Hendricks Co. Flavor Fest enters 2nd weekend

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HENDRICKS CO., Ind. (WISH) — Heads up, foodies! Hendricks County Flavor Fest is underway and is entering its second weekend this Friday.

Visit Hendricks County says the month-long event looks to bring more people into locally owned businesses throughout the area. It started on Feb. 17.

For India Bistro-Goan, 130 Perry Rd, Plainfield, IN, it’s a chance to show off a different subculture.

Owner Richard Mergulhao is from Goa, a state in southern India. He says he’s taking inspiration from his mother’s and his Korean mother-in-law’s cooking.

“I wanted to bring that out to the community,” Mergulhao said. “It’s not a typical [Indian] restaurant, but I call it Mama’s Nook. I always — whenever I go to different states — I want to go to those Mama’s Nooks to try their food.”

Chrisy Fraizer, owner of The Frigid Frog & More, 303 E Main St, Plainfield, IN, says small businesses like hers always appreciate the effort to get more eyes on their products.

She’s offering a special brownie sundae for Flavor Fest.

There are lots of us who are participating,” Fraizer said. “Just to get people to find new spaces and places that they can visit and see what all we have to offer here in our space, with families coming in and having a fun place to hang out.”

In its second year, Flavor Fest has grown. This year, the lineup includes 46 participating restaurants. Each location will feature new items and food specials.

Evelyn Geramajo bought Al’s Donuts, 311 W Main St, Plainfield, IN last year. The classic donut shop is new to the lineup.

She’s adding a nod to her kids and culture, the “Nenes Sandwich,” A stacked bagel with ham, sausage, eggs and cheese. “Nene” is a Spanish term of endearment for children used thorughout central America.

“This has been here since the 1960s,” Geramajo said. “We also have a new stuff in here that you can check it out … We also have all new smoothies, We have different flavors and iced coffee.”

Momma Shell’s Cookies shares a building with The Frigid Frong. Owner Rachelle Huether is using the food fest as a chance to make something new, a Strawberry Crunch Cookie.

“It tastes like the nostalgic strawberry shortcake ice cream bar,” Huther said. “You have your vanilla Oreo in the center. It is also crushed up on top … and it’s got our sweet cream marshmallow icing.”

Jarrod Cox, owner of PopAKernal, 351 Marketplace Mile #100, Plainfield, IN, says he’s also come up with a new flavor at his popcorn and snack shop.

“We’re offering a street corn [popcorn],” Cox said. “It’s a flavor of white cheddar and a Mexican Tajin. It’s one of our selections that we’ve added for the flavor fest.”

Visitors can also check in with QR codes at the restaurants they try and get entered into drawings for $50 gift cards.

Hendricks County Flavor Fest runs through March 17. For a full list of participating restaurants, visit the Flavor Fest website.