This just in: Naked Tchopstix now has a patio!

Sushi lovers from all corners of the world (or the greater Indianapolis area), Naked Tchopstix now has a patio for outdoor dining and sake bombs in the sun! Sunset roll? Corona roll? The Playboy? It's all amazing and now even more enjoyable under a colorful umbrella with a warm summer breeze. What else does this extra seating mean? Less wait time on weekends!

CORNER WINE BAR

Last night, I visited the Corner Wine Bar, located in the heart of Broad Ripple Village. What an awesome place for a low key yet high class evening. We selected a bottle of wine off of the "managers bin special." The manager selects a couple of different wines and prices them at $20/bottle. Super affordable if you're into trying new wines. Our waiter suggested a Pinot, which was stellar. The women next to us were digging into the fruit and cheese plate ...which looked so fresh and scrumptious. I would highly recommend the Corner Wine Bar for a chill night with friends. Their summer menu looked incredible. Oh, and they have an awesome outdoor patio for those moonlight summer nights. I can't wait to head back and dig into their summer menu!

Curry Noodles

Last night BDPM and I tried out a tasty and bold dish that we loved! By using whole wheat pasta and the recipe's secret creamy ingredient it was delicious and healthy. What is great about this recipe is that it uses stuff you probably already have sitting around in your kitchen- veggies, pasta, spices. Can't beat it- check it out below.


Creamy Curry Noodles

What you'll need:

8 oz. whole wheat pasta
2/3 cup plain yogurt (aka- not so secret ingredient)
1/2 cup fat free chicken (or vegetable) broth
1 tbsp. curry powder
1 lb frozen or fresh veggies
2 tbsp. fresh cilantro


Step 1: Boil that pasta

Step 2: While you're waiting for your noodles to cook, throw your veggies into a skillet with a little bit of olive oil.

Step 3: Once they've softened up a bit add your curry powder

Step 4: Pour in your chicken broth and stir

Step 5: Add the yogurt (this is what makes the dish creamy yet healthy- the perfect combo)

Step 6: Mix your cooked noodles and curry-veggie mix in with the pasta, don't forget to throw in the cilantro!

Step 7: Dig in to some yummy noodle goodness.

Tip: We had leftovers and it turns out this is pretty good as a cold pasta salad too. Bonus!

30k Profiles: Benjamin David Paul

Here it is! The Thirtythousanddollarmillionaire profile of the week! This local environmentalist puts it all out there when it comes to living the 30KM life.

My motto is: If it's half as good as the half we've known, here's Hail! to the rest of the road.

Childhood ambition: At first I wanted to be an astronaut, then a fireman, and then I decided I liked Mother Nature and hated fire too much to do either one of those so I became an Ecologist instead. Hippie for hire if you will. Soon enough I will be able to plant Mars with prairie grasses and burn said prairies to aid in their establishment and BAM, I get to do all three.

Favorite cocktail: Manhatten, extra splash of bitters, 3 cherries. I'm an old man at heart. It just fits so well with a cardigan and a pipe.

Favorite place to grab a cocktail: Bang for your buck: The Alley Cat, they serve shots in rocks glasses. Prissy pants: McCormick & Schmick's, a little pricey but not prohibitively on a 30K budget and damn their stuff is T-A-S-T-Y tasty.

Cheap eats: It will never ever get better than Yats. Hands down, no contest. Half and Half B&B with Crawfish etoufee, mmmm.

Cheap thrill: I'm known for going on "journeys" when the Devil makes me. Thrill? Yes, definately. Cheap? Depends where Iv'e been drinking.

Favorite thing about Indy in the summer: This is my busy season. I get to plant trees and play outside all day long and get paid for it.

Fav type of music: It is much easier to just say that I am not a big fan of rap music or country. Everything else is fair game. Weezer is the best. Toby Keith is the worst.

Looking forward to this summer: Working. That's really all I have to look forward to in summers. Jay slash Kay, I can't wait for some BBQ bonanzas, perhaps a grill off much like the great chili cook-off of `08...

On my days off you’ll find me: Doing what I do for a living. When I'm off the clock though, I may be inclined to yell at people for littering.

