Common Mistakes People Make When Cooking Chicken

Posted on April 25, 2022 by englishivys

You eat a lot of chicken. You love chicken. Your whole family loves it. So, you must be doing something right; right? Well, let’s check. So many people make mistakes when preparing and cooking poultry, specifically chicken but other birds as well. You can up your chicken cooking game by learning the top chicken cooking mistakes and adjusting them to meet even the most professional chef’s standards.

Continue below to review some of the most common mistakes made when cooking chicken and how to avoid them.

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Don’t Do This When You Cook Chicken

Rinse With Water

Do you have the urge to rinse your chicken breasts or tenderloins before you cook them? Professional chefs would cringe at the sight. Not only does rinsing do nothing to remove bacteria or otherwise de-sterilize your chicken cuts, but it will pose the risk of splattering raw chicken juices around the sink and surrounding kitchen, thus contaminating the sink, dishes, countertops, and more. Next time, simply pat your chicken with dry paper towel.

Over-Marinate

Many people love the results of a citrus marinade. Something about the citric notes and properties pair so well with chicken. But be careful not to make the mistake of over-marinating in citrus juices. This will only cause the meat to take on a mushy or mealy texture, which is very unappetizing. Over-marination can include marinating for too long or marinating using too much citrus juice.

When using a lime, orange, lemon, or grapefruit-based marinade, stick with a 2-hour marker. Longer does not mean better in all cases of marinading. For buttermilk or yogurt marinades, stick with a 24 hour time limit. Otherwise, you run the risk of over-tenderizing the chicken, which can have an unappealing texture and mouthfeel.

Use Only Boneless Skinless Chicken

So many people love to stick to what they like best, which is often the most convenient cut. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts certainly fit this bill. But do not make the mistake of using boneless skinless chicken for every chicken dish. Some chicken meals are better prepared using darker, richer cuts of the bird, such as slow-cooker recipes, soups, and stews.

Over-Stuff the Frying Pan

If you are cooking chicken in the cast iron or frying pan, do not make the mistake of over-crowding the pan. Putting too many chicken cuts in the pan at one time will do a lot to ruin your meal. First, the heat-distribution will be unbalanced, causing the chicken to cook much slower and unevenly. Also, over-stuffing the pan will prevent you from easily flipping and maneuvering each piece. Next time, use a larger skillet or cook your chicken in multiple rounds.

Use Expensive Olive Oil for Fried Chicken

If you love fried chicken and looking to step your game up next time you make it yourself, do not waste your time on expensive olive oil. Fried chicken does not need a fancy oil to taste great, so do not spend the money on the top shelf stuff. Not only will it likely burn and smoke up your place, but it will do nothing to enhance the flavor. In fact, it can make it taste bitter. Stick with your basic vegetable oil for fried chicken. If you insist on using olive oil, use a light one.

Cut Immediately

Many people make the mistake of cutting into their chicken immediately after cooking it. But this is a big no-no! The juices inside the chicken need time to percolate from the center to the skin. This will give you a juicy, mouthwatering chicken. If you cut into it right away, the juices will just flow out and you will have a dryer result. Instead, transfer the chicken to a wood cutting board and loosely cover it with foil. Let it sit for 15 minutes and then start slicing!

Simultaneously Pan Fry With Vegetables

You do not want to toss in stir-fry veggies with raw chicken into the same pan and cook them. Not only will the cold, raw chicken reduces the heat of the pan, thus increasing cooking times, but the juice will overwhelm the stir-fry vegetables, essentially boiling or steaming them. The result is cold, mushy, soggy stir fry. Instead, cook your chicken first, and just before it is done, toss in the veggies and seasonings.

Are you craving some juicy, delicious chicken entrees made to perfection? Visit English Ivy’s Downtown Pub and Eatery for our famous Monday 50 cent chicken wing special! Wash down your spicy, BBQ, or dry rub chicken wings with a frosty beverage from our Monday drink special menu, like $6 Moscow Mules and ½ Price Premium Wine!

Test Your Hot Sauce Knowledge With This Fun Quiz

Posted on February 21, 2022 by englishivys

If you like your food to be exciting and flavorful, you are probably a lover of hot sauce. Hot sauce is made and used all over the world and has been for thousands of years. Even ancient civilization artifacts and scriptures provide evidence of hot pepper applications for both eating and medicinal use. Today, hot sauce comes in countless flavors, textures, bases, viscosity, and more, making it one of the most popular and universal condiments on the planet.

