssinia Ethiopian
ETHIOPIAN This spot—where diners use a spongy sour flatbread known as injera in lieu of utensils—provides a thorough introduction to Ethiopian cuisine. Aficionados of East African food will be impressed by the seasoning of the stewed lamb, beef, and
spicy chicken; vegans and vegetarians will appreciate its greens, lentils, and chickpeas. 352 W. 38th St., 299-0608, abyssiniaindy.com $$
The Alchemist
COFFEE AND COCKTAILS Red Lion Grog House owners Nicole and Cody Neville also own a coffee equipment company called Espresso Enterprises, which makes their Mononadjacent cocktail bar and coffee shop a marriage of passions. Take a morning stroll with one of its caffeinated drinks, made with beans from Chicago-based Philosophy Coffee, or a twilight Monon Trail walk capped off with a boozy craft drink such as the Blood & Sugar, made with bacon fat–washed High West Double Rye, maple syrup, three types of bitters, and a quick puff of smoke. 1660 Bellefontaine St., 317-683-0957, thealchemistindy.com $
Antilogy
BRUNCH Early birds can choose from thoughtful combinations of fat biscuits, sunny eggs, bourbon-candied bacon, and Belgian waffles, with plenty of Bovaconti Coffee–based lattes and mochas to kick-start the day. In the evening, the menu shifts to shareable plates, such as a panko-crusted crispy burrata, parmesan truffle fries, and a molten spinach-Gruyere dip. 5867 N. State Rd. 135, Greenwood, 317-530-5312, antilogycg.com $$
Apicio Ristorante & Enoteca
ITALIAN Chef Emilio Cento applies his more than three decades of restaurant experience to this upscale Italian spot featuring fresh pasta and Roman style pizza alongside extravagant chef’s creations like a rich and creamy squid-ink pasta tossed with shrimp, lobster, and crab and a decadent stuffed beef filet. 3311 S. U.S. Hwy. 421, Zionsville, 317-344-0100, apicioindy.com $$$
Asaka Japanese Restaurant
BR
2025
SUSHI The tiny strip mall spot, funkily divided into multiple small rooms, has one of the cuisine’s few female master sushi chefs behind the bar—Nina Takamure, the Kumamoto-born daughter of Asaka founder Tsutomu Takamure. Hand rolls, sashimi, and even an omakase menu are on offer, as are poke bowls, katsu, and ramen. 6414 E. 82nd St., 317-576-0556 $$$
Ash & Elm Cider Co.
CIDER Ash & Elm’s array of complex and quaffable ciders gets broader all the time, with funky cocktails demonstrating a flavor profile well beyond sweet apples. The food pairs beautifully with the drinks, from the now legendary elote fritters made with Indiana corn and cilantro crema to the crispy fried Brussels sprouts flavored with, of course, cider vinaigrette. A thick-cut Cuban and an Italian hoagie with all the meats are great choices among sandwiches. 1301 E. Washington St., 317-600-3164; 525 N. End Dr., Carmel, 317740-1991; ashandelmcider.com $$
Baan Thai Bistro
BR 2025
THAI Roxanna Williams and her mother, Jhanya, are behind some of Indy’s most reliable Thai restaurants, but the restaurateurs have hit their stride with Baan Thai. Their converted Wanamaker cottage bustles with diners lured in by Jhanya’s
decades-old family recipes but inspired to stay thanks to Roxanna’s flair with aesthetics, service, and quality. Som thum, for example, arrives on a wooden platter arrayed with lettuce leaves, turning the traditional papaya salad into a kicky wrap. 8705 Southeastern Ave., 317-7598424, baanthaibistro.com $$$
Beholder
BR 2025 CUTTING EDGE Jonathan Brooks patterns himself as a renegade, but the consistent excellence of his restaurant, Beholder, suggests the chef/owner is becoming Indy’s fine dining standard-bearer, not its outsider. Between the urban chic dining room and the two glossy bars (one by the mixologist, the other at the kitchen), there’s a rock-star gloss to the restaurant that makes you feel cool just for showing up. And when you do, the always-changing fixed-price menu is a great place to start, though the a la carte dish list offers intriguing surprises daily. Its awardwinning wine list is calculated to pair with the seasonal food offerings, and its cocktail lineup is witty and strong. 1844 E. 10th St., 317-419-3471, beholderindy.com $$$$
Bluebeard
BR 2025 CONTEMPORARY A fine dining lunch isn’t easy to find in Indy, making Bluebeard a go-to for a power midday meal. Chef Alan Sternberg brings as much attention to his noontime dishes as he does to a daily afternoon snack menu and a seven-days-aweek dinner. Favorites like the house-made chips and dips are always on deck, while entrees, salads, and desserts are switched up based on what’s in season. 653 Virginia Ave., 317-686-1580, bluebeardindy.com $$$$
Bodhi
THAI This family-owned restaurant bills itself first as a “craft cocktail bar,” and for good reason: Its drinks are some of the prettiest in town. Its vaunted menu also shines, with prettily plated takes on Thai and pan-Asian classics. 922 Massachusetts Ave., 317-941-6595, bodhi-indy.com $$$$
Bonge’s Tavern
DIVE Opened in the 1930s near the rush of the White River, Bonge’s Tavern has been a part of Indiana dining history for more than 90 years. Its current ownership has upheld the bar and restaurant’s signature dishes such as a tenderloin named the Perkinsville Pork. Specials from the menu are often worth the risk, but grab a reservation long before you plan to go—they go quick—and arrive early enough to tailgate in the parking lot with other diners, a Bonge’s tradition worth keeping. 9830 W. 280 N, Perkinsville, 765-734-1625, bongestavern.com
$$$
Borage
BR 2025 ONE-STOP SHOP Josh Kline and Zoë Taylor’s expansive Speedway spot hits all the craveable notes: One side is all coffee and pastries, while another is a specialty market with fresh food, rare condiments, and gorgeous little things. Its other wing is for brunch, lunch, and dinner, with comfy chairs and table service. It can be a lot to get your head around—especially when you’re trying to figure out what menu to order from—but that’s also part of the fun. While a dish you’re attracted to
might not be on offer during one visit, it gives you a built-in reason to come back. 1609 N. Lynhurst Dr., 317-734-3958, borageeats.com
$$$
The Bosphorus Istanbul Cafe
TURKISH This colorful Holy Rosary cafe celebrates the cuisine of the Middle East, Greece, and the Eastern Mediterranean.
