Every month or so I have new articles to present to Alan. I label a fresh manila folder and place the often hand-written columns inside. I call Alan and we pick a day and time to get together.

Alan takes me to a local restaurant and picks up the tab. I'm not paid in cash for my efforts. I'm paid in food...and I'm not complaining. I've had a chance to eat at a lot of Broad Ripple eateries and it's been a lotta fun.

Some places we have been to more than once. Northside News is my favorite hang-out in Broad Ripple. They have cigars, magazines, $1 books, soups, sodas and magnificent sandwiches. My friend and mentor, Michael "Animal" Lochmueller, is at Northside News almost daily. In my apartment I have so many photos of "Animal" that the uninformed might think that I have based a religion around him. So between "Animal" and the other things Northside News has an ambiance which is unbeatable to me.

Alan and I enjoy eating at Broad Ripple Bagel and Deli. They have a mesmerizing variety of sandwiches. I like the "Broad Ripple Gazette Sandwich" because of the banana peppers. I recently took my Dad to the Broad Ripple Bagel and Deli for lunch. We split a pretzel bagel as a slimy and salty dessert. Salt had never tasted so good.

Alan and I have recently eaten at Boogie Burger. This is a hippie chic place to eat in a very mellow spot in Broad Ripple. Boogie Burger has a retro interior with artistically done burgers, fries, and shakes.

Alan and I enjoy the diversity of small business restaurants in Broad Ripple. The owner often makes our sandwiches. This makes for a wonderfully grounding experience. It seems to me very natural, like it is the way it should be. The varied ambiances of small businesses make this a unique community. May small businesses always thrive in Broad Ripple.