What’s your favorite hot sauce? Are you a die-hard Tabasco fan? Is Cholula your go-to? Do you put Frank’s Red Hot on everything? What about Sriracha? Or maybe you prefer a more exotic heat, like Sambal or Gochujang?

You say you like them all? That might make you an expert! Let’s see how good your knowledge of hot sauce is with this fun, 10 question hot sauce quiz!

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How Much Do You Love Hot Sauce?

Take this hot sauce quiz to test your knowledge and see just how much you really know about the fiery condiment you use on so many tasty foods!

❶ What is the Hottest Pepper on the Planet?

☐ Jalapeño
☐ Carolina Reaper
☐ Habanero
☐ Scotch Bonnet

❷ What is the Ingredient in Peppers That Makes Them Hot?

☐ Capsaicin
☐ Vitamin A
☐ Sugar
☐ Capsanthin

❸ Where Was Sriracha First Developed?

☐ Texas
☐ Mexico
☐ India
☐ Thailand

❹ Which Pepper is the Hottest in the Scoville Hotness Units (SHUs) Scale?

☐ Poblano
☐ Jalapeño
☐ Chipotle
☐ Bell Pepper

❺ Where is Tabasco Sauce Made?

☐ New Mexico
☐ California
☐ Louisiana
☐ New York

❻ Which Hot Sauce Comes From the South African Region?

☐ Sambal
☐ Harissa
☐ Piri-Piri
☐ Gochujang

❼ What is the Hottest Hot Sauce in the World?

☐ Tapatío
☐ Tabasco
☐ Mad Dog 357 Plutonium No. 9
☐ Frank’s Red Hot

❽ What Works Best at Soothing the Heat From Hot Sauce?

☐ Gargling Mouthwash
☐ Drinking a Glass of Milk
☐ Sucking on Ice Cubes
☐ Drinking Water

❾ Which Hot Pepper is a Staple in Caribbean Hot Sauces?

☐ Jalapeño
☐ Habanero
☐ Cayenne
☐ Scotch Bonnet

❿ Which Part of Mexico Does Cholula Originate From?

☐ Cancun
☐ Mexico City
☐ Jalisco
☐ Tulum

How do you think you did? Check out the answers below!

ANSWER KEY:

1) Carolina Reaper – This pepper comes in at 2.2 million Scoville! The average Tabasco pepper measures between 30,000 and 50,000, so you can imagine the incredible difference in heat.

2) Capsaicin – Capsaicinoids in hot peppers are proven to increase endorphins and dopamine, which is suggested to help recovering drugs addicts with withdrawal.

3) Thailand – Sriracha was created in the 1930’s in a Thailand town called Si Racha.

4) Chipotle – A chipotle pepper comes in between 5,000 and 8,000 SHUs, while a standard jalapeño ranges between 2,500 and 8,000 SHUs.

5) Louisiana – Family owned and operated by 5^th generation McIlhenny family, the Tabasco Company is based in Avery Island, LA.

6) Piri-Piri – Also written and pronounced, peri-peri, this hot sauce name translates to pepper-pepper in Swahili.

7) Mad Dog 357 Plutonium No. 9 – This hot sauce packs the most heat, coming in at 9 million Scoville Hotness Units (SHUs).

8) Milk – Drinking a glass of milk, or any dairy product for that matter, works well to soothe the spiciness in your mouth and on your tongue.

9) Scotch Bonnet – The scotch bonnet is a spicy hot pepper that measures between 100,000 and 350,000 SHUs, and it is the main pepper used in the Caribbean.

10) Jalisco – Jalisco, Mexico was the birthplace for the ever-popular Cholula hot sauce.

Are you craving something spicy and delicious now? Visit English Ivy’s Downtown Pub and Eatery for our famous Monday 50 cent wing special! Wash down your spicy, BBQ, or dry rub wings with a frosty beverage from our Monday drink special menu, like 6$ Moscow Mules and ½ Price Premium Wine!

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Are Baby Back Ribs and Spareribs the Same Thing?

Posted on December 14, 2021 by englishivys

When eating ribs, do you prefer baby back or spare? Not really sure of the difference? Don’t be ashamed; you are not alone. Many people have no clue what separates these two common versions of barbecued ribs. And although you really can’t go wrong with either option, it helps to know the difference between the two.

