For all but the most avid landscape design devotees, the name Jens Jensen may seem slightly familiar but little more. However his beautifully crafted landscapes in Chicago, Indiana, and Wisconsin endure more than a century after his death.
Jens Jensen photo courtesy of the National Park Service.
Jensen left his native Denmark and settled in America in 1884 because of his parents’ disapproval of his wife. Starting as a street sweeper for Chicago’s West Park System, he became one of America’s most significant landscape architects.
Northwest Indiana
South Bay Hotel in the early 1900s. Photo courtesy of the East Chicago Public Library.
From still here to long gone, Jensen’s work can be traced throughout this area that abuts Chicago, known by locals as The Region or, if you’re really from there, Da Region. He landscaped the grounds of the South Bay Hotel, a posh place in Indiana Harbor, popular around the turn of the last century.
South Bay Hotel postcard in the early 1900s. Photo courtesy of the East Chicago Public Library.
It was a place for yachtsmen who sailed from Chicago, docking their boats in a cove of Lake Michigan and spending time having good times at the hotel. Not far away, he designed the very stylish city’s water works park near what is now Jeorse Park Beach.
Jensen was the landscape architect for the original park in Marktown in East Chicago. He also drew up plans for Indiana Harbor’s Washington Park in the 1920s when large homes for Inland Steel’s executives were being built along the park’s perimeters. The neighborhood is now designated as the Washington Park Historic District.
He wrote columns for what was then The Hammond Times and now the Times of Northwest Indiana, offering planting advice and was also involved in a project called the Ideal Section, a 1.5-mile stretch of U.S. Hwy. 30 between Dyer and Schererville, part of the Lincoln Highway designed to showcase what highways could be like in a time of unpaved and gravel roads.
According to George Rogge of Miller Beach, Indiana who served on the Lincoln Highway Association and was a board member of Indiana Landmarks, says that Edsel Ford (Jensen also landscaped their Detroit area home that is open for tours), one of the backers of the highway, authorized a payment of $25,000 for Jensen to design a roadside park area and campground. That never came to fruition.
But the memorial Jensen designed honoring the Ideal Section and also Henry C. Ostermann, an early proponent of the Lincoln Highway remains and is surrounded by the native plants he would have chosen.
A member of the Prairie Club–a group of scientists, early environmentalist and those who enjoyed nature who came from Chicago to enjoy the dunes and waters of Lake Michigan, Jensen was instrumental in the fight to save parts of Gary’s shoreline from the encroachment of the steel mills on land now comprising the state and national dunes parks. A fountain he designed is located at the entrance of the Indiana Dunes State Park.
A Splendid Past
Jens Jensen Gardens at The Barker Mansion in Michigan City. Photo courtesy of the Barker Mansion.
In Michigan City, Jensen designed the gardens at the stately Barker Mansion, the former home of a wealthy industrialist built in 1857 and now an opulent example of the Gilded Age is filled with original furnishings and art.
Barker Mansion in Michigan City. Photo courtesy of The Barker Mansion.
The museum hosts numerous garden events showcasing its brick walkways, formal plantings, fountain, a niche with bench and Tiffany globes, urns overflowing with flowers and climbing bushes with pretty blooms.
The Lost is Found
The Jens Jensen Gardens at Marian University in Indianapolis. Photo courtesy of Marian University.
Dr. David Benson, a biology professor at Marian University in Indianapolis, wanted to revitalize the sprawling grounds of the James Allyson estate where the school is located. But when landscapers started to work, they realized this wasn’t just an overgrown piece of land; it was the work of Jensen. It is among the largest and most intact of his landscapes in the United States.
As an interesting aside, according to the Marian University website, Benson secured the 12th global ranking for identifying an impressive 611 bird species across the lower 48 states during the 2023 calendar year. Reflecting on his monumental feat, Benton described it as “an enormous challenge and a fantastic experience in practical ecology and ornithology.”
Foundtain at the Jens Jensen Gardens at Marian University in Indianapolis. Photo courtesy of Marian University.
According to Deborah Lawrence, Senior Vice President for Strategic Partnerships and General Counsel, who is also involved in the garden project, the 55-acre natural area of native plants, prairie, now the Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab, is designed to educate through interaction with the environment.
The Jens Jensen Gardens at Marian University in Indianapolis. Photo courtesy of Marian University.
