The Feed: A Paleo Diner, A Hedge Row Update, And More
Indy got its first official paleo-inspired restaurant with the opening of Nook (15 E. Maryland St., 317-759-3554) last week. Diners can order pizza on a traditional or paleo crust, and nosh on tacos served in almond-flour tortillas. It’s in the space formerly occupied by Mo’s … A Place for Steaks, and remains under the ownership of Johnny Vassallo. Chef Matthew Mohler was born in Indiana, but spent most of the last 20 years in Russia, most recently serving as chef de cuisine at The Hyatt Recency in Sochi, site of the 2014 Winter Olympics.
Kimbal Musk posted an Instagram photo of his forthcoming Indianapolis restaurant Hedge Row (350 Massachusetts Ave.), and let the cat out of the bag on its official opening date. Mark your calendar for April 3, when you can grab wood-fired dishes prepared in a kitchen run by chef Brad Gates. Separately, Musk’s Kitchen Restaurant Group announced the culinary team for Next Door Eatery (4565 N. College Ave.), a casual American diner slated to open in the old Double 8 Foods building later this year. John Rantanen, formerly of HopCat, will be the head chef, while Evan Slasher takes on sous chef duties, fresh from his stint at Craig Baker’s The Taco Shop.
Local bloggers and food personalities Sonja and Alex Overhiser of A Couple Cooks published their first cookbook, Pretty Simple Cooking, last week. The book has 100 vegetarian recipes that were developed and photographed by the couple in their Meridian-Kessler home. Meet the authors in person at a book signing this Saturday (February 17) 10 a.m.–11 a.m. at the Indy Winter Farmers Market (Circle City Industrial Complex, 1125 E. Brookside Ave.).
Less than a year after Portillo’s set up shop in Fishers, the Illinois-based company known for its Chicago hot dogs (and rabid fan base) announced plans to open a second Indianapolis location. Southsiders will get their own outpost at 8150 U.S. 31 later this year. No opening date was confirmed.
As long as we’re layered up in our winter clothes, we might as well consume all the carbs. Learn to make pasta at home at R2GO (1101 N. College Ave., 317-737-2543) on February 20. Chef Erin Kem (former sous chef at R Bistro and current chef/manager at Cannon Ball Brewing Company) will teach a hands-on pasta-making class that ends with a communal meal in the kitchen. Tickets are $80 per person.
