Hometown Hearts: Indianapolis, IN

 

My name is Sally Marshall. Currently I live in Chicago and I love it here. The cool breeze off of Lake Michigan in April revitalizes the senses. However, I’m a born and bred Hoosier. I grew up in Indianapolis, and it is Indy that I still call my home. I moved to Chi-town a few years ago to teach at an elementary school, but I venture back to the ol’ stompin’ grounds at least once a month to see family and friends. Strap in with me and I’ll show you my side of Indy; a city full of life, love, music and best of all FOOD!

Growing up in the mid-nineties I was a complete punk rocker. At that time Indianapolis was actually one of those cities people would flock to in order to see good punk shows. Places like The Patio, Melody Inn and my favorite, the historic Vollrath Tavern, had great punk shows at least once a month. The Vollrath Tavern has that amazing feel of a bar that has been through the ringer. The copper adorned bar-top takes you back to the days of Indiana infamy. Opening it’s doors in 1926, the Vollrath was once a common hangout to gangsters such as John Dillinger.

My friends often make fun of me, but I love going to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, regardless of it’s “tourist attractions” feel or not. This museum boasts 472,900 square feet and is the largest children’s museum in the world. I just love to roam from exhibit to exhibit and take in the knowledge. No matter how often I return I always feel as though I’ve learned something new and I always have a great time.

Those who know me well know that I love three things: Travel, Music and FOOD. In my early twenties I didn’t think much of the food choices in Indianapolis, but each time I return I am introduced to new eateries, some just new to me and some that are actually new. A couple of my favorites are Boogie Burger and Cooper’s Hawk.

Boogie Burger is an Indianapolis original. Located just off the main drag in the Broad Ripple area, Boogie Burger is THE place to spend a warm summer evening relaxing with friends and chowing down on truly unparalleled burgers. With original creations like the Triple Boogie and their most popular burger the Wild Wild West (which includes cheddar cheese, hickory smoked bacon, onion rings & bbq sauce), Boogie is one of those diamonds among other diamonds. If you plan on sitting down and eating however make sure you get there early as there is limited seating. During the warmer months Boogie opens up patio seating which is a great way to spend a dinner hour.

 

Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant is not an Indy original, but that does not make it any less unique. I spent a good part of my New Year’s Eve at Cooper’s Hawk this year. The service is unmatched. I was blown away at the response of the hosting team as we walked in the door. Doubling as wine tasting directors, the hosting team immediately welcomes you with a complimentary tasting of the featured wine. On this particular night we were sampling their Almond Sparkling Wine, but it did not end there. Each patron is invited to 2 more complimentary tastings of any of their nearly 100 different wines which are all bottled on site. Add to this the single best Filet Mignon I’ve ever had and I was sold. For the average eater this is not a place you would frequent every week as the prices were a bit more than your average Applebee’s bill, but for celebrations and other special occasions it is my choice of Indy.