Tahini-rich hummus is a must, alongside exemplary falafel, creamy eggplant salsa, and borek—buttery phyllo stuffed with feta and parsley. 935 S. East St., 317-974-1770, thebosphoruscafe .com $$$
Brooklyn Char
HITTING REFRESH
Award-winning Fletcher Place brunch spot Milktooth is undergoing a transformation. The new format is classic Southern meat-and-three, and the restaurant’s new name is Arlene’s, inspired by owner Jonathan Brooks’ mother. 534 Virginia Ave.
PIZZA Benjamin Butterworth’s pie and slice shop was born out of a desire for legitimate New York–style pizza in Indy, a pursuit that sent the Camby native to Brooklyn and beyond. His studies have resulted in light yet substantial pies with just the right amount of leoparding and heft. He also serves up glistening garlic knots made with a special compound butter and TikTok-worthy stuffed breadsticks ripe for the cheese-pulling. 14765 Hazel Dell Crossing, Noblesville, 317-564-0660, brooklynchar.com $$$
Brozinni Pizzeria
PIZZA Owner James Cross grew up in New
York, and everything on the menu is named after an iconic NYC location, from the Madison Square Garden meatball sandwich to the Hell’s Kitchen calzone. Multiple locations, 317744-2826, brozinni.com $$
Bru Burger Bar
BURGERS Servers at this burger and beer chain are uniformly warm, accessible, and ready with recommendations, and with an easily accessible menu of loaded and stacked burgers, you’ll likely need help deciding what to choose. Its standard-issue beef patty is a mix of sirloin, chuck, and brisket, but plantbased versions are also on offer. Multiple locations, bruburgerbar .com $$$
Cafe Patachou
CAFE The so-called “student union for adults” continues to draw in the morning crowds and has inspired citywide offshoots. The wait for a weekend table can be brutal (but is worth it), as the cinnamon toast remains as thick as a brick, the massive omelets continue to have cheeky names, and the broken-yolk sandwiches are a perennial lunch favorite. Multiple locations, 317-222-3538, cafepatachou.com $$
Che Chori
ARGENTINEAN
restaurant offers a selection of traditional butterflied-sausage sandwiches and warm empanadas filled with seasoned meats. Make sure to pick up the house-made dulce de leche, which is sold by the jar, as well as its churros and specialty Argentinian shortbread cookies. 3124 W. 16th St., 317-737-2012, chechori.com $$
Cheeky Bastards
BR 2025 BRITISH With crumpets, scones, and a jaw-dropping breakfast fry-up, not to mention afternoon teas and plenty of benedicts and bacon and egg baps, Hope Lane and Robert Carmack’s homage to all things British has long been a daytime destination. In recent years, it’s also evolved into a place for a rib-sticking, mid-evening supper. Golden, lightly fried halloumi with an especially smooth and refined aioli, as well as a house salad with black currant vinaigrette and a less-hefty-than-expected Scotch egg are all reasons to stop in any time to practice your Cockney or Geordie over a pint. On Sundays, watch for weekend roasts and high teas during certain hours. 11210 Fall Creek Rd., 317-288-9739, cbindy.com $$$
Claypot Coffee House
COFFEE Claypot’s airy, design-forward seating area encourages diners to linger, as does its menu of sweet and power-packed Southeast Asian–style claypot coffee drinks. The Dark Delight, made with strong coffee and both evaporated and condensed milk, is so thick it feels like a meal, while the Cafe Delight—which trades the condensed milk for sugar syrup—is perfect for those who need even more sweetness.