You might be surprised to know: I was in the circus. I was also a cheerleader in high school and college. One time I also sharted in my sleep.

Favorite websites: woot.com weather.gov

Best advice anyone has given me: Don't count the days, make the days count. An inspirational note my mom wrote for me on a notebook my first day of high school

Favorite party memory: Seeing Puppy-Bear-Beretta eat the 12 marshmallows Joey rocketed out of his mouth shortly after she ate a nest, yes the entire nest, of baby mice. Joey won the "Who can stuff the most mallow in their mouth contest" by the way.

Favorite way to be green: Um, this question doesn't really suit me. My job makes me green by nature (HA, PUN!) and I am so incredibly passionate about sustainability it drives everyone I know a bit crazy I think.

Thirtythousanddollarmillionaire is: almost the best website name. We will have to update the blog with the best website name in a DP story soon enough.

DPs make me feel: like laughing every time I hear the phrase. Again, look for an update to the blog with DTM's hilarious unfamiliarity of the phrase.

Favorite recipe: Pie-YAY-YEAH! (really though, paella, it is just so exiting I had to express it phoenetically and with extreme emotion.)

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Groovin' In the Garden

Easley Winery has the best deal in town! Groove in the garden on Tuesdays and Saturdays, May through September. Enjoy live music with great wine and food! The best part is: you can place a take out order with one of your favorite restaurants...and they deliver right to the garden!! Just to name a few places that deliver: Bazbeaux (personal fav of mine), Santorinis Greek Kitchen, and Circle City Pizza. Easley Winery also features local Indiana foods- cheese, bread, jellies, chocolates, and spring water! Each week Easley features wine special that comes with a discounted price! This is millionaire livin' !

Easley Winery- 205 N College

Tuesdays 5-7PM

Saturdays 2-5pm

May 19-Sept 29

TFLN

Stay in the loop with the rest of America's debauchery. Texts from Last Night will keep anyone with a sense of humor entertained for at least 35 minutes.

5 Dolla, Make you Holla

The best deal in town- the 5 buck Club sponsored by Kerasotes Theatres. After a movie has played a certain number of weeks in the theatres— at least two — but occasionally more, we are able to offer you a discounted price, so admission to those films will be available to club members for only $5. The coolest feature is - you select all the theatres close to you and they send you an email with what's featured that particular week for $5!

All you have to do is fill out the form online and they will send you a "membership card"- VIP style. Then you can hit up the movies for $5 a pop. What a bargain.

Crowd Pleaser

This Hummus is always a hit and it is super easy and inexpensive to make. So get ready to knock it out of the park next time you need to bring something to a party or just want to dip your carrots in something special.


Ingredients
1 15 oz can of chick-peas
1 clove garlic
juice of 2 lemons
3 tablespoons tahini
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
lemon wedges and parsley sprigs for garnish

Cook chick-peas with liquid in the sauce pan for about 5 minutes to soften them up. Drain the chick-peas but make sure to reserve a little of the liquid for smoothing the hummus later on. Get out that food processor (or a blender would work too) and throw in the chick-peas, lemon juice, garlic, tahini, olive oil and salt. blend it all together and add the reserve liquid to smooth (this is kind of by preference, if you like it a little chunky you can skip this step). Put it in a dish and drizzle with olive oil and throw on the garnish if you please.

The Toggery

Want in on a millionaire secret??? Let's do this!

I made roughly $190 in two months by cleaning out my closet and taking my unwanted goods into The Toggery. (a resale boutique) in Broad Ripple! They also take "non" clothing items (you can find the list of what they accept on their website.)

Make sure you schedule an appointment (they usually have same day appointments if you need one). You can find their policies here. You will receive 50% of the selling price which is awesome because they usually price their items at a decent amount. They cut checks on the 10th of every month...sooo get selling!

Get some extra cash for summer! What an easy way .....

30K Profiles- DTM

We mentioned it before and it is finally time. Today we introduce a recurring series where we let you in on just what makes the 30K contributors tick.

We're kickin' off the 30Kmill Bios with none other than the Circle City's own, Downtown Marge. This sassy PR pro took the time to answer a few questions on what she does in Indy to keep it classy and budget friendly, all at the same time. Check it out! She's the bees knees.

