The Feed: Native Bread, Sun King, and More
» Newfangled Confections’ popular pralines have a snazzy new look. When candymaker Carrie Abbott created the creamy pecan treat three years ago in partnership with Yats restaurant, customer demand came so quickly that she never had time to think about creative packaging. Abbott says she wanted the look to be a nod to the southern roots of pralines: simple, but celebratory. Mission accomplished.
» Rooster’s Kitchen is coming to 888 Mass Ave, the former home of R Bistro. According to the Indianapolis Star, the restaurant will open for lunch and dinner in the fall, with a menu heavy on dishes with house-cured bacon. Owner Ross Katz has spent his career in the food and beverage industry, including stints at RAM Restaurant & Brewery downtown and Sun King Brewing. In addition to all the bacon, expect comfort favorites (like his mother’s brisket) and build-your-own mac and cheese.
» Indy has a new gluten-free, artisan breadmaker. Hayley McGinley launched Native Bread after her gluten intolerance left her longing for the crusty, rustic loaves she left behind. Her sourdough, honey-oat, and whole-grain breads are on the menu as sandwich options at The Garden Table in Broad Ripple, and whole loaves can be ordered at farmersmarket.com.
» Sun King Brewing Co. is expanding beyond the beer biz. They announced plans last week to open a 15,000-square-foot craft distilling facility in the Midtown section of Carmel, the area connecting Carmel City Center with the Arts & Design District. Sun King’s plans include the usual suspects like whiskey, gin, and rum, along with flagship spirits and seasonal offerings. The building will seat up to 300 people, and there is a promise of food on-site, but the company is keeping mum on those details so far.
» Punch Bowl Social has its Indianapolis grand opening September 24. The Denver-based company prides itself on scratch cooking and craft beverages served alongside oldie-but-goodie activities like darts, bowling, karaoke, and arcade games. Indy will be the first location to open since the menu underwent an overhaul by Top Chef judge and popular southern restaurateur Hugh Acheson. Did somebody say pimento cheese with bacon marmalade?
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» Chefs’ Night Off, the self-described “pirate” dinners featuring a rotating roster of Indy’s best chefs and bartenders, is going family-friendly for the next event. On Oct. 1, George Turkette (Pig’s Tale Charcuterie) and Bob Eastbrook (Feast in Bloomington) will roast hogs and serve a meal celebrating seasonal fall food in Indiana at Tyner Pond Farms. There will be kids activities on site, and plenty of space for everyone to run around.
» This Saturday, Indy Urban Acres hosts the third annual Farmraiser to benefit the Indianapolis Parks Foundation. Live music, a guided hike, and a farm-fresh meal from Noah Grant’s and Flat 12 Bierwerks are on the agenda. Indy Urban Acres is an 8-acre organic farm in Indianapolis that donates 100 percent of its harvest to local food pantries.
