Our hearts seem to be collectively aflutter over the May 19 royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and local restaurants are feeling the love with brunch viewing parties. Union Jack (924 Broad Ripple Ave., 317-257-4343) is already sold out for its watch party, but you can join the fun at Aristocrat Pub & Restaurant (5212 N. College Ave., 317-283-7388), where attendees will watch the nuptials on televisions in the bar, mimosas in hand, while kids have their own Royal Brunch Party upstairs in the private dining room. Princess gowns, tiaras, and bow ties encouraged. Tina’s Traditional Tea Room (30 N. Rangeline Rd., Carmel, 317-565-9716) invites guests to wear their best formal attire, complete with decorative hat, to raise a cup of tea for the happy couple. Coronation chicken salad and cake using late Princess Diana’s recipe will accompany a traditional British wedding buffet.
Speaking of pubs, The Wellington Pub will close Wednesday, March 7 along with Corner Wine Bar. Mainstays in Broad Ripple for decades, the owners have decided to retire and sell both spaces. Reports indicate that new owners plan an expansion of a restaurant that will dig into the area currently occupied by The Wellington. Friends are invited to raise a pint or a glass of wine in honor of the beloved establishments.
After months of renovations in the former Double 8 Foods space, Kimbal Musk’s The Kitchen Restaurant Group confirmed that May 1 is the opening date of Next Door (4565 N. College Ave.), a casual American eatery. Musk previously announced that his first restaurant in Indianapolis, Hedge Row Bistro (350 Massachusetts Ave.), will open on April 3.
Local food personalities and bloggers Sonja and Alex Overhiser are in the midst of a national tour for their first cookbook, Pretty Simple Cooking, but have two events at home this week in the Indianapolis area. Sonja will headline a Girl Boss event at the Rachel Vanoven Shop (434 E. Main St., Brownsburg), where she’ll discuss business, life, and entrepreneurship in an intimate gathering with food and wine. Tickets are $35. On March 10, Sonja and Alex will be at the Carmel location of Silver in the City (111 W. Main St., 317-993-3669) 6:30–7:30 p.m for a book signing.
The Indianapolis Urban League is launching a monthly Urban Farmers Market on historic Indiana Avenue, beginning Friday, April 27. In addition to fresh produce from local farms, there will be live music, prepared food by local producers, and other goods from minority-owned businesses. The market will be at 777 Indiana Ave. on the fourth Friday of every month from April through October and will conclude on the third Friday in November.
New Zealand-based chain BurgerFuel (6320 Guildford Ave., 317-405-8362) is set to open its second location in the United States, which, coincidentally, happens to be its second location in Indianapolis. According to the Indianapolis Star, construction will begin soon at 333 Massachusetts Ave., with the official opening to follow approximately three months later. BurgerFuel opened in Broad Ripple in May of last year.
You’ve got one week to recover from the inaugural Savor Downtown Indy (which ended Sunday, Mar 4), before the kick-off of Savor Hamilton County March 12–25. Restaurants in Carmel, Fishers, and Noblesville will offer discounted menus at $10, $20, $30, and $40. Check the website for the latest list of participating restaurants and menu details.
Calabrian hot pepper jam, oxtail stew with pancetta, and ricotta ravioli with hen yolk and truffles is on the menu for the Castello di Ama wine dinner at Rook (501 Virginia Ave., 317-737-2293) on March 21. Tickets are $100 per person for the six-course meal with wine pairings.