Riverdale, the estate’s formal gardens were also restored. Both contain many of Jensen’s signature elements including a player’s green, and for water features, a series of spring-fed lakes encircling a central clover meadow. The restoration of historic structures include a stone colonnade, fountain, and what Lawrence describes as their version of a council ring.
“The plants are color-coded in purples and blues,” says Lawrence, noting there are walking trails and the grounds are open to visitors. “It’s what Jensen wanted.”
Chicago
Many of Jensen’s memorable works can be seen in Humboldt Park where he expanded the lagoon into the Prairie River, a cascading and meandering waterway with stepping-stone paths and banks lined with native plants. He also built the Prairie-style boat house there
Jens Jensen designed Columbus Park in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Choose Chicago.
Columbus Park is the only Chicago park completely designed by Jensen, and it is the only place in the city with one of his famed council rings. Part of his heritage, Jensen attended the Folk School in Denmark, a place for learning Danish traditions and culture, including an appreciation of nature. Council rings were part of the concept, used as a way to bring people together in the outdoors, a place to sit, share, and tell stories.
Jensen incorporated Prairie-style elements in his design of the Garfield Park Conservatory, one of the most popular settings for engagement and wedding photos in Chicago.
Up North
After the death of his wife, Jensen, who loved the beauty of Door County, Wisconsin, moved to Ellison Bay, establishing The Clearing Folk School, a place for classes and seminars centering on arts, fine crafts, humanities, and natural sciences. Visitors are welcome to explore the grounds and building and there are also guided hikes.
Upper Range Lights. Photo by Jane Simon Ammeson.
Jensen also played a part in the preservation of the 1,600-acre Ridges Sanctuary near Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin’s first land trust. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, it’s a wonderful place for hiking.
Lower Range Light in Baileys Harbor, Door County, Wisconsin. Photo by Jane Simon Ammeson
But its main features are the Upper Range and Lower Range lights dating back to 1870. Set 980 feet apart and aligned on a 340° bearing line, they are the only lighthouses still on range being used as navigational aids.
The last mile of WI 42 north of Ellison Bay was sketched by Jens Jensen and the most photographed stretch of road in scenic Door County. Photo courtesy of Destination Door County.
“Jensen also is credited with having sketched the last mile of Wisconsin 42, north of Ellison Bay leading to the Washington Island Ferry dock,” says Jon Jarosh, Chief Communications Officer at Destination Door County. “The extremely curvy stretch of road is the most photographed stretch of road in Door County.”
Details: Head to The American Factory for an evening of laughs and libations at Comedy on the Rocks. Journeyman welcomes Dave Dyer, a regular on The Bob & Tom Show and a former writer for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, alongside Will Green, a New England comedy scene fixture who has performed at festivals such as Gilda’s LaughFest and the Milwaukee Comedy Festival. Bring your friends, enjoy cocktails made with Journeyman’s award-winning spirits, and kick back for a fun evening of comedy.
Details: Begin your NYE celebrations at Staymaker Restaurant with a three-course prix-fixe meal paired with signature Journeyman cocktails. Afterward, join the dance party for music, drinks, and dancing. Each dance party ticket includes access to the event, a welcome cocktail, two drink tickets, and a midnight toast. Additional drink tickets are available for $10 each or five for $40
MEET THE MAKERS: ART OF DISTILLING
WHERE: The American Factory, 258 South Campbell Street, Valparaiso, IN 46385
DETAILS: In the final installment of Journeyman’s Meet the Makers series, join Head Distiller Jacob Rippetoe and founders Bill and Johanna Welter for an up-close look at how Journeyman crafts its award-winning spirits. Taking place at The American Factory, this free event offers the chance to experience the art and history behind Journeyman while sampling their signature spirits and cocktails.
BURNS NIGHT: A SUPPER OF CELEBRATION
WHERE: The Featherbone Factory, 109 Generations Dr. Three Oaks, MI 49128
DETAILS: Journeyman is honoring national Scottish poet Robert Burns’ birthday with an authentic Burns Night Supper at The Featherbonr Factory. The team will set the mood accordingly with a candlelit ambiance, bagpipe music, poetry readings, and hearty Scottish dishes. Guests will also have the opportunity to sample unreleased single-malt whiskeys crafted by Journeyman while enjoying a cozy winter celebration of one of Scotland’s most beloved poets. Each guest will leave with a 200-mL bottle of Silver Cross Four Grain Whiskey. Tickets are $80 per person, and attendees must be 21 or older to attend.
