There are many proud traditions in the Hoosier Heartland. A couple that come to mind are high school basketball, and the Indy 500; but we are also home to proud food traditions as well. These include our state food—sugar cream pie, corn on the cob, and of course the giant breaded tenderloin. >> Read the rest

Nowadays, it takes something special for a local independent restaurant to remain open for two decades. For those of you who have been to The Nile in Anderson, you know that Angele and Samir Naby have that special something. The Nile is also a special place for Ruthie and me, as we first started going there 18 years ago as newlyweds when we moved to Pendleton in 1993. >> Read the rest

There are certain places where you just feel at home when you walk through the door. Along the cobblestone Main Street of downtown Zionsville, that place is the Friendly Tavern, or simply The Friendly to locals. The Friendly is the place to be in Zionsville and was featured in the Indianapolis Star a few years ago, chronicling the daily interaction between regular customers and The Friendly Staff. >> Read the rest

Whether you’re a Ball State alumnus or simply someone that appreciates welcoming neighborhood pubs, Scotty’s is a name you probably know well. Ruthie, the kids and I all have great memories of going to Scotty’s when I was a professor at Ball State. >> Read the rest

Sometimes it takes a little work to track down the favorite local eatery and wade through several differing opinions. Other times, it’s as simple as asking. Our recent visit to Grant County had us looking for a place to grab a late lunch in Marion. >> Read the rest

The staff and I stopped in Kokomo this week while on trail. As I visited with local Republican leaders, they quickly discovered the local Irish pub nestled on the east side of the square. When I walked in the door, you instantly knew the owner had put a lot of thought into creating a special place to eat. >> Read the rest

I am a huge fan of Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, so much so that the kids gave me his book and we use it as a guide of where to eat when we pile in the car and drive cross country. >> Read the rest