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Indianapolis Star
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Indianapolis Star
We tried 12 wild Indiana State Fair dishes and ranked them from worst to best
Every year, our IndyStar tasting team is more than happy to provide the important reader service of testing a variety of Indiana State Fair foods and telling you exactly what we think of them with no holds barred. This year, we sweat our way from one end of the fair to the other, sampling a bunch of new dishes and a few that we thought were just downright wild. Find our takes below, ranked from worst (one star) to best (five stars). We hope these insights help you make the best possible investment with your fair dollars. Freund Family Foods Gourmet Funnel Cakes. Across from Corteva Coliseum. $18. IndyStar taster rating:⭐ (1 star) Given my Italian heritage, I really wanted to enjoy this sampling of three famous flavors: Italian wedding cake, tiramisu and cannoli. But unfortunately, neither the cannoli nor tiramisu sections contained any oomph on the front end, and aftertastes were lacking as well. — Domenica Bongiovanni Indiana ribeye truck near the fair Midway. $12. IndyStar taster rating: ⭐⭐ (2 stars) This is not a drink. This is a tug-of-war battle between you and your little sibling. One sip in, you know it's too much sugar, you hand it over to them, but also, you're like, 'Wait, come back, I want it.' It's juicy, it's poppy (but only from the boba), and the flavor screams summer. That said, if you don't shake it around hard, you're just slurping syrup at the bottom like a hummingbird on a Red Bull bender. Sip with caution. And share with a sugar goblin you trust. — Sam Habashy Sun King Brewing in the Taproom across from the Indiana Farmers Coliseum. $12 for 16 ounces. IndyStar taster rating: ⭐⭐ (2 stars) Sun King's cotton candy ale didn't quite do for me what last year's pickle beer did, but that probably says more about me than the drink itself. This take on the classic state fair confection is surprisingly refreshing, with an ambiguously fruity taste that isn't as cloyingly sweet as the beer's frightening shade of teal might suggest. Alas, the opposing flavors just don't mesh as well as you'd hope, which may simply be the result of infusing a drink only consumed legally by people over 21 years old with a food eaten almost exclusively by people under the age of 10. — Bradley Hohulin Jamaican Breeze. Next to the Department of Natural Resources building near the main entrance. $12. IndyStar taster rating: ⭐⭐ ½ (2.5 stars) I was hoping for a trip to flavor town with this one, but sadly, it didn't deliver. The best way to describe the dish? Tame. The jerk sauce had a faint sweetness but lacked the bold, spice-rich taste you'd expect. The cheese was barely noticeable, leaving the fries feeling more like a missed opportunity than a standout snack. At $12, it's hard to justify the price for something so underwhelming. If you're craving bold Caribbean flavors, you might want to keep looking. — Ethan Hylton Dairy Bar. Across from Corteva Coliseum. $5. IndyStar taster rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5 stars) The barbecue sauce reminds me somewhat of Sweet Baby Ray's, which is a little too sweet for my Kansas City-groomed tastebuds. But the salty, creamy gouda and the slices of perfectly buttered and toasted bread make up for the slight sugar overreach. — Domenica Bongiovanni Black Leaf Vegan Food Truck. Across from Pioneer Village. $17. IndyStar taster rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5 stars) The plant-based "meat" is coated in a vegan "cheez" sauce that has a fruitiness reminiscent of the sticky-sweet coating on your favorite childhood mall Chinese chicken. The protein and peppers were cradled in a hoagie with enough fluff and chewiness to meet all of my expectations. Overall, this sandwich is a pleasant diversion from the deep-fried cheesy flavors that populate so much of the fair. — Domenica Bongiovanni Urick Concessions. Inside the Agriculture and Horticulture building. $20. IndyStar taster rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5 stars) If you're looking to escape the summer heat with a refreshing adult beverage, the brunch mimosa might be for you. Light, crisp and not overly sweet, the mimosa was a pleasant surprise, especially with white wine replacing the usual champagne. That twist added a subtle depth that worked well. However, at $20, I expected more from the accompanying fruits, waffles and donuts. They looked promising but didn't quite deliver on flavor. Overall, it's a fun treat if you're in the mood for something light and boozy, but the price-to-quality ratio holds it back. — Ethan Hylton Pickle barrel concession right when you enter by the Hoosier Free Stage lottery. $12. IndyStar taster rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 stars) This is what happens when your taste buds and your inner feral child make a pact. It's giving "a dare gone too far but also… kinda genius?" It tastes like a sleepover where no one's mom is supervising and someone goes, 'Let's mix everything in the pantry!' I felt nine years old and unhinged in the best way while eating this salty, sweet and weirdly nostalgic confection. I double-dog dare you to eat the whole thing without questioning your life choices — unlike my co-workers, who did not appreciate the admittedly odd flavor palate. — Sam Habashy Hook's Drugstore Museum by the Indiana Arts Building near Gate 1. $9. IndyStar taster rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 stars) A crisp cup of vanilla cold brew receives vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, Biscoff cookie butter and Biscoff crumbles, all topped with a maraschino cherry. The concoction looks untenably sweet, but it's a far cry from the massive syrup-spiked drive-thru iced coffees that makes you feel like you're having a panic attack after three sips. Aside from some slight whipped cream separation, everything comes together very nicely in a lovely mocha-colored swirl. Just know your limits — full-fat dairy and extra-strength coffee make this sweet treat quietly one of the more intestinally challenging offerings at the State Fair, which is saying a lot. — Bradley Hohulin Red Frazier Bison. Across from Pioneer Village. $20. IndyStar taster rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 Stars) Mind you, this was my first time trying bison, so I was a bit apprehensive going into this, but boy am I glad I tried it. The bison patty was cooked well and surprisingly juicy. What really stood out, though, was the Texas toast: crunchy, flavorful, and perfect for soaking up all those savory juices. I did discover that pimento cheese isn't my thing, but don't let that stop you — it's a solid burger overall. If you're feeling hangry and want a hearty, satisfying option, this is a safe bet. The $20 price tag is a little steep, but the quality makes it worth considering. — Ethan Hylton J&J A Taste of Home along the northwest side of the West Pavilion. $17 for two rolls. IndyStar taster rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5 stars) Following up last year's confoundingly delicious spaghetti and meat sauce egg rolls, J&J presents my favorite bite of the fair with a 4-inch payload of chopped chicken and cheese that is wrapped and fried, doused in a fire-orange blend of hot honey, lemon pepper and buffalo sauce and drizzled with ranch dressing. Combining the trademark flavors of Philadelphia, Atlanta, upstate New York and the Midwest feels almost heretical yet totally works here. While I admittedly miss the crispness of a traditional egg roll, the tang and heat of the sauces is a worthy trade-off, and I suppose it wouldn't be in the spirit of a Philly cheesesteak if the dish were even remotely tidy. — Bradley Hohulin Wilson concessions truck. By the agriculture building. $12. IndyStar taster rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5 stars) Bites? They meant it. These are the perfect portion sizes that fit in your mouth with no hassle. It's coated in just enough cinnamon sugar, but it's not overpowering. And the cereal is quite the throwback as I hadn't had it in years. The cookie butter drizzle is the main character. It adds a subtle softness to contrast the crunch. The bites were gone in minutes, and I was left wanting just one more. — Sam Habashy More: Taste of the Fair: Indiana State Fair announces new foods for 2025 Contact dining reporter Bradley Hohulin at bhohulin@ You can follow him on Twitter/X @BradleyHohulin and stay up to date with Indy dining news by signing up for the Indylicious newsletter.
Indianapolis Star
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indianapolis Star
Keith Urban, Diana Krall and more. Live music happening around Indianapolis, June 24-28
There are plenty of outdoor summer concerts near Indy you can enjoy this year seated on a picnic blanket or a comfy lawn chair. From rock and funk to pop and tribute bands, here's what's playing this week, from Tuesday, June 24, through Saturday, June 28, around Indianapolis. Story continues after photo gallery. Story continues after gallery. Summer 2025 concerts near Indy: 100+ free live concerts around central Indiana during summer 2025 Contact IndyStar reporter Domenica Bongiovanni at 317-444-7339 or Sign up here for the newsletter she curates about things to do and ways to explore Indianapolis. Find her on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter: @domenicareports.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Meet IndyStar arts reporter Domenica Bongiovanni
It takes a staff of dedicated journalists to bring you the news from around Central Indiana. In this feature, the Indianapolis Star introduces readers to our newsroom staff — or, rather, we let them introduce themselves. Up this week is Domenica Bongiovanni. Arts and creativity reporter 2017 I love having the opportunity to earn someone's trust and to discover cultural gems that give us a better understanding of our communities. From there, I love to challenge myself to find the most compelling ways to share those stories with readers. The short answer is that I love people, arts and culture, and storytelling, and journalism combines all of these. The longer answer is that when Grade-School Me told my mom I wanted to write for a living, she suggested journalism and explained what it was. After that, I played with the idea of other careers, but becoming a journalist was permanently lodged in my brain. Pianist Christopher Pitts and a group of jazz musicians play an informal afterparty every First Friday at McGowan Hall, 1305 N. Delaware St. The venue's speakeasy vibe and the opportunity to witness these musicians cut loose and be creative makes for a fantastic evening. A great meal with great people goes a long way. I also bake bread, take long bike rides and play cello. I love the fact that these activities demand a process that takes time and forces me to relax. Do podcasts count? Because I'd have to go with American History Tellers and American Scandal. Compelling writing coupled with topics like the Hare Krishna murders, Billy the Kid and the plot to steal Abraham Lincoln's body make it so hard for me to hit the pause button. "I don't know what I think until I see what I say." I first heard this quote from a college professor, but versions of it have been attributed to Joan Didion, E.M. Forster and several others. On writing: Make each word count, and make sure each sentence supports the larger point of the piece. On life: Your attitude plays a large part in determining how far you'll go. I started playing cello when I was 3 years old via the Suzuki method, which teaches kids music by ear before they learn to read notes on the page. I instantly loved it — unlike my childhood ballet class, which disinvited me after one season because I neglected the steps in favor of people-watching. As it turns out, each of these activities pointed to my future career. Technically, the answer to this is taking out the trash — a childhood household chore that my parents rarely compensated me for because I failed to accomplish it most nights. I was much more committed to my first teen job: cashiering and verifying prices at a grocery store. Kalamata olives, which I buy in bulk This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Meet Indianapolis Star arts reporter Domenica Bongiovanni