ZERO PROOF GIN & N/A COCKTAIL OFFERINGS
WHERE: The Featherbone Factory, 109 Generations Dr. Three Oaks, MI 49128 and The American Factory, 258 South Campbell Street, Valparaiso, IN 46385
DETAILS: Just in time for Dry January, Journeyman has released a zero-proof version of their beloved Field Gin— crafted in collaboration with Chicago’s iconic Field Museum of Chicago. An ideal bar cart addition, the non-alcoholic spirit has tasting notes of herbs, sweet berry, citrus, cucumber, juniper and coriander, providing a classic gin-like profile with a crisp and clean finish. Available for $34.99/bottle, the Zero Proof Field Gin can be purchased at both locations in Three Oaks and Valparaiso and will be available on Journeyman’s website. Plus, the Journeyman team is using the new spirit to shake up some tempting non-alcoholic cocktails available at their campus restaurants in Valparaiso, Indiana and Three Oaks, Michigan. Sips include the Dirtless Martini with N/A Field Gin, olive juice and blue cheese olives, the N/A Lavender Gimlet with lavender simple syrup, lime and grapefruit juice, and the N/A Ramos Gin Fizz with lemon juice, soda and foamy egg white.
When: Sunday, December 22, 2024, with two seatings at 5 pm and 7:30 pm
How: Reservations are required by clicking here, or by calling (260) 278-0674
Tickets are $115 per person
What started years ago as a fun exchange about cheese at Zingerman’s in Ann Arbor, turned into a lasting friendship between Chefs Sean Richardson and Christian Hunter. Since those days, both were recognized in their own right by the James Beard Foundation. Later this month, they will reunite. Only this time, it’s on in the kitchen!
Fort Wayne locals have quickly become Rune devotees since its opening in March of this year. Chef Richardson uses locally raised ingredients for his seasonal menus that introduce guests to an array of international flavors in approachable ways. Chef Christian Hunter has a similar approach at his Michelin-starred restaurant, Atelier, in Chicago. Hunter is now a partner in the restaurant featuring a nightly 12-14 course menu highlighting dishes ranging from home cooking to something more fancy which always “tries to be true to our roots,” said the Lexington, Kentucky native.
The two lauded chefs are joining forces for a one-night-only collaborative tasting dinner at Rune Restaurant on December 22, 2024.
Richardson says guests can expect five courses featuring the best of the region’s producers. He’s excited to share the kitchen with his friend and said, “Any opportunity to share a space with another chef, especially one as successful and down to earth as Christian, is always exciting. The fact that it is our space in my city is extremely exciting.”
“It’s going to be a dinner that honors the local producers. So, I’m here to cook Fort Wayne food, and to learn about Fort Wayne. So, to me, it’s a very cool kind of exchange that we’re about to do. That’s what I’m looking forward to,” said Hunter.
About Christian Hunter
Chef Christian Hunter is inspired by his upbringing, global flavors, sustainable food production, and nutritional anthropology.
He first encountered diverse cuisines in his hometown of Lexington, Kentucky. As soon as he was earning his own money, he’d spend it checking out the newest restaurants in town from Mexican and Thai to Indian. “It was like I was searching for something,” Hunter recalls. That early childhood exposure all comes to fruition on his plates.
His signature style focuses on infusing New American fare with unexpected global flavors. He adds zing to locally sourced products with chermoula, freekeh, berbere, house-made garam masala, salsa macha, locally made miso, and many more.
Hunter has a culinary degree from Paul Smith’s College in upstate New York and has cooked at Relais & Châteaux’s Lake Placid Lodge and The Weekapaug Inn in Rhode Island. He spent four years in Charleston cultivating relationships with local farmers and also his own culinary identity, emphasizing global flavors. He joined Community Table in Litchfield, Connecticut during the challenging year of 2020. Chef used the time to familiarize himself with area farms and shape the culinary direction of the restaurant.
The Chef also brings his Southern heritage to Atelier. Coming from a humble background, he strives to get the most out of everything he brings into the kitchen. Hunter also wants to illuminate the ability of African American chefs to cook amazing food of any cuisine or genre.