SMALL BITE
Fresh-squeezed juice, teas, and a food menu of spring rolls and roti round the experience out. 1551 E. Stop 12 Rd., 317-300-1346 $
Commission Row
BR 2025
UPSCALE Indy’s pervasive Cunningham Restaurant Group is behind this glossy fine dining spot, which is positioned to benefit from crowds headed to or from Gainbridge Fieldhouse. That makes game nights quite a scene at the baller-level restaurant, which gilds the lily with caviar service or foie gras and lobster tail for your steak. The wine list is heavy on the bubbles, apt for celebrating a big win at work or play. A three-figure seafood tower is a showy special occasion order—or just an average Tuesday night if you’re living the courtside seat life. 110 S. Delaware St., 317-5502500, commissionrow.com $$$$
Convivio
ITALIAN With a menu that traces the geographical regions in Italy, this is not your average red-sauce joint. The pasta is all made inhouse, and its Neapolitan-style pizzas are served blistered and hot from an imported Italian pizza oven. An accessible and Italian-heavy wine list makes picking a bottle for the table a pleasure. 11529 Spring Mill Rd., Carmel, 317-564-4670, convivioindy.com $$$
Cooper & Cow
SPEAKEASY Louisville-based Endeavor Restaurant Group is behind this Fishers steakhouse, which seeks to reinvent the popular format as a Prohibition era dining experience. That means a mix of rustic touches and bourbon-infused accents set off by USDA Prime cuts larded with add-ons like crab and truffle wagyu tallow. Desserts stick with the bourbon theme, with bananas, cake, and ice cream all laden with the spirit. 8626 E. 116th St., Fishers, 317-288-2801, cooperandcow.com $$$$
Corridor
yet fluffy savory churros come mingled with flaked Verlasso salmon and a cooling, oniony creme fraiche. “Birria” mandu, Korean style dumplings in a bold soy consommé, are filled with ground pork, not the expected beef or lamb. Options for vegetarians include heirloom carrots alchemized into tasty “pastrami.” 1125 Massachusetts Ave., 317-390-4002, daisybarindy .com $$
Diavola
PIZZA Pies emerge expertly bubbled and charred from a centerpiece brick oven. Ingredients are simple but top-shelf, with herbs and produce grown in the owner’s nearby garden. Gluten-free pizzas, made with a house blend of flours, are spectacular. 1134 E. 54th St., 317-820-5100, diavola.net $$
Fernando’s Mexican & Brazilian Cuisine
BR 2025
MEXICAN AND BRAZILIAN This restaurant built a loyal following in Broad Ripple, then in 2025 expanded to Mass Ave, allowing the business—known for sharp, upscale takes on standards—to come into its own. An order of Sinaloa Tacos at the bar remains one of the city’s greatest treats, and the Crawfish Quesadilla is a brilliant marriage of Midwestern and Latin flavors. 834 E. 64th St., 317-377-4779; 888 Massachusetts Ave., 317-7716653, fernandosindy.com $$$
Field Brewing
FULL PLATE
BR 2025 LUNCH At the end of 2024, Erin Kem and Logan McMahan briefly shuttered SoBro favorite Nicole-Taylor’s Pasta + Market + Backroom Eatery, which they had purchased a few years before. After a remodel, they reopened the space as Corridor, a lunchtime restaurant dedicated to the flavors of the Mediterranean, North African, and Arab worlds. The handmade pasta NicoleTaylor’s built its fame on remains, as does a tightly edited market of specialty goods. Also intact is the restaurant’s chef’s table, a four-figure group reservation that’s one of the hottest dining tickets in town. 1134 E. 54th St., 317-257-7374, corridorindy.com $$$
Daisy Bar
BREWPUB This Westfield addition to the local craft brewery scene would be dazzling enough for its mod fixtures and bocce ball court that spans the family-friendly outdoor space, but the menu is as daring as it is easy to pair with the house brews. Its event space is simple-chic and full of natural light, available (with reservations) for special receptions and birthdays—or just for big family and friend gatherings. 303 E. Main St., Westfield, 317-804-9780, fieldbrewing.com $$$
With a menu inspired by Rome’s trendy Monti district, Monti Aperitivo & Cucina recently opened in one of Fountain Square’s most desirable spots. Seasonal small plates and handcrafted cocktails are the big draws. 1110 Shelby St., 317-602-2037
Fire by the Monon
PATIO DINING A restaurant that shines during the summer months, Fire by the Monon is the perfect spot to let the kids run around outside while the adults quaff a craft brew. The food menu spans flatbreads, variations on mac and cheese, and salads; affordable mains are also on offer for those with a heartier appetite. 6523 Ferguson St., 317-252-5920, firebythemonontrail.com $$
The Foundry Gastropub
AMERICANA Owner Jon Carlos Rangel describes this food and drinks endeavor on the west end of the Factory Arts District as a modern take on the great American diner. It’s open 12 hours a day, seven days a week, offering breakfast options as well as small plates and family-style dining in the evening. Sturdy
NEW AMERICANA A refurbished 1868 building in downtown Franklin sets the mood for a solid, chef-driven menu that includes an elevated prime rib French dip and a hearty Paccheri Alla Vodka—giant rigatoni tossed with crispy pancetta and hunks of Italian sausage. Chef Josh Fields also cooks up a weekly rotation of limited-run dishes with his Chef’s Playground menu. Meanwhile, bartenders assemble cocktails both dark (like the Blacksmith, a Four Roses old fashioned