HERE WE GO...

My motto is: What's a motto you?

Childhood ambition: To be a Broadway star. Don't ask me to belt out "On My Own" - I WILL do it.

Favorite cocktail: Impossible to choose, but if I had to (and apparently I do), I'd say a classic G&T with tons of lime or if we're drinking beer (and I normally am) I'd say Oberon or Two Hearted Ale. I also thoroughly enjoy a mojito when I'm feelin' sassy.

Favorite place to grab a cocktail: Anywhere they're sellin', I'm buyin'.

Cheap eats: The most obvious of choices - Yats. It's the best. Period.

Cheap thrill: Butler basketball games, walking the Canal at night, lunch from Au Bon on the Circle

Favorite thing about Indy in the summer: The vibe, man! Everyone is in a great mood and ready to party. Other favorites include Symphony on the Prairie, outdoor concerts/movies, Race weekend, the list goes on.

Fav type of music:Contrary to popular belief I do listen to more than just Hip Hop, but it is probably my fav. Anything with soul that I can nod my head to is what I'm about.

Looking forward to this summer: Anything and everything, just get me outdoors!

On my days off you’ll find me: Downtown, obviously.

You might be surprised to know: I hate surprises. Seriously.

Favorite websites: facebook.com, foodnetwork.com, textsfromlastnight.com, postsecret.com, overheardinnewyork.com, cnn.com, theonion.com

Best advice anyone has given me: My dad gave me two great pieces advice about the opposite sex. 1) Don't try and change 'em and 2) You do the pickin'.

Favorite party memory: There is hands down, no way I could answer this question. But they always involve dancing, friends and a fair amount of quoteables.

Favorite way to be green: A wise man once said, "it's not easy being green." Or was that a frog? Either way, my fav way to be green is turn off my air/heat and open up my windows (when Indiana weather allows). This also makes for some excellent mood music, as I live directly across the street from the Chatterbox. God, I love being Downtown.

Favorite weekend morning spot after a night of parties: Karlie's couch with a cup of Costa Rican coffee, Taste Cafe, Cafe Patachou

Thirtythousanddollarmillionaire is: the JAM

DPs make me feel: Like I'm in the blue zone. Look it up.

Favorite recipe: Roast Lemon Chicken, Fall Pears - both simple, both delicious. Check, please.

i want to ride my bicycle..i want to ride my biiiiike

I WANT TO RIDE MY BICYCLE!

Check out this free event!! The Bicycle Garage (on 82nd Street) is hosting a "Ladies'Night" with wine tasting, FOOD and BIKES!

Anyone who is interested in a new bicycle, has a bicycle..or just likes to drink wine....

I actually have a Trek and I LOVE it...it's the jam. If you're looking for something FREE and FUN to do- register for this event!

The info:

June 11- 5:30-9 PM

Free, as long as you pre-register.

BGI North- 4130 E. 82nd street

Lunch on the Circle: More chic than you think

As the self-proclaimed expert on Downtown living, I feel it's high-time I tell you about one of my cheap thrills that I indulge in as often as possible.

When the weekend seems too far away (as it does on this Monday), what other milestones do we as the young workforce have to look forward to? The answer is simple and honest. Lunch time. That one small hour (or hour and 15 minutes for you lucky few), can be likened to recess for adults and it's all I can do to not go running out of my office at noon, waving my arms in celebration of my sixty minutes of freedom and asking the nearest suit if he'd like to play a quick game of kickball.

But since I'm a grown-ass woman in heels, I have to contain myself and settle for one of my favorite noon time pass times - Lunch on Monument Circle in Downtown Indianapolis. In nice weather this locale is bustling with Indy businessmen and women, clamoring for a breath of fresh air and socialization. It is also the ideal place to see and be seen. Trust me - the people watching is top-notch and possibilities for future dates abound. Lunching on the Circle exudes simple chicness and all on a dime.

I suggest you grab a delicious salad or sandwich from Au Bon Pain (the chicken pesto is my fav), get it to go, and park it on the sunny steps of the monument. Top it off with a killer warm-weather playlist on your iPod, a good book/magazine or, for a special treat, make it a day-date (my fav kinds of dates). Nothing is sexier than meeting your current fling for a bite when you're all dressed up in your professional attire. Oo-la-la - Indy just got a whole lot closer to the Equator!

