For episode 15 Geoff (@ThallidTosser on Twitter) and Nat Moes (@GrandpaBelcher) bring back Jerry Yang (@yangtrolls), epicurean and, as we learn, the actual worst Vintage player in the world, to talk about the upcoming GenCon extravaganza. We talk a bit about the Vintage metagame and the applications of Young Pyromancer, then we jump straight into the events and, more importantly, the food of GenCon. If you’re going to be in Indianapolis in a few weeks, you’ll definitely want to listen to this episode.

For a format with a lot of inertia, Vintage may have some exciting changes on the horizon as players try to figure out a good way to use Young Pyromancer (or not). We talked about the li’l wizard who could in our last episode too, and we talk a little bit more about its prospects in this one. Jerry points out that its color, efficient cost, and permanent making ability make Pyromancer a natural predator against Workshop decks and blue-based control decks alike.

We’ve seen a lot of ideas thrown around about regarding Pyromancer, a lot of decks excited to use it despite playing a ton of other creatures. I foresee a lot of disappointment with these decks since creatures don’t trigger Pyromancer’s ability. Creatures that would synergize with Pyromancer include Delver (which also wants lots of instants and sorceries) and Dark Confidant (which draws more spells to cast). Gush is almost a certain inclusion since it triggers Pyromancer while drawing more spells to cast.

You all knew that, though, right?

Suffice to say there’s a lot more fun at GenCon that doesn’t involve playing Magic than fun that involves it. We highly recommend demoing a ton of games in the exhibition hall and going to the GenCon Dance (see below). We did not have a good time at True Dungeon, but if you’re into that sort of thing, definitely go for it.

Anyway, GenCon is a little like this: Josh Chapple is a beautiful butterfly.

One highlight for us at GenCon is getting a huge group of people to go out and eat dinner. Many GenCon attendees lack focus in this area and often find themselves patronizing the nearby Noodles & Co. or Steak ‘n’ Shake, where they stand in line for some mediocre food they can get just about anyway. Some people even rave about these places (especially Steak ‘n’ Shake, for whatever reason). Seriously, there are plenty of good, better, great options within walking distance. Here are some of them, listed in the order we talk about them on the show:

Indianapolis Food Trucks – there during the lunchtime hours every day of GenCon. Check these out for sure, but be careful in the sun, for real.

St. Elmo’s Steakhouse

BARcelona Tapas

Punch Burger

Mo’s Steakhouse

High Velocity at J.W. Marriott

Yat’s

Acapulco Joe’s

Ball and Biscuit

Bruburger

Smoking Goose (a.k.a. Dorman Street Meatery)

Goose: the Market

MacNiven’s

Café Patachou

Statehouse Market

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse

Recording this episode and writing up this list of restaurants got me even more psyched for GenCon, so I hope it does the same for you. If you have any questions about restaurant recommendations, or if you have any hidden gems of your own to share, hit us up on Twitter or send an email to the show at [email protected]. We’ll see you in a few weeks at GenCon!