with notes of burnt orange and black walnut) and bright (like the Redsmith, a refreshing combination of tequila and strawberry shrub). 90 E. Jefferson St., Franklin, 317-868-8041, thefoundrygastropub.com $$
The Fountain Room
SUPPER CLUB This glitzy art deco restaurant is arguably the crown jewel of the Bottleworks area, with enough marble, terrazzo, and chandeliers to outfit Jay Gatsby’s West Egg mansion. Like Fitzgerald’s doomed millionaire, the Fountain Room speaks to the aspirational crowd with a showy lineup of steaks, seafood, and cocktails, as well as Midwestern stickto-your-ribs sides. Ask to be seated by the windows for maximum clout, like Jay would. 830 Massachusetts Ave., 463-238-3800, thefountainroom.com $$$$
Freeland’s Restaurant
EURO FUSION Tinker Street’s Tom Main says this heritage-based restaurant is his last, making it worth a visit for the farewell tour aspect alone. But the setting also compels: A massive renovation has turned an 1890s mansion into a glossy place to drink and dine, complete with vintage china and a wildly patterned bar. The oft-changing menu defies easy categorization, with influences from across Europe as well as Indiana’s colonizer class. Desserts are clever and adventurous without being cloying, while a full bar mixes excellent cocktails and pours wines from a well-curated list. 875 Freeland Way, Carmel, 317-400-0436, freelandsrestaurant.com $$$
Gather 22
BR 2025
BREEZY VIBES Indoor/outdoor living is the name of the game at Gather 22, which marries co-owner Pablo Gonzalez’s California roots with life and business partner Adam Reinstrom’s Hoosier upbringing. A stylish dining room makes way for a sweeping bar backed by a huge outdoor (and dog-friendly) area. The menu is equally vibey, with a global menu of dishes backstopped by a list of Byrne’s grilled pizzas (Adam Reinstrom’s parents own that Meridian-Kessler spot). True to its name, the restaurant was conceived by its owners as a social center for the neighborhood, with public events and gatherings multiple times a month. 22 E. 22nd St., 317-258-2222, gather22.com $$$
Golden Ace Inn
CLASSIC DIVE This friendly eastside bar has cooked its cheeseburgers in the same cast iron pans for close to a century, its third-generation owners will volunteer as you step in the door. This is a place for a shot and a beer, not tricky mixology—but if you play by the rules, everyone at the bar will soon be your best friend. 2533 E. Washington St., 317-632-0696, goldenaceinn.com $$
Goose the Market
BR 2025 SANDWICHES Indy’s best sandwiches might be at this unassuming fish counter and butcher shop. The key may be brevity, as only three sandwiches—the ham and mozzarella Goose, the three-meat Batali (which could benefit from a name change), and the vegetarian or vegan Gander (mozzarella, romaine, pickled onions, and giardiniera)—are in regular rotation. Typically, there are two or
SMALL BITE
three more chef’s specials, which are also posted to its website. That laser focus makes for sandwiches that beat the competition between high-quality ingredients and attention to fat/ acid/heat balance. Indoor and outdoor seating are available, or you can grab your treats to go. 2503 N. Delaware St., 317-924-4944, goosethemarket.com $$
Harrison’s
ITALIAN After a multimillion-dollar renovation, the former Regions Bank on Delaware Street has been transformed into a sit-down restaurant by owner Bill Pritt, whose FortyFive Degrees sushi bar and Metro nightclub are mainstays of Mass Ave’s dining and dancing scene. Pritt took menu inspiration from shuttered North Keystone restaurant Marco’s, beloved for its homey pasta recipes and “cheap meat” night; that spot’s signature lasagna and ham-andcheese-stuffed Chicken a la Marco can be found here. Original offerings lean toward steakhouse fare. Portions are generous, parking is plentiful, and the brunch menu is festive—all reasons to give Harrison’s a try. 555 N. Delaware St., 317826-7361, harrisonsindy.com $$
His Place Eatery
BR 2025 SOUL FOOD The packed tables at both locations of His Place Eatery tell you everything you need to know about this soul food institution. Married co-owners James and Shawn Jones ensure their business runs like a well-oiled machine, with orders of comfort food standards moving from kitchen to table in lightning speed. That said, you can also taste the care put into every dish; spices and
seasonings are calibrated in a way you’ll rarely find in Indianapolis. Smart diners ask their server what they recommend on any given day—with a staff this dialed-in, they’ll always steer you in the right direction. 6916 E. 30th St., 317-545-4890; 1411 W. 86th St., 317-790-3406, hisplaceeatery.com $$
Hoosier Roots
MIDWESTERN Don’t miss this gem serving family-style mains and side dishes in a roadhouse setting. Buttermilk fried chicken is their signature dish, and a generous eight pieces is served family style with hot sauce and local honey. Desserts are meant to be shared, but you won’t want to—there’s a honey lavender cake with bauchant icing that’s worth keeping for yourself. 26 E. Main St., Pittsboro, 317-8920071, hoosierrootscatering.com $$
Izakaya Japanese Restaurant
HIBACHI Take a seat at the hibachi for an object lesson in Japanese grilling, with dishes that span land and sea cooked before your very eyes. A sushi list gives equal attention to sashimi, nigiri, and huge and inventive rolls, while a kids menu includes noodles, katsu, and tempura for the small set. 7325 E. 96th St., 317-915-8988, indyizakaya.com $$$