Chef Hunter’s notable recognitions thus far:
2024 Chicago Magazine 50 Best New Restaurant
2024 Jean Banchet Rising Star Chef Nominee
2024 James Beard Best New Restaurant Semi-Finalist (Atelier)
2023 Michelin Chicago Young Chef Award Winner
2023 Michelin 1* (Atelier)
2023 James Beard Best Chef Finalist Northeast (Community Table/ CT)
About Sean Richardson
An Indiana native, Chef Sean Richardson remembers cooking alongside his grandparents as a child. Making everything from handmade sausages to varenyky and kapusta, he says that they “taught me what cooking could be.” So, when he moved to Fort Wayne to pursue a degree in creative writing from Purdue University, he also explored what cooking really could be by embarking upon his culinary career starting at The Oyster Bar in 2008, before honing his craft in 2013 at the award-winning Joseph Decuis in Roanoke in Indiana.
In 2017, he joined forces with Chef Aaron Butts to open The Golden in Fort Wayne where he was nominated by the James Beard Foundation as Best Great Chef of Great Lakes. His collaborative efforts have also put him on the map of notable chefs working on projects with Chef Jonathan Brooks of Milktooth, Chef and educator Kate Hill of Camont in Gascony, France, and Chef Dan Barber of Blue Hill at Stone Barn.
Most recently he helmed the culinary program at another Fort Wayne original – Conjure. It was here that he began dreaming about his latest project – Rune Restaurant and Bar which opened its doors in March 2024 in the 07 (46807) neighborhood of Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Richardson says that he has worked over the past decade to perfect his voice, and feels he’s finally ready to express a voice that is “loud with big flavors, a bit chaotic, technical when it needs to be, but never fussy, and always delicious.” He and his wife, Natasha, live in the neighborhood and value family time with their two sons – Rune and Casper. He also explores his creative expression by writing songs with his band –Best Sleep which performs regularly at various listening rooms in Fort Wayne.
Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is ending its U.S. run this weekend at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indy. Starting tomorrow night and running until Sunday, November 3, Swift will be playing three shows with an opening act by Gracie Abrams.
Taylor Swift
To say the city is abuzz would be a huge understatement. Indy has geared up in a big way with events not only for those who can afford the ticket price—a quick look at prices on vividseats.com shows a range from $29,221 to $240,424 with a purchase minimum of 2 to 4.
TICKET OR NOT EXPECT A DINO-MITE/MEGA TIME
But even if the price is too steep, you can still get the ultimate Taylor vibe by visiting Indy this weekend where it’s all things Taylor full time. After all, even the dinosaurs at the Indianpolis Children’s Museum are Swifties, catch them wearing friendship bracelets.
“It’s all about giving everyone a mega experience whether they’re going to a concert or not,” says Clare Clark, Senior Communications Manager for Visit Indy, who estimates that about 200,000 Swifties will travel to Indianapolis.
HERE’S THE LOW DOWN
“Get ready to shake it off and dive into a weekend that’s pure magic!’” reads the press release. “Whether you’re on a quest for friendship bracelets or ready to dance to live music, this city is turning up the volume on all things Taylor. From museum events that will make you feel like you’re in a love story, to trivia games that’ll have you saying, “I remember it all too well,” there’s something for every Swiftie in Indy.”
And indeed there is.
SWIFT CITY SESSIONS, FOOD TRUCKS, SPARK ON MONUMENT CIRCLE, AND MORE
The music never stops in Indy. Throughout downtown, Indy Arts Council will host over 120 local pop-up performances featuring musicians and spoken word artists, at over 13 iconic locations in the city like Bicentennial Unity Plaza, the Indiana Repertory Theatre, Lugar Plaza, Hudnut Commons, and Monument Circle. Plus make & take art stations in the Indianapolis Artsgarden, offering eras-themed crafts like your own eras-themed sunglasses, flower crowns, guitar pics, friendship bracelets, and more.
• A 34-story Taylor Swift decal is installed on the side of the JW Marriott.
• 32 city street signs were renamed in honor of Taylor Swift.
• Welcome signage deployed throughout IND.
• Dino-sized friendship bracelets at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum.
INDY IS SERVING SOME SWIFT-INSPIRED SIPS TO GET YOU INTO THE CONCERT SPIRIT
Enjoy Sun King Brewery’s Cherry Limeade Ale, dubbed “1,2,3 Let’s Go B*tch.” This refreshing ale blends cherry and lime flavors, perfect for those who enjoy a fruity and tart beverage. With its bright color and crisp taste, it’s ideal for summer sipping or as a fun addition to any gathering.
NO CHAMPAGNE PROBLEMS HERE
Don’t miss the Eras Cider Box at Ash & Elm Cider Co. which is themed ciders and a lively atmosphere celebrating Taylor’s Eras Tour. This collection features a variety of ciders inspired by Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. Each cider offers a distinct flavor profile, allowing you to explore different tastes while celebrating the Swiftie in all of us.