Continue reading to learn the key differences between baby back ribs and spareribs, plus, where to get the tastiest BBQ baby back rib special tonight in Downtown Indianapolis!

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Comparing Baby Back Ribs to Spareribs

To an untrained palate, it may seem like all ribs are the same. But to a barbecue ribs lover, the difference is distinct. The confusion often happens with baby back ribs and spareribs because many diners can’t recall what it is that truly sets them apart. To understand the difference, you need to know that pork ribs come from the same two places on a pig, and the type of ribs depend on the area in which the meat is cut.

Facts About Spareribs

Spareribs are also known as side ribs. You can think of them as the bigger brother to baby backs. They come from the underbelly of the pig where the bacon comes from. Compared to the popular baby back cut, spareribs are thicker and meatier, and generally come with the sternum, costal cartilage, and flap still attached.

These are the ribs that are traditionally prepared St. Louis style or Louisiana style, which is something you will commonly see at restaurants and barbecue competitions. In these cases, spareribs that are prepared in these styles usually have their costal cartilage trimmed from the top and the flaps removed from the back, giving the meat a uniform rectangular shape.

Facts About Baby Back Ribs

Baby back ribs are also referred to as loin ribs or back ribs. They are cut from the backside of a pig along the spine, which also happens to be very close to the area where pork chops are cut from. Compared to spareribs, they are less meaty and fatty, and cook much faster; however, they still retain flavors and moisture very well when cooked properly, making them very tender. They are also the more commercially-promoted meat. This actually contributes to their higher price points because they are higher in demand due to mass marketing.

We get it; now your mouth is watering for some delicious, fall-of-the-bone ribs in Indy! Well, you are in luck! Just come into English Ivy’s Pub and Eatery tonight for our mouth-watering barbequed baby back rib dinner special in Downtown Indianapolis! Enjoy food and drink specials all week long, including weekend brunch!

Top Recommended Cheeses For a Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Posted on September 27, 2021 by englishivys

No matter how old you get, you never outgrow a classic grilled cheese sandwich. With so many cheese options and topping combinations, grilled cheese sandwiches never get old, nor do they ever get boring. But when it comes to enjoying the best grilled cheese sandwich possible, you must select the right cheese or cheese pairings. After all, the cheese is the star of the show here.

So, the next time you are craving a grilled cheese sandwich, consider using these top recommended cheeses!

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How to Select the Right Cheese for Your Grilled Cheese Sandwich

When it comes to selecting the right cheese for your grilled cheese sandwich, you want to strive for a good balance between melting points and flavor. This means sticking with soft and moist cheeses and avoiding hard or crumbly ones.

The cheese should melt well while also delivering optimal flavor. Although American cheese is the classic option for a grilled cheese sandwich, there are many other choices that can bring your grilled cheese sandwich to a new level of delicious.

Get Creative But Stick to What You Like

Really, you can use any cheese you like to create a grilled cheese sandwich. It’s all about personal preference. From a chewy cheddar and stringy mozzarella to a stinky taleggio and beyond, the options are really endless. But if you’re looking for culinary innovations, these are suggested to be the best cheeses to use when curating your ultimate grilled cheese sandwich:

🧀 American – American cheese is a classic option for grilled cheese sandwiches because it is a little salty and a little sweet, plus it melts exceptionally well. This is going to render a creamier finish to your sandwich.

🧀 Cheddar – As mentioned, cheddar cheese of any medium to sharp variety will deliver a chewy but melty consistency, leaving you satisfied after every bite. Consider jalapeno cheddar or garden vegetable cheddar cheeses for a heightened flavor profile.

🧀 Gruyère – Gruyère may seem like an off-the-wall choice for grilled cheese sandwich, but your taste buds will be pleasantly surprised and asking for more. Gruyère delivers a unique grilled cheese experience with nutty and slightly stinky flavors, and a chewy but creamy consistency. There is good reason why the French use this cheese in their famous croque monsieur!

🧀 Fontina – A popular Italian cheese, fontina delivers a great meltiness-to-flavor ratio. There are many varieties of fontina to choose from at your local deli or grocery store cheese counter, ranging in flavor from mild to a bit stinky.

🧀 Gouda – Gouda is a great option for grilled cheese sandwich if you are in the mood for a softer flavor profile. This Dutch cheese delivers a delightfully nutty and slightly sweet flavor that melts beyond perfection.