Josephine
CONTEMPORARY FRENCH Ambrosia Hospitality Group might be best known for its Italian ventures, but for their newest restaurant, Dan Cage and Anna Pizzi Cage looked back to their newlywed days spent in France. The result is Josephine—named after Emperor Napoléon
Bonaparte’s first wife—a modern take on bistro fare. Chef Andrew Popp has built a menu that balances out classics of the genre (yes, escargot and steak tartare are on the list) with twists on French onion soup—lightened here with chicken broth and sherry—and a citrus and fennel salad. Standout desserts include pot de crème topped with amaretto cream and an individual goat cheesecake topped with syrupsoaked cherries. For a breezier experience, ask for a seat at the bar soundtracked with French jazz and dotted by quirky pendant lighting. 110 W. Main St., Carmel, 317-548-3589, josephinecarmel.com $$$$
Julieta Taco Shop
BR 2025 MEXICAN Esteban Rosas and Gabriel Sañudo’s taqueria sticks to the classics: tacos, quesadillas, or tortas offered with a short list of toppings and add-ons. But that doesn’t mean their place is boring, as items like broccolini or deep-fried trumpet mushrooms vie for your attention alongside suadero or carnitas. In this era of War and Peace–length menus, the confidence Julieta demonstrates with its tight and excellent list feels especially refreshing— your executive function is saved for bigger decisions, like if you want to eat your taco at the restaurant counter, outside, or with a drink at Turner’s next door. 1060 N. Capitol Ave. $$
Juniper on Main
LOW COUNTRY This Southern coastal charmer’s lunch and dinner menu offers the standard seafood, salads, and boils—then surprises us all with a lineup of tacos that are a lot of fun. High chairs and booster seats are abundant, and
2026 FIVE STAR WEALTH MANAGERS
a kids menu moves well beyond the standard grilled cheese and nuggets. 110 E. Main St., Carmel, 317-591-9254, juniperonmain.com $$$
Kountry Kitchen
SOUL FOOD This cozy soul food spot hits all the classics, including greens, mac and cheese, and deep-fried mains. Its engaging servers, who are happy to linger and chat, are what keep us coming back. 1831 N. College Ave., 317-635-6000, kountrykitchenindy.com $$$
Late Harvest Kitchen
CONTEMPORARY A luscious comfort food menu delivers top-shelf versions of dishes such as mushroom-stuffed half chicken under-a-brick, tagliatelle pasta loaded with pork Bolognese, and crispy chicken-fried oysters. Fully loaded potatoes Minneapolis is the essential side dish, as is the sticky toffee pudding for dessert. 8605 River Crossing Blvd., 317-663-8063, lateharvestkitchen.com $$$
The Loft Restaurant
FINE DINING With its pastoral setting on the grounds of an artisanal dairy farm, Traders Point Creamery’s farmstead restaurant (housed in one of several restored historic barns) feels like a working model for farm-to-table dining. Some of the ingredients on the menu are grown on-site, and grass-fed Niman Ranch steaks, seasonal fish and seafood, and house-made yeast rolls are always solid choices, as is the burger made with 100-percent grass-fed beef. For dessert, grab a scoop of ice cream, perfect if you just want to go a la mode. 9101 Moore Rd., Zionsville, 317-733-1700, traderspointcreamery .com $$$
Lone Pine
BR 2025 STEAKHOUSE The first solo effort of Beholder partner and award-winning sommelier Josh Mazanowski is a culinary innovator that promises to take Carmel’s dining scene in a new direction. Beef is sourced from nearby farms, and its dining spaces are dotted with edgy art. Fun starters present vegetables with as much care as their meatier counterparts. This isn’t your average upscale pleaser; this is a longtime restaurateur finally expressing his full culinary viewpoint. 710 S. Rangeline Rd., Carmel, 317-907-0177, lonepinecarmel.com $$$$
Love Handle
BRUNCH This Mass Ave breakfast and lunch spot is as well-known for its fabulous fry-ups as for its eccentric and oft-changing menu. A selection of 16-bit arcade games and a wall of scary clown art either make this a family destination or a place kids will discuss with their therapists as adults. 877 Massachusetts Ave., 317-384-1102 $$$
Macizo
BR 2025 LATIN If there were an award for the cheeriest eatery by first-time restaurateurs, this Peruvian-Mexican charmer would win hands down. Owners Luz and Omar Gonza have created an atmosphere of bright colors and hip beats that align perfectly with the fruit-forward beer and wine cocktails at the cozy bar. The vibrantly plated food completes the scene: Tiradito, luscious slices of tuna with citrusy leche de tigre, is a must for fresh seafood fans, and Sopa Criolla
with beef and a runny egg, along with creamy Pasta Huancaina with hearty lomo saltado sauce are perfect Peruvian comfort foods. 6335 Intech Commons Dr.. 463-202-2853, macizorestaurant.com $$$
Magdalena
BR 2025 NEW ORLEANS This funky New Orleans–inflected bar and bistro from spirits enthusiast and restaurateur Nick Detrich reflects his experience running spots in the Big Easy, with expertly mixed elixirs, including perhaps the best Sazerac in town, and dazzling seafood towers, ultra-fresh oysters from the Alabama Gulf, and a tidy menu of mains with Lowcountry influences. 1127 Shelby St., 317-691-8021, magdalena.bar $$$$
