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