Happy lunching, 30KMills!

DP Debut

You've heard us talk all about the core of the thirthythousanddollarmillionaire so we figured it's time to show you just what we're talking about. DPs. Dinner parties are the heart of what makes 30Km so fabulous because when it comes down to it, getting together with your favorite people, good libations and great food is worth more than millions. Trillions, even.

Last Tuesday we had our 30KM kick-off (although we've been dp-ing for almost a year, just sans blog) and it was great! We gathered at Chez Shrock-Mannies around 8 and started things off right with a few glasses of wine and some Mexican beer. For apps we had our signature goat cheese and marinara, courtesy of Down Town Marge (DTM), and sushi fresh from Kona Jack's own, Queenie (Ryan).

From there we ventured up to the top patio of the house, caught up on the weekly happenings and snapped a few photos (thanks, Haley!) so we could share them with you, our lovely readers. By the time we had our mini photo sesh and polished off ALL the sushi, it was time for the main event.

Cue: salt-crusted fish. Our main entree of the night was Salt-Crusted Walleye, which you can read all about in Wednesday morning's post. The fish was accompanied by a fresh and sassy Mexican Bean salad that Chris made and Fruit Salad via Karlie.

We would be ungracious if we didn't mention how great our photographer, Haley, was! She was a blast to be around and totally captured the fun. THANK YOU HALEY! Check her out, she is so very talented!

All in all, it was a GREAT time! We cheers'd so many times to our happiness that my arms got a workout. Now that is the sign of a good evening. We've included some photos for your enjoyment!

Welcome to the DPMags and Karz enjoying cocktail hour

DTM and the signature Goat Cheese & Marinara

Digging into the the marinara and sushi

Cocktail hour done right, Cas on the prowl

Fish preparation

Fish completion

Chris' Mexican Bean Salad goodness

Karlie prepping the fruit
Matt doing a fabulous job at what we like to call the "the 30k creep"

Mmmmmmm

Cheers, to good friends and good food!

P.S. Want to know more about the millionaires? Every week we'll feature a different thirtythou contributer and pick their brain on their favorite cheap thrills as well as their insights on love life and living each day one deal at a time!

awkkkkkwarrrrrrdddddd...

awkward family photos....doesn't get much better than this.

prizzy prizzy please

Check out one of the bands we discovered last year... Prizzy Prizzy Please. They opened for Spoon last summer...and I'm really glad we actually made it on time to check them out. They have the most hilarious/quirky sense of humor and they're from Bloomington- perfect! Their lyrics..and song titles are the most creative... of all time...i.e. camp fire girls weekend party.

Four bands, $7 bucks...Tomorrow night, Friday May 16----Spin Nightclub in Broadripple. Can't really beat this bargain.

39th Annual Broad Ripple Art Fair: this weekend!

If you're looking for something to do this weekend, stop ny the Broad Ripple Art fair. This annual festival features more than 225 artists from the U.S. and Canada, booths from local cultural organizations, a children’s creative area, gourmet food courts, a beer and wine garden and live entertainment on four stages and the Frank M. Basile Auditorium. Tell me this doesn't sound like a good time- I dare you. Local culture, gourmet food, beer and wine...this is the ultimate Thirtythou scene!

The Art Fair takes place in ARTSPARK on the grounds of the Indianapolis Art Center annually each May. All proceeds from the Art Fair directly benefit Art Center programs. The 39th Broad Ripple Art Fair will take place this weekend May 16 and 17, 2009.

Tickets are $15 bucks which isn't super cheap in a 30Kmil way, but think of it this way: you are making a contribution to a charity (how honorable, swanky and chic of you!) and get a great excursion out of it (bonus!).

Click here for all the artsy-fartsy details.