Maialina Italian Kitchen + Bar
ITALIAN Straw-wrapped chianti bottles, wooden cross-back chairs, and family photos give a throwback trattoria feel to this addition to the city’s Italian scene. Meatballs from a family recipe with a solid house marinara are always a good choice. Pastas range from a straightforward toss of rigatoni with sausage and broccoli rabe to a rich, three-meat Bolognese lavished atop plump gnocchi. 1103 Prospect St., 317-982-7676, maialinaindy.com $$$$
Marrakesh Moroccan Cuisine & Bar
NEW MOROCCAN A refined seasonal menu by Casablanca-born chef Aziz Mountassar honors his roots through aromatic tagines, seafood-rich bisque Atlantique, and spice-driven cocktails. Special earthenware vessels enhance the immersive experience. 4923 N. College Ave., 317-600-3039, marrakesh-indy .com $$$
Mr. Patakon
a la carte sides add up to a sumptuous dining experience inside The Alexander hotel. Pass around a plate of prosciutto-wrapped prunes or crab arancini, but keep the tortelloni and sea bass all to yourself. 339 S. Delaware St., 317-6437400, nesso-italia.com $$$
Nowhere Special
COCKTAILS Dan Cage’s funky cocktail lounge and small bite spot is far from its all-too-modest name. Sleek banquettes in earthy greens and brushed brass tabletops provide an elegant backdrop to classic pours and a host of new elixirs created by the talented bar staff. 608 Massachusetts Ave., nowhereindy.com $$$
Oakleys Bistro
CONTEMPORARY Steven Oakley’s meticulously plated fare hails from a culinary era when sprigs of herbs and puddles of purees provided the flavor, and every single element on the plate served a purpose. The presentations are wild, with menu descriptions giving little more than clues as to what might arrive at the table. Headsup on anything that appears in quotes, such as a creative “Coq au Vin.” 1464 W. 86th St., 317-8241231, oakleysbistro.com $$$$
TWICE AS NICE
Lafayette-based Nom Nom Tacos & Tequila is opening a location in Carmel’s The Muse mixed-use complex at 116th Street and Rangeline Road. Owner Héctor Ordaz’s menu includes guajilloroasted octopus, a sizzling molcajete, stuffed tetela, and an extensive agave selection.
COLOMBIAN The name of Diana Moreno and Brenda Sánchez’s cheerful, authentic southside Colombian eatery comes from the popular Latin and South American dish patacones—flattened, fried plantains filled with everything from shredded barbecue chicken criollo to cheese, corn, and shredded beef. Or try the Super Perro hot dog, which is topped with every meat in the kitchen, quail eggs, and a special house sauce. Mazorcada (heaps of sweet corn topped with meats, cheeses, and potato sticks) is a delectable side dish. 7415 U.S. 31, 317-692-9829, mrpatakon .com $$
Natural State Provisions
DOG FRIENDLY A hybrid dive bar, restaurant, and dog park, Natural State is a fun and funky neighborhood spot for wings, sandwiches, and house-made soft serve. A solid mixed crowd of families, hipsters, kids, and pups (which must remain outdoors) makes for a fun and welcoming environment. 414 Dorman St., 317492-9887, naturalstateprovisions.com $$
Nesso
ITALIAN Highly stylized seafood and meats paired with small pasta courses and shared
Our Table
CONTEMPORARY Chef and owner Joe Miller focuses on gorgeous, rustic plates of steak, seafood, and Old World lasagna made with fresh pasta and generous layers of beef Bolognese, mozzarella, and creamy ricotta. The brioche sliders (containing buttermilk fried chicken or beef tenderloin with crispy onions and horseradish creme fraiche) are little bites of heaven. 5080 State Rd. 135, Bargersville, 317847-4920, ourtablerestaurant.com
$$$
Petite Chou
FRENCH A little bit of Paris in Indy, this bistro and Champagne bar from the founders of Cafe Patachou offers all the casual French classics you’d like, from Croque Monsieur to crepes. Les enfants get their own lineup, which includes a very grown-up brioche French toast. 823 E. Westfield Blvd., 317-2590765, petitechoubistro.com
$$$
Pisco Mar
PERUVIAN Vibrant music and a spacious dining room provide a bustling backdrop for a hearty cuisine that pulls from both land and sea. Tangy, citrusy ceviche is a good starting point and comes in different versions, including Leche de Tigre or Vuelve a la Vida. Both pair beautifully with Causita de Pollo, a mound of creamy mashed potatoes layered with avocado and topped with a creamy chicken-based sauce. Shredded chicken with a lush yellow pepper sauce and a wine-enriched, vegetable-laden beef stew are the most classic main dishes for those getting a first taste of the cuisine. The big appetites at the table will appreciate meaty dishes such as Lomo Saltado, sauteed strips of beef with onions and tomatoes, or a so-called “poor man’s plate” that pairs two generous strips
SMALL BITE
of Angus steak with french fries, rice, plantains, and eggs. 9546 Allisonville Rd., 317-537-2025, piscomarindy.com $$$
Revery
CONTEMPORARY This Old Greenwood bistro inside an 1800s-era drugstore offers approachable fine dining, with a more casual bar on the historic building’s back end. Small plates have included beets with whipped goat cheese and wasabi, while entrees are seasonal and skew toward seafood, with lobster, halibut, and mussels on recent menus. Whiskey drinks get priority on the cocktail menu, and their old fashioned feels fresh and new. 299 W. Main St., Greenwood, 317-215-4164, reveryrestaurantgroup .com $$$
