The Feed: Kimbal Musk’s Indy History Lesson and Ukiyo’s First Diners
» Kimbal Musk took to Instagram to send more love to Indianapolis. As we eagerly await his Hedge Row Bistro (scheduled to open this winter at 350 Massachusetts Ave. under the direction of chef Brad Gates), Musk posted a picture of the building that will house Next Door Eatery (4565 N. College Ave.), an urban casual restaurant from The Kitchen Restaurant Group. The most recent tenant in that building was Double 8 Foods, but Musk posted an even older throwback—a black-and-white photo of Kroger, all dressed up for the holidays. Work continues on the space, but no opening date has been announced.
» Months of anticipation for Ukiyo (4907 College Ave.), chef Neal Brown’s Japanese restaurant, culminated with the announcement last week that reservations are now open for December. Diners have two choices when snagging a seat: an $85, pre-paid Omakase tasting menu at the sushi bar, where the chefs make all of the decisions for you, or an a la carte option in the dining room.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba9qnVIgH8G/?taken-by=ukiyoindy
» There are signs of (plant) life to come at the future home of the upcoming Public Greens at the Fashion Mall. Patachou, Inc’s farmer and beekeeper, Kate Franzman, posted this picture of the land in front of the mall that will grow flowers, herbs, and veggies this spring and summer, destined for dishes at Public Greens and Patachou Foundation’s after-school meal program for food-insecure children in Indianapolis. Don’t be surprised to see a chef out in the garden snipping basil for your salad when the restaurant opens in the summer of 2018.
» There’s lots of of new restaurant activity in Irvington these days. Recent additions to the east side neighborhood include Batters Family Pancake House (5543 E. Washington St., 317-602-2925) and IXCA Mexican Kitchen (5537 E. Washington St., 317-986-4154), along with Super Bowl Pho (5603 E. Washington St., 317-208-0124), a popular Westfield restaurant that expanded to two locations with the Irvington spot.
» Meridian Restaurant & Bar (5694 N. Meridian St., 317-466-1111) is hosting a four-course chef brunch benefiting Wheeler Mission on November 12. Participating chefs include Hattie McDaniel (Vida), Allen Smith (Meridian), Adam Laskowski (private chef), and Adam Giannattasio (independent chef). Wheeler chef Sam Brown will be on site, collecting coats, hats, gloves, toiletries, and other basic necessities for the homeless shelter and residential program. Tickets are $35. Call the restaurant to make a reservation.
» We may be heading into the season of food gluttony, but you’ve got a shot at a vegetarian, gluten-free Thanksgiving feast at Trader’s Point Creamery on November 16. Indiana bloggers and cookbook authors Sonja and Alex Overhiser (A Couple Cooks) and Shelly Westerhausen (Vegetarian Ventures) are teaming up with California’s Lily Diamond (Kale & Caramel) for a four-course vegetarian meal, made from recipes in their cookbooks. Tickets are $55 per person. Books will be available for purchase at the event.