🧀 Muenster – Very similar to American cheese, muenster is mild and melts just as well as cheddar and Gouda. This is a great option for kids or for pairing other cheeses in your sandwich.

Grilled Cheese Add-On Options

Once you have your cheeses selected, consider adding some more proteins, vegetables, fruits, and condiments to really take your sandwich to the next level! Popular add-ons include bacon, ham, shredded pork, pepperoni, sliced apples, spinach, caramelized onions, peppers, jam, honey, and herbs like chives or green onion.

Are you craving a delicious and creamy grilled cheese sandwich now, but your kitchen is lacking the proper ingredients? Visit English Ivy’s Downtown Pub and Eatery and order our famous grilled cheese sandwich that you customize by selecting your own cheese and bread options! Don’t forget to ask us about our daily menu specials too!

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What You Can Do With the New and Improved Indy Attraction Pass

Posted on May 28, 2021 by englishivys

Now that summer is right around the corner, and the warm weather is already here, things are finally heating up in Downtown Indianapolis! Want to take advantage of our newly-restored freedom this season and the next? Why not try the new Indy Attraction Pass? Whether male, female, kids, or no kids, anyone and everyone of all ages can enjoy what this great new app can do!

Continue below to learn all about the New Indy Attraction Pass, including what is does, how to get it, and where to get some great eats while you’re in Downtown Indianapolis enjoying everything the pass has to offer!

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The New Indy Attraction Pass for Indianapolis Tourism and Fun

The Indy Attraction Pass is officially relaunched by the City of Indianapolis for 2021! This pass gives you instant purchasing access to more than a handful of amazing and time-honored cultural attractions, like Conner Prairie and the Indianapolis zoo! With one simple click of a button, you can buy tickets at a discounted rate to 8 different cultural attractions offered in Indianapolis. Not only are these passes easy to get and simple to use, but they also save you 15% to 50% on ticket prices!

How to Get the Pass

Getting the Indy Attraction Pass is easy! Just visit the Indianapolis Attraction Pass portal and add your desired package to your cart. Use debit, credit, or Apple Pay, or Paypal to complete your purchase. You can purchase a one-day pass, or go all out with a 3 day pass. The 1 Day Attraction Pass is $48 for adults and $37 for kids, and it is valid for 24 hours after first use. The 3 Day Attraction Pass is $75 for adults and $65 for kids, and it is valid for 72 hours after first use. For both passes, you have up to 90 days to use them, so get one now for Summer 2021!

Once you make your purchase online, you will be sent a text message or email with your pass, and it is ready to use from there. If you save your pass to your phone or home screen, you will have an instant, one-touch access for all 8 attractions covered under this amazing membership.

So, where can you buy tickets to with the New Indy Attraction Pass?

☑ Conner Prairie
☑ Indianapolis Zoo
☑ Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
☑ Indiana State Museum
☑ Eiteljorg Museum
☑ Indiana Historical Society
☑ New Fields
☑ The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

Added Bonuses

Best of all, sites like the Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis Zoo, Eiteljorg Museum, and Indiana Historical Society are all within walking distance to all the Downtown Indianapolis restaurants and hotels! So, you can your crew can plan an entire day of exploration around Circle City, grab some great eats and drinks downtown, and then retire at one of our revered hotels.

Looking for a great downtown Indianapolis restaurant and bar after exploring the city? Visit English Ivy’s Downtown Pub and Eatery and enjoy brunch, lunch, dinner, and delicious drinks! Be sure to check out our weekly specials, too!

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How to Toss Pizza Dough at Home

Posted on May 14, 2021 by englishivys

One of the perks of visiting a local pizza place is watching the kitchen staff toss the pizza dough high into the air, spin it into shape, and stretch it into perfectly rounded foundations for your favorite pizza toppings. So, it is only natural to have the urge to learn the art yourself, just like the pros. Tossing and spinning pizza dough looks a lot easier than it is, but not to worry! You can acquire the skill in no time with a little foreknowledge and a lot of practice. Aside from learning how to toss and spin pizza dough, it is important that you first get the recipe just right if you want the best results.

Continue reading for some pizza dough making tips, including instructions on how to toss pizza dough with your own two hands!

