30k Profiles: Cas

Hello faithful 30kmils and welcome to another 30k Profile Post! Today we introduce, Cas. You may know her by her kickin' chicken curry recipe or the fabulous DPs that she and her fiance, Joey, host. Seriously, this chick can cook.

Cue: a few little know facts about our 30Kmillionaire of the week!

My motto is: If at first you don't succeed, have a glass of chardonnay.

Childhood ambition: I wanted to be a member of the Mickey Mouse Club and/or Kids, Incorporated, so I could sing and dance in public while wearing the coolest scrunchies and acid-washed jeans.

Favorite cocktail: Dark and Stormy (dark rum, ginger beer and lime), mojitos, caipirinhas, vodka with soda water and a lime.

Favorite place to grab a cocktail: It's seasonal. Spring/Summer/early Fall: Anywhere with outdoor seating. Late Fall/Winter: The Wellington.

Cheap eats: The grocery store.

Cheap thrill(s): Hula hoops, cupcakes, bubbles, Clorox disinfecting wipes, glass bottled soda or juice, fruit pies, lowercase letters, coffee, tea, stick figures, the AP Stylebook, dry-erase boards, magnets, beer, Post-It notes, TRX bands and the word "apricot."

Favorite thing about Indy in the summer: Sno-Zone and the Monon.

Fav type of music: Depends on what I'm trying to accomplish. I'm a sucker for classic rock and golden oldies, though.

Looking forward to this summer: Wearing skirts, planting flowers, walking the dogs, riding my bike.

On my days off you’ll find me: Riding my bike, doing yard work, walking the dogs.

You might be surprised to know: I never made it to the Mickey Mouse Club and/or Kids, Incorporated, BUT I did own some sweet acid-washed jeans and scrunchies when I was in second grade. Also, I really like prime numbers.

Favorite websites: etsy.com, fmylife.com, textsfromlastnight.com, thisiswhyyourefat.com, cnn.com, digg.com, cakewrecks.blogspot.com.

Best advice anyone has given me: *You can make some people happy some of the time, but you can't make all people happy all of the time. *They think you're a bitch? Fuck them and fuck you for taking it to heart.

Favorite party memory: My birthday DP at Karlie's was about the most touching, awesome thing anyone has ever done for me.

Favorite way to be green: Not using styrofoam coffee cups/water glasses at work.

Favorite weekend morning spot after a night of parties: Bed, Three Sisters, Taste, the Monon.

Thirtythousanddollarmillionaire is: Clever.

DPs make me feel: Curious. I haven't hosted one/been invited to one for a while. Are they still around? We need to jolt them back to life. Nurses, get me the paddles. Clear? Clear!

Favorite recipes: Braised pork shoulder with stewed greens and mango salad; chicken curry with brown rice; mojo marinated skirt steak with peppers, onions and rice; sloppy joes made with ground turkey, mangos and jalapenos.

Locally Grown Gardens

Locally Grown Gardens- a real gem. Located right off of the Monon on 54th street, this "farmer's market" really has a good thing going. My first experience at the market was while on a bike ride cruising through Broad Ripple. My curiosities got the best of me so I stopped in to see what this stand on the side of the road was all about.

Come to find out, they only carry locally grown fruits and veggies. The space is so rustic and really has a modern feel. After roaming around, I began studying the large chalk board behind the counter which displays every month and what fruits/veggies will be available.

The most amazing discovery of all- was when I looked down and realized they offer lunch and dinner. Chef Ronald Harris is truly talented, he makes dishes made with locally grown veggies from his market and adds a twist of his own. He offers salmon with locally grown baby greens or a pulled pork sandwich (smoker out front).

Last night - I returned to try the dinner. I ordered the salmon and baby greens-
I was literally speechless after my first taste. This was hands down one of the most amazing meals ever. The salmon was dressed with baby greens and topped off with fresh juicy grapefruit, a homemade citrusy vinaigrette and pink peppercorns.

For 12.75, you get an 8oz piece of salmon, baby greens and ... the most satisfied feeling ever. Ron even gave us a mini carton of locally grown strawberries (because we were first timers)- which were incredibly juicy, sweet and... absolutely perfect. He told us all about his summer menu plans: homemade strawberry and peach ice cream, fresh strawberry shortcake, more dinner menu items..and a whole lot more.

Ride your bike, sit outdoors, enjoy the fun reggae music and dig into a delicious summer meal. I highly recommend Locally Grown Gardens for your next summer dining experience.