FOOD TRUCK SCHEDULE: SWIFTIES GOTTA EAT
Monument Circle at SPARK Friday: 12–8 pm Saturday: 12–8 pm Sunday: 12–8 pm
Hudnut Commons on Maryland Street Friday: 12–8 pm Saturday: 12–8 pm Sunday: 12–8 pm
Taylor Swift
MERCH SALES
Not all destinations let those not attending a Swift concert by merchandise, but really it’s like going on vacation and now coming home with a t-shirt. Were you really there? The same questions arises, according to Visit Indy, if you don’t take home merch, did you even go?
Commemorate your Eras Tour experience by loading up on merch in the Indiana Convention Center (Hall I) which is conveniently across the street from Lucas Oil Stadium. Please be patient and expect long lines.
MERCHANDISE OPEN HOURS:
Wednesday: 10 am–8 pm Thursday: 10 am–8 pm Friday: 12–8 pm Saturday: 12–8 pm Sunday: No Merch Sales at Center
GETTING THERE
PARKING NEAR LUCAS OIL STADIUM
Although downtown Indianapolis has over 73,000 parking spots, demand is expected to exceed supply during Taylor Swift’s three-night stop at Lucas Oil Stadium. Luckily, several options are available to reserve parking in advance, ensuring you can enjoy the event without worry.
ParkMobile: 200 N. Illinois St. spots available for $67.20. Parking is between 5 pm and midnight on show days. Download the ParkMobile App on Google Play or the Apple App Store. You can also use the app to find day-of parking around downtown Indianapolis.
SpotHero: Spots near Lucas Oil Stadium range from $75 to $100.
Denison Parking: Prices range from $31 (furthest) to $86 (closest).
South St. between Missouri & West St. Between 10 pm–1 am
Lilly Lot at Delaware & South St. Between 10 pm–1 am
NOTE: Demand for Rideshare is expected to exceed capacity. Expect surge charges and long waits.
PARENT PICKUP ZONE
Lilly Lot at Delaware & South St. Between 10 pm–1 am
DROP OFF ZONE
McCarty Street south of LOS
INDYGO
IndyGo, with the rapid transit Red Line and new Purple Line, makes a convenient option to and from the stadium. Check out IndyGo’s guide to Taylor Swift Weekend here.
For more information on all the Swiftie events, click here.
I will giving a talk and signing copies of my books tomorrow at Forever Books in downtown St. Joseph at 6:30 EST.
Among the books I’ll be talking about is Classic Restaurants of Michiana. Here is what my publisher wrote about it:
“Once a stagecoach stop, The Old Tavern Inn has been open since the time of President Andrew Jackson. Tosi’s is known for its gorgeous starlit garden and gastronomic traditions stretching back almost a century, and The Volcano was amongst the first pizzerias in the country. These restaurants and other classic eateries remain part of the thriving local food scene. But the doors of others have long been closed. Some like Mead’s Chicken Nook and Robertson’s Tea Room linger in memories while The Owl Saloon, O. A. Clark’s Lunch Rooms, and Lobster Lounge are long lost to time.
“Award-winning author Jane Simon Ammeson leads a culinary road trip through Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan.”
I’ll also be discussing America’s Femme Fatale: The Story of Serial Killer Belle Gunness, a true crime story that took place in LaPorte, Indiana back around the turn of the last century.
DETAILS: Discover the unique heritage behind Journeyman Distillery at their Meet the Makers series, a FREE educational event hosted at The American Factory. Hosted on select Saturdays, guests will have the opportunity to meet the talented team at Journeyman and learn the art of distilling, cocktail creation, scratch cooking, and craft brewing and sample some of Journeyman’s award-winning spirits and cocktails. Upcoming Meet the Makers sessions in August include:
Cocktail Creation with Daniel Lagestee, Tish Wlodarkczyk, and Bill and Johanna Welter on August 10th
Distilling with Jacob Rippetoe and Bill and Johanna Welter on August 17th
DIRTY BOOTS COUNTRY NIGHT
DATE: August 17
WHERE: The American Factory 258 S Campbell St, Valparaiso IN 46385
DETAILS: Giddy up boys and girls! Grab your cowboy boots and hats and head over to The American Factory for an evening of dancing, cocktails, and live country music. Hosted in the campus’ East Room, come dressed in your best Western attire and enjoy line dancing lessons and live country music from Steel Country. Tickets are $25/person and include admission to the event, complimentary line dancing instruction, a welcome cocktail, and a drink ticket.