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Why Tossed Dough is Better

Many pizza chains use machines to press and form their pizza dough, but the best results come from the gentle manipulation of hand tossing and spinning. Machine presses and dough sheeters are great for high-traffic operations, like fast food joints and pizza delivery chain, but they do tend to dry the dough out, which leads to a thinner, crunchier crust.

The age-old method is hand tossing, as it is the gentlest way to form pizza dough without over manipulating it or causing it to lose moisture. As a result, hand-tossed dough renders a much softer crust. Over-manipulation can cause the dough to lose moisture, have an inconsistent texture, and bake unevenly, which can all ruin your pizza before you even take it out of the oven.

Hand tossing dough is better because it…

⇢ retains more moisture in the dough.

⇢ creates an airflow that reduces stickiness and makes it easier to handle.

⇢ delivers a perfectly crispy crust that is not too soft or too crunchy.

⇢ renders a non-uniform crumb, making each crust unique.

⇢ makes a higher, lighter edge crust.

Pizza Dough Hand Tossing Guide:

➀ Use a pizza dough that contains yeast. Store bought is fine for practice sessions.

➁ Let dough come to room temperature.

➂ Prep your work area with a layer of flour. Keep a bowl of flour close by.

➃ Shape the dough into a ball. Then dust it with some flour.

➄ Using your fingers, press the dough into a rounded, 10-inch disc. Aim for a half-inch for thickness. If necessary, use a rolling pin.

➅ With one hand in a fist and the other hand with the palm facing up, drape the disc of dough over both hands. Palm up hand should be your dominant hand.

➆ Starting with the palm up hand, lift and spin the disc in the same movement. Do not toss it too high; just enough to get one full rotation in.

➇ When the dough comes down, catch it using that backs of both fists. This is the flattest surface area your hands can create.

➈ Continue tossing, spinning, and catching until your disc of dough is around 12 inches or so!

Not really in the mood to make your own pizza, but craving it right now? Contact English Ivy’s at 317-822-5070 to place a carryout order, or make a reservation at our Downtown Indianapolis bar and restaurant! Our delicious pizzas are made-to-order, and come in 2 sizes!

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How to Choose Between Flour Tortillas and Corn Tortillas
Tips for Cooking a Delicious Beef Roast
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How to Choose Between Flour Tortillas and Corn Tortillas

Posted on January 28, 2021 by englishivys

When it comes to preparing Latin American cuisine, you can never get the full experience without having some form of tortillas around. But the age old question is, “which to choose?”, as many people have a hard time discerning between the two, let alone knowing which to choose for their particular dish. Well, if you have always wondered, “flour or corn tortillas?”, then you are in the right place.

Scroll down to learn the difference between flour tortillas and corn tortillas, including the dishes they compliment best, and where you can count on the freshest, tastiest Mexican food in Downtown Indianapolis!

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Flour Tortillas or Corn Tortillas? That is the Question.

Ultimately, no matter which tortillas you choose, or happen to have on hand, they will be fantastic with whatever Latin American dish you are serving or ordering. They are both delicious and have their own unique qualities that will elevate any meal, Mexican-inspired or not. So, if ever confronted with the option, or left with no optional at all, flour and corn are both wonderful, as they are highly-versatile. But for your own personal understanding, and pleasure, below are some facts about flour and corn tortillas that might help you lean one way or another the next time you are enjoying some tacos or quesadillas!

Flour Tortillas

Flour tortillas are made primarily with, you guessed it, flour, just as the name reveals. They are soft and chewy in texture, mild in flavor, and range in a variety of sizes. More popular in the Northern parts of the Americas, flour tortillas make for excellent burritos, chimichangas, and quesadillas since they are much larger than corn tortillas, and stronger too. However, here in the states, they are commonly used for tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, sandwich and salad wraps, and even baked as bowls for taco salad.

Corn Tortillas

Corn tortillas are made from ground corn, and have a lot of salty and savory flavor. They are smaller than flour tortillas, but perfect for dishes like tacos, taquitos, enchiladas, street tacos, and tostadas. They are also the perfect tortillas to cut apart and make nachos with! Corn tortillas are prevalent here in the states, but they are the dominant tortilla in the Southern parts of the United States, and all throughout Mexico, Central America, and South America. If you want authentic Latin American food, go for the corn tortillas, as this is what you will find when you travel down south. An added bonus, those with dietary restrictions, such as wheat or gluten, corn tortillas are a great mostly-gluten-free alternative to flour-based ones.

