Three Generations of Hoosiers Talk About Westfield
With more than 80 miles of trails to explore, a variety of unique places to eat and an expanding bike sharing initiative, Westfield has an abundance of things to do.
Thanks to Visit Hamilton County, I got to talk with three members of Westfield’s community about their connections to Westfield and Hamilton County. Each shared their own, unique view from a different generational perspective.
Sabrina Richard, a 13-year-old Food Network star and Girl Scout, is a native Hoosier and has lived in Westfield for about a year.
Edible Indy: Being that it's summer, our latest issue includes a piece on lemonade -- both hard lemonade and kid-friendly recipes If you could pick one of the drinks to take to your favorite spot in the county, which drink would you choose and where would you go?
Sabrina Richard: Actually I read them, and one of the cocktails was spicy, and one was tart. I prefer my lemonade aromatic. I would pick some lavender and basil from my garden, and make a lavender basil infused lemonade. I would make a pitcher of this and serve my drink at Forest Park in Noblesville.
EI: What about the winter? If you had a never-ending cup of hot chocolate, where would you hang out on a cold Midwest day?
SR: Winter is actually my favorite time of year. I would love this never-ending cup of cocoa (or tea!) and I would go to Conner Prairie holiday events. It is really pretty in Prairietown when it's snowing and I love the cloaks they wear!
EI: Do you have a Hamilton County bucket list? Is there some place you've always wanted to go but haven't?
SR: I made a list of about 10 - 15 restaurants I had to go to. So far I've done a pretty good job of checking them off. Some of my favorites so far are Mimi Blue Meatballs, Rail Epicurean Market, The Italian House on Park, The Table (inside Market District) and The Local Eatery and Pub. Though not in Hamilton County, I also can't get enough of Oakley’s Bistro because the chef, Steve Oakley, is also from Westfield and is a fellow Food Network pal. It's a French restaurant, my favorite style of cooking, so I couldn't leave it off my list, and I always tell people about it because it's barely not in Hamilton county.
EI: If you just met someone at the airport who's visiting our neck of the woods for the first time, what would be the one thing you would tell them about the people who live here?
SR: I'm only 13, so I am not sure I should be talking to anyone in the airport ;) but if I were, I would say this. As I have traveled around the country, I have noticed people don't always look you in the eye. Here they do. Take advantage of that. Ask the people here where they like to eat or shop or visit, and they'll tell you. I love Indianapolis and I am proud to be from here. I am really honored to represent Indy around the country and on national TV. I tell people all the time my favorite places, my favorite chefs and favorite little stores. We have great ones around the city and we want to share that knowledge. I have been so lucky people have given their knowledge to me. I think we do that to our tourists too. I like that, and I really am thrilled to share.
Erika Flanders, 39, has lived in Hamilton County her whole life and co-owns Erika’s Place, a local Westfield breakfast spot, with Cheryl Hunter-Pettijohn.
Edible Indy: Being that it's summer, our latest issue includes a piece on lemonade -- both hard lemonade and kid-friendly recipes If you could pick one of the drinks to take to your favorite spot in the county, which drink would you choose and where would you go?
Erika Flanders: I would just choose to drink regular old homemade lemonade and relax by my pool. I’m kind of a homebody these days!
EI: What about the winter? If you had a never-ending cup of hot chocolate, where would you hang out on a cold Midwest day?
EF: I would sit on my couch in front of the fireplace snuggled with my dogs!
EI: Do you have a Hamilton County bucket list? Is there some place you've always wanted to go but haven't?
EF: Bonge's Tavern is on my bucket list for Hamilton County. I only live about 5 miles from it but can't seem to find the time!
EI: If you just met someone at the airport who's visiting our neck of the woods for the first time, what would be the one thing you would tell them about the people who live here?
EF: If I had just met someone at the airport and was telling them about Hamilton County and this area, I would say that this area is one of the most caring and stick-together areas that there are. People rally together in hard times and good times to help each other out!
Bob Beauchamp, 73, has lived in Westfield since 1983. He has been an antique dealer for the last 50 years, but decided to start something different three years ago when he bought and restored properties near Grand Junction. Now, he owns four restaurants on Park Street —Rail Epicurean Market, Chiba, The Italian House on Park and Greek’s Pizzeria — and expects to have two more open by winter.
Edible Indy: Being that it's summer, our latest issue includes a piece on lemonade -- both hard lemonade and kid-friendly recipes If you could pick one of the drinks to take to your favorite spot in the county, which drink would you choose and where would you go?
Bob Beauchamp: I don’t drink lemonade. But my favorite spot would be behind the back building of Chiba and I’d sit back there beneath the trees.
EI: What about winter? If you had a never-ending cup of hot chocolate, where would you hang out on a cold Midwest day?
BB: Probably home.
EI: Do you have a Hamilton County bucket list? Is there some place you’ve always wanted to go but haven’t?
BB: I think I’ve pretty much been everywhere in Hamilton County.
EI: If you just met someone at the airport who’s visiting our neck of the woods for the first time ,what would be the one thing you’d tell them about the people who live here?
BB: I think that Hamilton county is very well founded. Westfield, Carmel and Fishers all rank very high for the best cities to live in. Most people are pretty friendly and welcoming to strangers. And I’d definitely direct them to the restaurants on Park Street.
