Why Surf and Turf is a Good Choice for Any Dinner Occasion

When it comes to quickly choosing something off the dinner menu, you can never go wrong with a Surf n’ Turf selection. When in doubt, opt for this traditional meat and seafood combination for a sure-to-be-good meal to remember. Continue reading to learn more about this special culinary pairing, and where you can get the best Surf n’ Turf in Indianapolis.

Tuesday Surf and Turf Dinner Special - Downtown Indianapolis - 317-822-5070
Tuesday Surf and Turf Dinner Special – Downtown Indianapolis – 317-822-5070

Surf n’ Turf Meals

Surf n’ Turf dinners earned their popularity because they are simple, yet delicious. Land meeting sea makes an especially-good tasting duo, and the menu selection only continues to grow in innovation and creativity, making each dish unique to its chef. Although traditionally, surf and turf style meals are served with a red meat and a type of shellfish, primarily filet Mignon and lobster tail. However, new takes on Surf n’ Turf dinners are popping up all over the world every day, so you may find wildly different options at other restaurants, or choose your own combos at home!

Enhancing Your Surf n’ Turf Experience

Opt for the highest-quality beef. As mentioned, filet Mignon, is the usual selection. It is taken from the beef tenderloin portion of a cow, and is the tenderest cut. Because of its natural flavors, very little seasoning is required other than sea salt and cracked black pepper. Although, a nice helping of melted butter on top really brings a filet to life.

As for the shellfish portion of a Surf n’ Turf dinner, the traditional choice is lobster tail with a side of clarified butter. Main lobster tails are a popular choice, but here in Indiana, we really love shrimp. Shrimp can be prepared in a variety of ways, making it a top-recommended choice for any Surf n’ Turf meal. Try your shrimp Cajun style, or in a garlic-chili sauce, all of which would complement a filet perfectly.

Surf n’ Turf Wine and Cocktail Pairing

To bring your Surf n’ Turf dinner experience to another level, add a complimentary beverage. Whether you are a wine drinker or more or a cocktail person, you can accompany your steak and shrimp with a drink that brings out the flavor of both.  For wine options, consider red. Although white is just fine, selections like Cabernets, Malbecs, and even Zinfandels are the best pairings with steak. For cocktail lovers, consider an Old Fashioned, or perhaps a dirty martini.

Where to Get the Best Surf and Turf Meal in Downtown Indianapolis

Call English Ivy’s at 317-822-5070 to hear about our fabulous weekly dinner specials, such as our Tuesday Surf n’ Turf! Our Surf n’ Turf comes with a succulent, dry-aged, 100% grass-fed filet mignon and sauteed shrimp, and your choice of side! Add an appetizer and salad to the mix, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate dinner experience! Don’t forget, we also have a wide selection of beers, wines, and cocktails for your added pleasure. Come in soon and enjoy some delicious Surf n’ Turf dinner special this Tuesday! Order takeout, delivery, or join us inside!

317-822-5070

How to Make a Spontaneous Cocktail Using Whatever is in Your Fridge

Whether you didn’t expect to have company over, or suddenly have the urge for a stiff drink, don’t shy away from being creative when it comes to curating a cocktail for the occasion. There are several ways to concoct or create a delicious alcoholic beverage using whatever is in your fridge. Even the most sparse refrigerators might likely have something you can use to satisfy your need to imbibe.

Continue below to learn some ways you can make an impromptu cocktail with what you have in your kitchen right now!

Drink Specials Downtown Indianapolis
Drink Specials Downtown Indianapolis 317-822-5070

Make the Best with What You Have on Hand

When it comes to creating a cocktail, your basic element will be your liquor of choice, or whatever alcohol you have on hand. From there, you can build upon your drink by combining your own personal creativity with the current options you have on hand. But don’t stop at your refrigerator either; the pantry and cabinets might also house ingredients that will improve or complete your concoction. Even your garden or landscape might provide a certain element for your desired cocktail.

Items to Look for in the Fridge:

▸ Soda
▸ Sparkling Water
▸ Juice
▸ Fruit Cups
▸ Jelly
▸ Olives
▸ Citrus Fruit
▸ Berries
▸ Fresh Herbs
▸ Jalapeños

Items to Look for in the Pantry or Cabinet:

▸ Sugar
▸ Agave
▸ Jams
▸ Honey
▸ Maple Syrup
▸ Cayenne
▸ Tajín
▸ Salt/Pepper

Some Ideas to Spark Your Ingenuity

🍯 Jam and Honey

Do you have a lemon and a jar of preserves? A tablespoon of jam can really enhance the flavor of a cocktail. Whiskey pairs well with fig jams, marmalades, and berry jams. All other common liquors can be paired well with any flavor jam, from grape and strawberry, to hot pepper jelly, pineapple compote, and much more. Add a slice of lemon to balance the flavor profile, and you’ve got yourself a great drink! If you like margaritas, choose a citrus-based jam and pair it with a lime. Sugar, honey, and agave work well as sweeteners or rimmed garnishes for any cocktail.

🌿 Herbs and Spices

Whether your herb and spice collection come from the fridge or the pantry, they can help you make a good cocktail with very little other ingredients. Upon your base liquor of choice, muddle or garnish your cocktail with herbs like mint, basil, rosemary, or ginger. White rum combined with mint, sugar, soda, and lime will give you a classic mojito. Vodka, rosemary, soda, and lemon is refreshing and satisfying take on the classic mojito. Pair bourbon and basil together, alone or with ginger beer for another great drink. Want something spicy? Muddle some jalapeños, add a Tajín rim or sprinkle in some cayenne.

Other Ideas:

► Use the juice of a fruit cup as a mixer.
► Muddle green olives and add olive juice to vodka or gin.
► Add a few drops of maple syrup into a bourbon.

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Where to Get Great Cocktails in Downtown Indianapolis

Contact English Ivy’s at 317-822-5070 to hear about our delicious dinner and drink specials we offer at our Downtown Indianapolis bar and restaurant! We gladly accept wall-ins, reservations, and even carryout orders. From classic wings and beer, to prime rib, cocktails, stage entertainment, and more, we have exactly what you are looking for in both flavor and fun! With neighborhood prices and the kindliest service around, you will be fully-satisfied with every visit. We look forward to being friends!

317-822-5070