4 Indy restaurants recognized by 'Food & Wine'

Indianapolis is being called a "rising star of the Midwest" by Food & Wine magazine. In particular, four Virginia Avenue restaurants are earning applause.

It's no surprise that Milktooth earned a spot on the list. Chef Jonathan Brooks was already named one of the 10 best new chefs by Food & Wine. But you'll find other neighborhood favorites on the list as well.

Rook, with snazzy new digs and an expanded menu, earns a shout out for its Korean fried chicken buns. Amelia's Bread, famous for its sourdough, and Bluebeard round out the list.

Local foodies have long pegged Fletcher Place as one of the best food neighborhoods in the city, and outsiders are taking note too. Bon Appétit somewhat incredulously applauded three of the same restaurants in its article comparing Indy to Brooklyn. And more restaurants and bars are moving into the neighborhood all the time, like the just-opened Tappers Arcade Bar.

The growth has not been without conflict, however. When Chef Neal Brown tried to move a trendy taco joint with live music into the neighborhood, he met resistance from neighbors concerned about noise.

Allison Carter is an engagement producer at IndyStar. Follow her on Twitter @AllisonLCarter.