Painting: Evangeline by Melissa Sarat

Some Like it Rare

Making a steak house recession proof? Simple. St. Elmos serves up a perfect steak and some rocking old school ambiance complete with dark wood, classic pictures of celebrities and a truly professional team of servers who always treat you like the millionaire you obviously are. A restaurant that used to be reserved for family visits or really, very special occasions has flipped the switch adding a fixed Sunday menu. $30 per person includes a choice of appetizer (don't worry, that famous shrimp cocktail is an option), entrée, and dessert. I recommend the steak. Extra rare.

WINOS

There are plenty of places to get wine crazy in Indy, but two of our favorite places to get our taste on are right in the heart of this great city. Easley Winery does free tasting every day and offers a variety of wines to get excited about. Up next we've got Deano Vino in Fountain Square. This wine tasting happens every Wednesday night at 6 pm, samples 4 or 5 wines (generous pours), with an appetizer included for $5 per person. I should also mention this is hosted by Deano himself, who is in a word, hilarious. So tip up your cup, throw your hands up and get your wine on.

Salt-Crusted Fish

Want an easy way to impress your friends at a DP? Try Salt-Crusted Fish. This European classic is tasty to eat and fun to serve!

Start by finding a great seafood department. This dish is typically made with a whole fish (scaled and gutted) but if you don't have a local fish monger at your fingertips you can also grab two large fillets and put them together (skin side out).

Make sure to use a non-endangered species of fish! Many seafood species have become drastically over-fished and are about to become extinct. For a great way to make sure your seafood is sustainably sound, check out the system the fine folks at Monterey Bay Aquarium are using to make these decisions easy for all of us.

Alright, now to the recipe.

This is what you'll need: A nice sized whole fish or two fillets stacked together skin side out, about 2 lbs of kosher salt (mix this with 1/3 cups water and you've got your salt mix!), 1 lemon, herbs of your choice.

• Pre-Heat oven to 475 degrees
• Line your pan with parchment paper
• Make a bed of salt 3/4 of an inch thick for your fish to lay on
• Slap your fish down on the salt
• Fill the cavities of the fish with lemon slices and your favorite herbs (for our DP I used fresh oregano, sage, and basil)
• COMPLETELY cover the fish with salt, packing it into a nice mound
• Pop it in the oven, leave it for 45 minutes or until the salt gets a nice brownish crust on it
• Use some heavy kitchen utensils to crack open the salt
• Behold the tender and juicy goodness that is your salt-crusted fish and serve

We tried this at last night's DP and it was a great success! Enjoy!

Cost: about $30 for 5 lbs of fish, $2 for the salt, herbs are free when you grow your own! $32 total. For a dozen guests, this is about $2.60 a person. Nice!

photo courtesy: haleyobrianphoto

musica!!

BLIP.FM
PANDORA
What are you listening to??
Free for your ears. Jam away.

Mexican Bean Salad

This bean salad is the bomb... trust me on this one. The cilantro and lime juice screams summer time picnic and it's a breeze to whip together.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 2/3 (10 ounce) can yellow corn, drained
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 clove crushed garlic
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1/2 tablespoon ground black pepper
• 1 dash hot pepper sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

A couple different options if you're feeling adventurous:

• for the "what's this stuff?" question, add 1 cup diced Jícama
  
• substitute garbanzo beans for the cannellini beans
  

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large bowl, combine beans, bell peppers, corn, and red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lime juice, lemon juice, sugar, salt, garlic, cilantro, cumin, and black pepper. Season to taste with hot sauce and chili powder.
3. Pour olive oil dressing over vegetables; mix well. Chill thoroughly, and serve cold.

Free TASTING at FRESH MARKET!!

Taste of Summer Sampling Event

	Enjoy a Taste of Summer throughout The Fresh Market on Saturday, May 16th from 10am - 6pm. Outside we'll kick off the grilling season as we sample and sell Gourmet Burgers and Kabobs. Inside the store sample salmon, rotisserie chicken salad, Virginia ham, Fruit Tarts, as well as The Fresh Market's new Deli Salads. Summer fares with special pricing will be featured throughout the various departments. TFM's Taste of Summer - Great Food, Great Fun!

Free Cooking Demonstration

Fresh Flavors Chef Cooking Demonstration

You are invited to attend a free chef cooking demonstration on how to prepare Skirt Steak Fajita with Corn and Black Bean Salad on Saturday, May 16th, 2009. Please come anytime between 3pm - 6pm. No reservations are necessary.