Rick’s Cafe Boatyard
SEAFOOD You don’t have to be a Parrothead to appreciate the pontoon-life allure of Eagle Creek’s waterside restaurant with its breezy dining room on stilts over the Dandy Trail boat slips. The menu gets creative with all the casual dining tropes, mixing smoked salmon nachos and chicken cordon bleu fingers in with the jumbo shrimp martinis. With a full menu of mules, tropical cocktails, and nonalcoholic concoctions, this is also a great spot for snacks and a drink or two at sunset. 4050 Dandy Trail, 317-290-9300, ricksboatyard.com $$$
Sahm’s Tavern & Sports Bar
SPORTS BAR Plastered with pennants and posters of locals’ favorite sports teams, this bar also serves familiar Sahm’s fare, such as hearty app baskets and piled-high sandwiches, as well as a short list of well-seared Pittsburgh-style steaks. A full roster of Big Lug Brewing Co. beers gets good company from top-notch mixed drinks, including Sahm’s signature Coffee Cake White Russian, which is smooth, creamy, and full of spice and sweetness. 5632 E. Washington St., 317-388-5228, sahmstavernirvington.com $$
Sam’s Square Pie
BR 2025 PIZZA With its limited hours and three-day baking schedule, Jeff Miner’s pizza passion project still feels like an insider score when you can get it. And get it you should, given that the NFL camera operator boasts a second-place ranking at the International Pizza Expo for his painstaking Detroit pie, with a crust that’s deeply browned around the edge yet chewy and pillowy in the middle generously loaded with tangy sauce, meats, and dollops of ricotta. Takeout is always an option, but eating in the slender dining room dressed with funky outsider art allows Miner’s fans to catch him in his element. 2829 E. 10th St., samssquarepie.com $$$
Serliana
FRENCH-INSPIRED STEAKHOUSE Located inside the InterContinental hotel on Monument Circle, this posh, French-inspired restaurant with chef Craig Baker at its helm features traditional Continental standards with modern, local upgrades such as an Indiana ribeye French dip, brunch biscuits and gravy, and a sorghumglazed pork chop. 17 W. Market St., 463-3030380, serlianaindy.com $$$$
Shadow Lounge
SOUL FOOD After a major renovation, the former Marco’s Restaurant and Lounge has
been transformed into a rollicking dining destination. Chef Tia Wilson, formerly of wing spot Chicken Scratch, is in the kitchen, serving Southern and soul-infused dishes such as lamb lollipops, Cajun penne, and garlic-parmesan wings. The cocktails are strong, the music is loud, and while dinner is delightful, brunch is the real scene. 2380 E. 54th St., 317-974-9288, shadowloungeindy.com $$$
Shapiro’s Delicatessen
DELI Slide your tray along and take your pick of East Coast–style comfort foods at this familyowned downtown institution. Hot pastrami and corned beef sandwiches on rye have drawn long lines for more than a century. The Reuben is a contender for the city’s best, and heartier fare such as potato pancakes, stuffed cabbage, and matzo ball soup are perennially satisfying standbys. If you don’t load up on a massive slice of cheesecake or pie, you haven’t really had the proper Shapiro’s experience. 808 S. Meridian St., 317-631-4041, shapiros.com $$
Shin Dig
NOSTALGIC This pizza and wings spot serves Willy Wonka–level decor, including tables built over gnomes and dinosaurs that greet you at the door. The menu skews toward the midway, with a “drive through” section of dogs and burgers in addition to its headline fare. 1351 Roosevelt Ave., 317-907-6100, shindigindy.com $$
St. Elmo Steak House
BR 2025 CLASSIC In a city so rich in steakhouses, can a familiar favorite like St. Elmo still hold its own? Yes, absolutely—though the restaurant is one of the city’s longeststanding, it’s never taken its foot off the gas. Shrimp cocktails, giant slabs of beef, and martinis remain the stars of the show and are prepared just as excellently now as they were the first time you visited (for a birthday, graduation, or prom, perhaps). It’s been hitting it hard since 1902 and shows no signs of slowing down. If only we could all be as lucky. 127 S. Illinois St., 317-635-0636, stelmos.com $$$$
Strange Bird
BR 2025
RAMEN Trained in Japan, chef Kyle Humphreys came to Indianapolis to eventually open his Shoyu Shop inside Irvington tiki bar Strange Bird. It’s a glorious pairing, as the thatched and 1970s-leaning interior lends itself equally as well to fun, rum-heavy drinks as it does to big bowls of hand-cut noodles. Broths are layered and umami-laden, while additions like pork belly and scallops are of peerless quality. And while it’s not apparent on the menu, many of the dishes are available as vegetarian or vegan preparations, making this a secret gem for the plant-based set. 128 S. Audubon Rd., 317-5504115, strangebirdindy.com $$$
Tapas Ñ
SPANISH A former liquor store in a Castleton parking lot may be an unlikely location for some of Indy’s best Spanish food, but past the nondescript facade, you’ll find a cozy dining room with a retro feel that evokes the supper clubs of the ’90s. Owner Saul Ramirez has been a fan of Iberian Peninsula cuisine since his youth, and with his first restaurant, he hopes to share that passion, serving up the type of classic tapas you might have enjoyed a few
decades back, with occasional modern twists. The restaurant’s paella offerings are especially confident, but plan ahead, as those require 40 minutes to prepare. 8215 Center Run Dr., 317516-4729 $$$
