Devour Indy Winterfest extended through Feb. 5 CARMEL, Ind. (WISH) — The winter snowstorm brought so much snow that it cooled off business for local restaurants this past week, but Devour Indy Winterfest, a bi-annual event showcasing local restaurants, extended its festival from Sunday, Feb. 1 through Thursday, Feb. 5. It was busy at Carmel’s Hanami Sushi and Sake Bar. Owner Dao Richmond said they are fully booked Saturday night. “Definitely, we have new customers, and they came here and enjoyed from Devour Indy saying,” Richmond said. “This is our first time here, and I want to come back.” It was a big difference from last week, when the snowstorm disrupted business, Hanami and other establishments closed because it was unsafe for customers and workers. Richmond said closing shop cost her $5,000 – $6,000. “Many people that come here come from Devour Indy, and we are so happy they extended to Thursday, Feb. 5,” Richmond said. Established in 2005, Devour Indy Winterfest was created to support local restaurants during slow months, showcasing the food scene at specially priced menus. For their special Hanami menu, $25 gets hungry eaters an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert. At the bar, sushi chefs were busy meticulously rolling up sushi and strategically plating them, and the bartender was shaking up drinks after drinks. The wait staff were moving fast from one table to the next. Richmond said the additional four-day extension can make a world of a difference to bring in new customers in like 10-year-old Preston Stewart. “Yeah, this is what I need,” said Preston. “Tonkotsu ramen. 10 out of 10. Tastes like Gordon Ramsey made it. Asian Gordon Ramsey.” But for Preston’s dad, its more than just the food. Going out to eat is an escape. “Well yeah. You get cabin fever, and its nice to be out amongst people again,” said Reid Stewart. “You can only watch so many Netflix shows, and you run out, and you got to get out and get social again.” ...read more read less