Secrets of DP success

I'm starting to wonder how long it's going to take for this blog to start showing up in Google search results for some of those "other" DPs...

The DP is a staple of the thirtythousanddollarmillionaire lifestyle. Predominantly held on week nights, they're a way to bring friends together over a simple combination of good food, a few bottles of wine and beer, and ridiculous conversation.

Since my personality tends to mirror that of a crotchety old woman from the Bronx, I learned to cook. And cooking easy, delicious DP food is what I'm actually pretty good at.

Here's a quick photo tutorial for one of my new favorites, coming to a TTDM DP soon: Curried chicken. The recipe below feeds three, which is obviously not enough for a DP, but doubling or tripling the recipe is a cinch. Also included are little tips--making this easier on the cook makes for a happier cook and a less stressful DP with less cleanup after.

Step one: Get your shit together.

• 2 pounds of chicken breast, cubed into 1-inch pieces.
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 medium onion, diced (I always quarter onions and stick them in the food processor for a few seconds, along with the whole cloves of garlic. It's fast and the cleanup is easy since everything is dishwasher safe.)
  
• 28 oz. can of diced tomatoes, no salt added, drained
  
• 1 cup mango chutney
• 1/2 can coconut milk or coconut juice
• 1 14 oz can of chickpeas (microwave in their liquid for a minute and a half, then drain. This will cut down on cooking time when they're mixed with everything else.)
  
• 2 1/2 tbsp. curry powder (or less...depending on how you like it)
  
• 1 tsp red curry paste
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Drizzle of olive oil
• Cast-iron skillet or other large pot or pan that's at least 3 inches deep. Make sure it's deeper if you're doubling or tripling.
• Instant brown rice (follow packaging instructions)
• Cilantro, for garnish
  

Step two: Get hot

• Put the skillet on the stove over medium heat
• Take the cubed chicken and sprinkle salt and pepper over it--just enough for a light coat. Nothing too heavy--you've got a lot of spice coming.
• Microwave chickpeas, if you're microwaving them. You don't have to, but if you're not, count on adding an additional 5 minutes to your cook time or the chickpeas will be a little too firm. That's what I've found, at least. You might like firm chickpeas. That's cool, too.

• Drizzle olive oil into the warm skillet and add the chicken.
• Sautee the chicken until it's browned, but not fully cooked. If you cook it too long, you're going to end up with dry chicken.

• Add in the onion and garlic and sautee for about 3 minutes, or until the onion is tender.
• Add in the chickpeas, tomatoes, curry powder, curry paste, mango chutney and half of the coconut milk/juice.
  
• Mix.
• Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces by about half. (About 20 to 25 minutes)

(Blogger seems to be under the impression that I didn't already rotate this in iPhoto. Sorry.)

• While this is going on, clean up--you don't want a messy kitchen when the TTDMs get there--and set the table.
  
• Add in the rest of the coconut milk/juice and stir. Turn the heat down to low.
• Make the rice

Step three: Make a good impression

• Benefit of this dish: Once the heat is turned down, it can simmer for up to 25 additional minutes without drying out too much. So, if your guests are running late from work, you've got 0 worries. If you need to, use some of the rest of the can of coconut milk to keep things from getting too thick.
• When you're ready to eat, plate up the rice, top with the curry mixture and garnish with cilantro. Serve with warmed pita bread (or naan, if you can find it).
• Get ready for at least 9 inappropriate comments and a ridiculously wonderful evening.
  

Concerts on the Canal

They're back! Free concerts along the canal! Perfect for any date night or a group outing with friends. Due to renovations, this summer's concerts will take place a little farther along the canal at the American College of Sports Medicine at 401 W. Michigan St., just two blocks north of the History Center.

Here's the info:

2009 LINEUP
Performances are from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays, except for Saturday, July 4, which is from 4:30 to 9:30.