Indianapolis Star
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indianapolis Star
Meet IndyStar arts reporter Domenica Bongiovanni
It takes a staff of dedicated journalists to bring you the news from around Central Indiana. In this feature, the Indianapolis Star introduces readers to our newsroom staff — or, rather, we let them introduce themselves. Up this week is Domenica Bongiovanni. Arts and creativity reporter 2017 I love having the opportunity to earn someone's trust and to discover cultural gems that give us a better understanding of our communities. From there, I love to challenge myself to find the most compelling ways to share those stories with readers. The short answer is that I love people, arts and culture, and storytelling, and journalism combines all of these. The longer answer is that when Grade-School Me told my mom I wanted to write for a living, she suggested journalism and explained what it was. After that, I played with the idea of other careers, but becoming a journalist was permanently lodged in my brain. Pianist Christopher Pitts and a group of jazz musicians play an informal afterparty every First Friday at McGowan Hall, 1305 N. Delaware St. The venue's speakeasy vibe and the opportunity to witness these musicians cut loose and be creative makes for a fantastic evening. A great meal with great people goes a long way. I also bake bread, take long bike rides and play cello. I love the fact that these activities demand a process that takes time and forces me to relax. Do podcasts count? Because I'd have to go with American History Tellers and American Scandal. Compelling writing coupled with topics like the Hare Krishna murders, Billy the Kid and the plot to steal Abraham Lincoln's body make it so hard for me to hit the pause button. "I don't know what I think until I see what I say." I first heard this quote from a college professor, but versions of it have been attributed to Joan Didion, E.M. Forster and several others. On writing: Make each word count, and make sure each sentence supports the larger point of the piece. On life: Your attitude plays a large part in determining how far you'll go. I started playing cello when I was 3 years old via the Suzuki method, which teaches kids music by ear before they learn to read notes on the page. I instantly loved it — unlike my childhood ballet class, which disinvited me after one season because I neglected the steps in favor of people-watching. As it turns out, each of these activities pointed to my future career. Technically, the answer to this is taking out the trash — a childhood household chore that my parents rarely compensated me for because I failed to accomplish it most nights. I was much more committed to my first teen job: cashiering and verifying prices at a grocery store.
Indianapolis Star
25-05-2025
- Climate
- Indianapolis Star
Live Indianapolis 500 fun report for the 109th running: Snake Pit, Coke Lot, red carpet
Welcome to our annual Indy 500 fun report — basically, coverage of everything but the actual cars running on the track. If race updates are what you're looking for, you can find all that and more at IndyStar Sports. Good morning race fans! That 6 a.m. cannon has sounded and the fireworks have boomed, waking up the town of Speedway as people filter in to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. If you're feeling groggy this morning, the crisp temperatures should help you perk up and prepare to party. Our IndyStar team — Domenica Bongiovanni, Bradley Hohulin, Alysa Guffey, Tony Cook and Alexandria Burris — have been here almost since the break of dawn. They're hitting the Coke Lot, Red Carpet, Snake Pit and fanning out among the grandstands so you won't have to miss a minute of the party action, whether you're somewhere else in the giant oval or hanging out at home. If you're reading as you prep to head out to Speedway, here's what you need to know now: If you've been to the race before, no doubt you know the drill. Rules are far looser than what you can bring on a plane but a tad more restrictive than what you can bring to a friend's house party. Coolers that do not exceed a specified size that are filled with your own snacks, meals and beverages (including those of the alcoholic variety) are a-ok. Glass containers and weapons of any kind are not. Feel free to bring cash but you're not going to have much use for it inside the Speedway. IMS is a cashless facility. More details about what you can and can't bring can be found in this article or on the IMS website. And if you're thinking about bringing a trampoline, swimming pool or golf cart, let me save you a click. Those are not allowed. After some more dismal forecasts earlier in the week, the forecast has cleared up significantly. As of Saturday, the National Weather Service was predicting only the slightest chance of sprinkles with a mix of cloud and sun and somewhat cool can find the forecast for today and the next few days if you're also wondering about that Memorial Day cookout here. The IndyStar staff has spent the past month covering all the intricacies of the Indy 500, both on and off the up below with what you might have missed that's worth a read:The race itself: Get to know the grid: For newbies and aficianados alike, here's a complete guide to the starting lineup of Indy 500 Meet the rookies: Race newcomers include one driver bumped from 2024 starting grid Didn't make it out to the track? What channel is the 2025 Indy 500 on TV? Schedule, start time, how to watch, where to stream The action off the track: IMS Museum gets a makeover: See Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum's dramatic new look after $60.5 million revamp While you're in the neighborhood: Learn how the town of Speedway embraces culture outside the Indy 500 Want to try something new? Here are new foods sold at the track for 2025
