May 2014

Vol. 37 » Issue 10

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Editor’s Note

Amanda Heckert introduces our May issue and makes new friends over food from Indy’s best eateries.

Features

COVER STORY: 25 Best Restaurants
From latecomers (Shoefly Public House) to old favorites (Peterson’s) to new classics (Recess), we celebrate the places that make Indy’s culinary scene worth toasting.
» PARTY PHOTOS: Best Restaurants Event
See which of the city’s rockstar chefs gathered to feed us. (Warning: These pics will make you hungry.)
DINING: Recipe for Success
With his latest restaurant, Union 50, Mike Cunningham expands his total to 13. Here are a few of the secret ingredients he used to build one of the biggest dining empires in town.
ATTRACTIONS: Animal House
The Zoo hangs its future on the International Orangutan Center, opening this month. If you’re as curious as the apes, you’ll want to see what’s inside.
» VIDEO: The Zoo’s New Hangout
Those ballyhooed orangutans make their debut this month, and we’ve got the footage to prove it. Check out their pad!
PROFILE: The Survivor
He lived through civil war, a landmine explosion, and a deep-jungle journey to safety. One blood transfusion, two refugee camps, and 8,000 miles later, Kaw Lah is among the thousands of refugees who fled Myanmar in search of peace—and a home—in Indy.
THE BEAT: Burned
As the main suspect in the Little Nashville Opry fire goes free, a small town smolders.
 

Circle City

FRONT & CENTER: China Town
Terra Cotta Warriors at the Children’s Museum (and this time, they mean it!).
ASK ME ANYTHING: Raj Danala
Is that two-time cancer survivor on a unicycle?
REALTY CHECK: $675K in Pike Township
Eighteen wooded acres, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a classic midcentury-modern look.
AT HOME: Graham Rahal’s Racing Room
Eight years into his IndyCar career, the driver’s shelves are stocked with memorabilia.
» VIDEO: Fast Times
Coming soon: Take a live-action tour of Rahal’s digs.
STREET SAVVY: Mooresville
Antiques, crawfish, a new zip line, and more.
TRAVELER: Return to Eden
Indiana’s most peaceful town, New Harmony, turns 200.
 

Shopping & Style

WANTED: Flashy Bike
There’s gold on them thar wheels.
EVERYWHERE WE LOOK: Sharp Angles
Let’s get to the point.
MY LOOK: Bronte Tagliani’s Chic Mohawk
The Fashion Mall blogger and driver wife’s hairstyle is daring enough for both the runway and the racetrack.
SHOPTALK: Good Dirt
Lush addition Planted takes root in Carmel.
EXPERT ADVICE: Custom-Crafted Stool
Says Chip Kalleen, “I love the sleek, minimal lines and the blend of American Shaker and Asian elements in this piece.”
MORE! THE THREAD
» See The Thread, our shopping and style e-newsletter.
» Get it delivered to you each month.

Arts & Culture

CULTURE COUNTER: A Reel Mensch
Quit your kvetching! Indy has a Jewish film fest at last.
» EXTRA: Trembling Before G-D
The film about LGBT Orthodox Jews trying to reconcile their beliefs and sexuality lends a stirring look at a vibrant but conflicted subculture.
CULTURE Q&A: Christine Vanloo
The Cirque de la Symphonie acrobat comes down to earth for a chat ahead of her Hilbert Circle Theatre performance.
CULTURE CALENDAR: Apes, Art, and Azaleas
Plus: John Legend, a new race at the Speedway, and the Mini.
MORE! THE TICKET
» See The Ticket, our arts and culture e-newsletter.
» Get it delivered to you near the top of each month.

Eat + Drink

FOODIE: King of Pop
Move over, microbrews. Handcrafted sodas might be the next big thing on tap.
VIDEO RECIPE: Totally Stacked
New brunch spot Milktooth delivers a surefire recipe for savory Venezuelan arepas.
FLAVOR OF THE MONTH: Lessons from Mom
Two generations of restaurant insiders share their dining tips.
SWOONED: Doissants
At Circle City Sweets, the new cronuts.
NEW IN TOWN: Soupremacy
A chef-led soup shop pops up near Monument Circle.
THE DISH
Because food and drink news is a dish best served bold.
» Read The Dish blog.
» Get it delivered fresh to you each week.
RESTAURANT GUIDE
Welcome to the city’s most authoritative dining directory.
» Search our online listings.
» See upcoming Indy dine and drink events.

Columnists

BACK HOME AGAIN: Phony Pages
People magazine stopped being about people a long time ago.
by Philip Gulley
THE HOOSIERIST: A Rumor with Legs
Sam Stall on one terrifying bike lane, Lilly’s proximity problem, and a lurid neighborhood name.
DEBORAH PAUL: A Grand Old Time
The pros and cons of having grandkids.
 

Get the May 2014 digital edition now.