May 28
“Summer Swings” with the Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra

June 4
“Banjo Meets Broadway” with Robin Hopkins and Kathleen Miller along with the Mike Lucas Trio

June 11
“Cabaret on the Canal” with American Cabaret Theatre featuring Shannon Forsell

June 18
“Indy Jazz Fest Warm-up” with the IUPUI Jazz Ensemble and special guests
In partnership with IUPUI Department of Music and Arts Technology

June 25
“Music of the Americas” with In-Fusion Latin Jazz
In partnership with IUPUI Department of Music and Arts Technology

Saturday, July 4
“Independence Day Bash” with the Indianapolis Municipal Band (5 p.m.) and the Impalas (7:30 p.m.)

Location
This summer, due to building renovations, we are moving to the grounds of the American College of Sports Medicine at 401 W. Michigan St., just two blocks north of the History Center on the Canal. The beautifully landscaped grounds are ideal for outdoor events.

Patrons will have access to the building for elevator and restrooms. The Fitness Plaza is a large, grassy, fenced-in area along the Canal. It is about two blocks north of the History Center.

Parking
Parking will be available at the site. Parking will be available in the ACSM lot and the adjacent lot at Girls Incorporated, 441 W. Michigan St. Entrances to the lots are on West Street, just south of the intersection at Michigan Street.

Food Service
An outdoor grill and cash bar will be available. (There will be no Café food service.) No advance food sales available. As always, attendees may bring their own food and nonalcoholic beverages to the concert. All alcohol must be purchased on site. No pets and no smoking are allowed on Plaza.

Tables
Tables are on the grass and in the shade. It is $40 for a table of 8 for nonmembers and $35 for members. Half-tables are available for $30, $25 for members.

Free seating
Free seating is available on the Canal walk area behind the reserved tables.

Remember
No pets and no smoking allowed on the Plaza.

Reservations
To reserve tables, call the Welcome Center at (317) 232-1882.

Downtown Lunch Deal

We've mentioned before just how much we love BARcelona Tapas and today we're adding one more reason why. Their Spanish Lunch Buffet. All for under $10.

Buffet highlights include their legendary goat cheese and marinara (see May 5th posting below on how to create this dish yourself!), paella, tortilla España, chocolate cake and a whole host of other tasty tapas treats.

So, here's the scoop:

WHO: BARcelona Tapas
WHAT: Spanish Lunch Buffet
WHERE:201 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis
WHEN: 11a-2p Monday-Friday
WHY: Because they make paella that is just like my Abuela's, muy delicioso!
HOW MUCH: $9.95 per person

summer movies at the IMA!

get pumped.... the...coolest way to see a movie this summer will be at the IMA (the indianapolis museum of art!) pack a picnic and relax under the stars...this is the by far the best venue in the city to watch a movie. make sure you arrive early..and don't forget a basket of delicious food. wine/booze is for sale and they don't allow you to bring your own.

tickets are 9$ for non muesuem members-

• park opens at 6PM for picnicing
• films begin at dusk

SAVE SOME GREEN

GREEN SAVINGS INDY.
http://www.greensavingsindy.com

walking tacos. in honor of cinco de mayo!!!

well, doesn't this little gem bring back memories?

what you need:
fritos
ground beef (try ground turkey burger for a healthier alternative)
cheese!
lettuce
chopped tomatoes
sour cream
guac

yep, you got it, throw all of this goodness in the bag!

you've got a delicious....meal that will make you feel tingly all over with nostalgia.

Whole Wheat Shells with Chickpeas and Arugula

This is one of my favorite staple dishes of all time!!!!! It's so delicious. This dish will last you a couple of days! It's so great cold too. Almost better.

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Nutrition Score per serving: (2 ½ cups): 588 calories, 21 g fat (32% of calories), 5 g saturated fat, 83 g carbs, 21 g protein, 12 g fi ber, 241 mg calcium, 5 mg iron, 628 mg sodium

Ingredients

8 ounces uncooked wholewheat shells
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 ¾ cups cooked chickpeas (about one 15-ounce can)
4 packed cups arugula, chopped
1/3 cup packed golden raisins
1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
4 ounces crumbled feta
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add shells and cook about 8 minutes, or until tender but still al dente. Drain and transfer to a medium-large bowl. Immediately drizzle with olive oil and toss to distribute.