Tinker Street
BR 2025 CONTEMPORARY From the sip of bubbles you’re offered when you walk in to the pitch for ricotta doughnuts you get at the end, a meal at Tinker Street is a breezy dining affair with food of the highest possible caliber. You can feel the kitchen staff having fun with the menu, which changes on the regular—and that fun translates into one of the warmest, most generous dining experiences around. 402 E. 16th St., 317-925-5000, tinkerstreetrestaurant.com $$$$
Vicino
ITALIAN More than filling Mass Ave’s pasta needs, this modern, colorful trattoria from the owners of The Oakmont measures up to some of the best Italian spots anywhere in the city. A nicely edited menu offers familiar classics with a few twists for the more daring. 350 Massachusetts Ave., 317-798-2492, vicinoindy.com $$$
Vida
BR 2025 PRIX FIXE Don’t be intimidated by the menu at the Cunningham Restaurant Group’s flagship spot, Vida. Though diners are restricted to a six-course tasting affair or a four-course dinner, even within that structure, options abound—there are fully vegetarian menus for both choices, and allergies and dietary restrictions are thoughtfully accommodated. Ingredients are sourced as locally as possible, with many of the vegetables coming from CRG’s garden up the street. Its wine list might be Indy’s finest, as the restaurant uses a special Coravin extraction system to open rare and unexpected bottles for a single glass. 601 E. New York St., 317-420-2323, vida-restaurant.com $$$$
Wisanggeni Pawon
BR 2025 INDONESIAN Aji Wisanggeni and Putri Pratiwi’s Indonesian knockout has quickly evolved into a fixture of Indy’s food community. An ever-expanding menu offers spice-forward dishes such as beef rendang simmered in coconut milk or fried duck with rice and nose-clearing homemade sambal, as well as one of the tastiest fried rice plates in the city. Those eager to try it all should opt for street food–style small plates such as martabak, vegetable fritters, and dumplings. 2450 E. 71st St., 317-756-9477, wpawon.com $$
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Lady Spray
FOLLOW THE METAMORPHOSIS OF THE LOCAL LANDMARK THAT GAVE FOUNTAIN SQUARE ITS NAME.
BY SAM STALL
FOR MOST of its history, a public fountain positioned on a patch of land bordered by Virginia Avenue and Shelby and Prospect streets has served as the centerpiece of the Fountain Square neighborhood. But what many don’t realize is that it hasn’t always been the same fountain. The original one, a rather generic specimen ordered from a Pennsylvania company, was erected in 1889, quickly lending the neighborhood its name. In those days, the immediate environs hosted a streetcar turnaround and terminus, which loaned the area a second, unofficial name: The End. Surmounted by the statue of a girl (traditionally held to be the Greek goddess of youth, Hebe) and nicknamed Lady Spray, the fountain served as a drinking spot for both horses and people, as well as the default meeting place for the German, Irish, and Italian immigrants who settled the area. Since local merchants and residents helped pay for it, it was sometimes also called the Subscription Fountain. It was destroyed in the late 1910s, allegedly by a careless truck driver. Its replacement, featuring a sculpture of a pioneer family by artist Myra Reynolds Richards, was dedicated in 1924. By 1954, the traffic in the neighborhood had increased exponentially, so the city, stating that the area had grown too hectic, moved the fountain to Garfield Park. The pioneers remained there until 1969, when community pressure brought them back to Fountain Square. In 2009, they moved again to the newly minted Pioneer Plaza, a stone’s throw from their original location, and a new sculpture, purchased from Robinson Ironworks in Alabama and selected because of its resemblance to the truckshattered Lady Spray, was installed in their place. There she remains to this day—and hopefully for many more days to come.
Photo by CLAY MAXFIELD
REDHAWKS ARE LEADING THE WAY
RedHawk50 celebrates the 50 fastest-growing Miami-led businesses
RedHawk50, in collaboration with Ernst & Young LLP (EY US), recognizes alumni success and provides a forum to celebrate the crucial role that Miamians play in their communities. Miami graduates and former students who founded, own, and lead thriving businesses pass valuable lessons to the next generation of Miami entrepreneurs. Meet our honorees at MiamiOH.edu/RedHawk50
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR CINCINNATI-AREA HONOREES:
1809 Capital
Mark Richey ’80, Managing Partner
John Gardner ’84, Partner
Kim Walker ’80, Partner
Kevin Mendelsohn ’96, Partner
3D Color
Bob Jennings ’92, CEO
All-In Cincinnati Coalition
Denisha Porter ’03, Executive Director
Brandience
Brian McHale ’88, CEO and Owner
Clear Advantage Logistics
Ryan Ward ’04, President and Owner
Curiosity, LLC
Gregory Livingston ’82, Co-Founder, Partner, and COO
Eleeo Brands
Richard Palmer ’92, Co-Founder and CEO
HOMEstretch
Derek Shewmon ’05, Founder
Interlink Cloud Advisors
Matt Scherocman ’97, Co-Founder andCEO
Kinettix
Chad Mattix ’93, Founder and CEO
Kruger and Hodges
Hometown Injury Lawyers
Joshua Hodges ’11, Co-Founder and Managing Partner
Remote Vans
Tony Alexander ’99, Co-Founder
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati
