The Hoosierist: Angie’s Dish

Q: What is that “Sanitary Diner” behind the Angie’s List headquarters? Can civilians eat there, or just employees? 
Ellen S., Indianapolis  
A: This tiny establishment with a vaguely troubling moniker offers pastries and beverages exclusively to Angie’s List employees. The original, old-school diner, trucked in from Ohio, began life in 1937. That was back when tuberculosis was still a “thing,” and eating establishments let customers know in the most in-your-face ways possible that their facilities were, well, sanitary. If you’re just aching to dine at the Angie’s List eastside campus, the company’s nearby Moto Cafe opened to the public in May. The Hoosierist hears that it’s quite sanitary, too.

Q: Will the IMA ever change the artwork at The Alexander? 
Sarah T., Carmel  
A: If the stuff currently gracing the hotel’s walls doesn’t inspire you, don’t pester the Indianapolis Museum of Art about it. The IMA was hired by the hotel as a consultant, curating the 60 works displayed everywhere from the lobby to the parking garage. About half of the 26 artists produced Indiana-centric pieces for the hotel, including The Hoosierist’s personal favorite, a picture of Madam C.J. Walker made of 3,840 black combs. None is from the IMA’s collection, and the museum has no ongoing voice in what The Alexander displays. So if, say, the stainless-steel sculpture called 39 point 76181 degrees North 86 point 154668 degrees West gets on your nerves, deal with it the same way you would an out-of-order ice machine and call the front desk. Just don’t expect similar results.

Q: Why is there no overnight camping at Fort Harrison State Park? Seems like the perfect place for it. 
Olivia C., Indianapolis  
A: Ever try to install a bunch of electrical and plumbing connections in a forest? It’s pricey. That’s one reason the park, which opened in 1996, doesn’t do sleepovers. Also, planners thought camping wouldn’t be that big of a draw, given that the grounds are literally surrounded by mosquito-free accommodations such as hotels (which is generally The Hoosierist’s preference). Instead, Fort Harrison became a “day park” that requires all guests to clear out by 8 p.m. But that might change. “We’ve had some internal conversations about developing a small campground,” says Ginger Murphy, deputy director for stewardship at Indiana State Parks. “I don’t think it’s off the table for the future.”

The HooiseriStat

Number of hours in the average Indianapolis workweek
That’s enough to hustle us to 35th place on the list of America’s hardest-working cities. We’re not as slick with elbow grease as No. 1 Anchorage, but we’re draft horses compared to those Louisville slackers (No. 56).

Have a question about anything Indiana-related? Email it to Hoosierist@IndianapolisMonthly.com.