SATURDAY NIGHT MUSIC SERIES
DATE: Weekly on Saturday
TIME: 6:00 – 9:00 pm
WHERE: The American Factory 258 S Campbell St, Valparaiso IN 46385
DETAILS: Head over to The American Factory’s outdoor courtyard to enjoy FREE live music every Saturday night. Grab your friends and family to enjoy the warm summer weather and support local music acts like Pablo Balldetti, Marco Villarreal, Sarah Archer, Ric Fierabracci, and Frank Rovolli.
POLYNESIAN CHEF’S DINNER
DATE: August 23rd
WHERE: The Featherbone Factory 109 Generations Dr, Three Oaks, MI 49128
DETAILS: Escape to a tropical paradise at Journeyman’s Polynesian Dinner, the latest installment of their Chef Dinner Series. Chef Amanda Salas is dishing out a flavorful lineup of island-inspired dishes paired with cocktails made with Journeyman’s award-winning spirits. The team will be setting up a variety of buffets including a Polynesian Pig Buffet with hearty offerings like Roasted Pork Loin with roasted pineapple and Pulled Pork served with Polynesian barbecue sauce and Hawaiian Rolls and a cold buffet with sides like Shrimp Poke and Tropical Fruit Salad. For dessert, indulge in a variety of delectable sweets like Pina Colada Panna Cotta and Chocolate Macadamia Nut Tarts. Tickets are $45/person and can be purchased here.
Launched in 2021, the dinner series has become our centerpiece event as we raise funds for the Greg Hardesty Scholarship Fund at Ivy Tech Community College. The dinner series runs for four Mondays, April 8-29, and each week features three chefs – plus a featured pastry chef – who collaborate on a fabulous four-course menu, complete with wine pairings.
This year our theme is Onward and Upward, and in addition to spotlighting top Indianapolis chefs, we’ll also be featuring chefs from around the state. The dinners include a complimentary cocktail hour with delightful appetizers from each chef as well as a sparkling wine, a signature cocktail and a local beer.
Here’s the 2024 Spring Dinner Series chef lineup, with desserts each week provided by pastry chef and Ivy Tech instructor Hattie Shoemaker:
April 8 — Featuring chef Chris Eley of Smoking Goose, chef Toby Moreno of Highland Golf & Country Club and chef Marcus Daniel of Bridgeport in Fort Wayne.
April 15 — Featuring chef Tracey Couillard of Public Greens, chef Eli Laidlaw of The Alexander and chef Charisa Perkins of Copper House in Evansville.
April 22 — Featuring chef Alan Sternberg of Bluebeard, chef Tyler Shortt of Tinker Street and chef Ming Pu of Brooklyn & the Butcher, The Exchange and Outcast in New Albany.
April 29 — Featuring chef Ryan Nelson of Late Harvest Kitchen, chef Patrick Russ of Newfields and chef Jeff Ford of J. Ford’s Black Angus in Terre Haute.
Tickets are $350 for two; tables seat six and are $1,000. Tickets are available at Eventbrite; to purchase for the whole series, or to arrange for seating with other ticketholders, please email info@culinarycrossroads.org.
About Culinary Crossroads
Culinary Crossroads is an organization that shines a spotlight on the people, products, places and services that define Indiana’s culinary landscape and help make Indiana the place where people want to live, work and play. Our mission is to create content and initiatives that promote education and awareness about our culinary community and to amplify the voices that support this underlying goal.
While you’ve probably heard of “Hoosier Hospitality” – our state’s reputation for friendliness is certainly well deserved – you may not have thought of Indiana as a place with great food, rock star chefs, award-winning specialty products and outstanding culinary destinations. But here at Culinary Crossroads, we help people see Indiana in a way that maybe even longtime residents haven’t seen it before. After all, we’re at the Culinary Crossroads of America. We’ve got something special here in Indiana, and we can’t wait to fill you in.
Through our web content, social media and initiatives that promote community and collaboration, Culinary Crossroads is helping to grow a more robust statewide culinary culture by showcasing the restaurants, chefs, competitive cooks, farmers, producers and purveyors that define Indiana food.
And for businesses and corporate recruiters, we hope CulinaryCrossroads.org can provide one more way to show what Indiana has to offer!