While pasta is still hot, add chickpeas, arugula, raisins, and tomatoes and toss gently. Cool to room temperature, then stir in feta. Taste and add salt (feta tends to be salty, so go easy) and black pepper, if desired. Top with toasted walnuts, if using, and serve.

Micheladas en Mayo

This Cinco de Mayo, throw something new into the common mix of Margaritas and Dos Equis. Try a Michelada!

Michelada's date back to around 1940 and are typically a version of Bloody Marys but with Mexican beer instead of vodka. Traditionally, they have ingredients such as clamato, salsa, and Maggi (a Nestle's brand variety of soup). If it has any type of hot sauce included, it is usually referred to as a "Michelada Cubana".

As a self-pronounced amateur foodie I am normally jazzed when food is at it's weirdest state, however I prefer the boring version of Michelada referred to as "Michelada Regular". It is simple, clean, refreshing and totally undemanding when it comes to dinero. Sometimes you really can't beat that. Especially when you are pairing it with the kickin' flavors associated with tasty Mexican cuisine. Follow the recipe below and fall in love with a new Mexican favorite.

Throw in one bottle Mexcian Beer (use something lighter like Corona or my personal favorite, Pacifico) and the juice of two lemons. Mix and pour over ice. Rim the glass with Salt. ¡Ole!

guacamoooole

homemade guac:

avocados (we prefer...a lot of avocados), fresh cilantro, garlic, onion (white is preferred), fresh limes, fresh tomatoes (optional)

make your own chips!

cut up corn tortillas

shake on a bit of olive oil & sea salt & lime juice

broil in the oven for 10 min or so until crispy

Mexicali Beer Margaritas

Who would believe that beer would be the perfect solution to eradicating fluorescent green margaritas? Well, it is! Best to use not-so-micro brews to avoid an overpowering beer flavor. Use the limeade can to measure the ingredients, and adjust with extra water if the mixture seems too sweet. Straining the pulp is always a good idea, unless, of course, you like pulp!

- 1 (12 fluid ounce) can frozen limeade concentrate
- 12 fluid ounces gold tequila
- 12 fluid ounces water
- 12 fluid ounces light mexican beer
- ice
- 1 lime, cut into wedges


DIRECTIONS

1. Pour limeade, tequila, water, and beer into a large pitcher. The limeade can is 12 ounces, so just use that to measure everything out. Stir until well-blended, and limeade has melted. Add plenty of ice, and garnish with lime wedges. Adjust with additional water, if needed, or for an extra fizzy, refreshing drink, substitute the water with a 12 oz can of 7-up or Fresca.
   

30KM Food Corner: 20-Something Foodies with Million-Dollar Recipes

Baked Goat Cheese in Spicy Marinara

Welcome to the first installment of the 30KM Food Corner! As you know, one of the keys to being a successful thirty-thousand dollar millionaire, is dinner parties (which will henceforth be referred to as DPs). Whether you're hosting or bringing a dish to a friend's, it's important to always bring your A-game. During this reoccurring column, we 20-somethings will share with you our million-dollar recipes, on a 30K salary budget.

This recipe was inspired by one of our favorite Downtown restaurants, Barcelona, which is this fantastic tapas bar. They have incredible meat dishes and a warm chickpea and spinach side that is out of this world. But their best dish by far is their baked goat cheese in spicy marinara. It's so easy and simple, but this elegant dish will make you look like a rockstar (or millionaire with a private chef) at any DP.

Ingredients:
One jar good-quality marinara (If you want to make your own, fine. But we recommend using the extra time to pick out a chic outfit with killer accessories).
One log goat cheese
Red pepper flakes
Chopped fresh, flat-leaf parsley
One loaf of good, crusty bread

For this it's key to use a great ceramic or cast iron dish, as it's all about presentation. Pour marinara in dish. Slice goat cheese and arrange in center of the sauce. (This will all melt and spread out into cheesy goodness). Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and put in 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is very soft and marinara is hot. Remove and top with parsley for color. For bread; slice loaf on diagonal into quarter-inch slices. Place on baking sheet, sprinkle with olive oil and toast. When bread is done, remove and smear with garlic clove for extra flavor. Serve hot. Brush your shoulders off as compliments abound.