Craving Something in a Tortilla Now?

Place an Order at English Ivy’s Pub and Eatery for TACO THURSDAY!

Contact us at 317-822-5070 to hear more about our current special of the week, TACO THURSDAY! Come in or place an order for steak, chicken, pork, and fish tacos tonight! We have other tortilla options on our Menus too, like our Southwest Quesadilla, Steak Wrap, and Chicken Wrap! Our Thursday specials are also showcasing drinks, including $5 Margaritas, $3.50 Corona bottles, $3 Fireball, $5.35 Pitchers, $10 Beer Buckets, and more! We gladly accept wall-ins, reservations, and even carryout orders. We look forward to serving you!

The 3 Quickest Ways to Thaw a Frozen Chicken

Posted on December 15, 2020 by englishivys

There are several ways to defrost a full, frozen chicken, but only a few will do it the fastest. The amount of time each method ultimately takes will depend on the size of the bird, as well as the cooking method you choose or have available to you. Continue reading to get started!

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How to Quickly Defrost Frozen Chicken

Nothing is more frustrating than getting home after a long day of whatever it is you had to do, only to discover that you forget to defrost the chicken that you are supposed to cook for dinner. Fortunately, there are ways around this dilemma aside from ordering take-out, which is never a bad idea if you ask the rest of the family! But when thawing chicken, it is important to ensure to avoid unhealthy bacteria growth, which chicken is prone to doing if thawed improperly.

So, if you are in a time crunch, rely on these 3 methods of thawing a whole chicken. They are the fastest, and will render the same quality results.

❶ Microwave Thawing

If you have a microwave, especially one from this century, take a closer look at the buttons. You will likely see a defrost button. This button will work for your whole chicken, so long as you do the math right. Read your microwave’s owners’ manual for instructions on how to use the defrost setting. Be sure to stop the process every few minutes to check on the chicken and move it around. For average size whole chickens, you can expect this to take around 45 minutes.

❷ Refrigerator Thawing

Arguably the best option, thawing chicken in the refrigerator works every time. However, you need a day or two to let the chicken fully thaw. So be sure to plan ahead when using this method! Also, it is recommended to place the chicken on a place, even it if is wrapped in plastic. They are prone to leaking as they thaw!

❸ Cold Water Thawing

You should never thaw chicken in a bowl of hot water, but a bowl of COLD water is perfectly effective. Place your chicken in a sealable plastic bag, then place the bag of chicken into a large bowl filled with crisp, cold water. Be sure the chicken is entirely submerged. Allow the thawing process to take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours. It is important, however, to change the cold water every 30 to 45 minutes.

You Can Cook it Frozen of You are Really in a Pinch!

Cooking frozen chicken is usually recommended for slow cooking or braising. Cooking frozen chicken comes out the most successful if you have a pressure cooker or slow cooker. Just be sure the pot is large enough for your chicken, and read the manual before getting started.

⚠ Never thaw chicken in room temperature, or in a bowl of hot water. ⚠

Don’t Have Time to Thaw a Chicken Tonight?

Order Takeout at English Ivy’s Eatery and Pub 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!

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

Posted on November 23, 2020 by englishivys

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!

How to Cure a Halloween Hangover

Posted on October 28, 2020 by englishivys

If you are a fan of Halloween, you probably have big plans this weekend. And with all the Halloween parties, specials, and festivities you are keenly awaiting, you will likely be indulging in more way than one. Whether it’s from too much sugar, too much booze, or a combination of both, waking up the morning after Halloween feeling sluggish is never fun. But don’t let the fear of next-day malaise turn you off from celebrating this weekend!

Continue reading to learn how to cure a Halloween hangover in no time at all.

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Hungover After Too Much Halloween Fun? Try These Remedies

🥤 Reach for the Water

Water is your best friend today. Although you should try to drink a lot of water every day of your life, when you are feeling ill from a food or alcohol hangover, you need even more. The general rule of thumb is to drink at least 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight. Typically, this averages out to be about 8 ounces, but since every human body is different, the water-to-weight ratio is more accurate. If you are a coffee or tea drinker in the morning, limit your intake to one cup. Too much caffeine can worsen hangover symptoms.

Why is water so helpful for a hangover?

Well, when you are hungover from alcohol, your body is dehydrated. This is just a common symptom of alcohol consumption, whether you have one drink or five. Replenishing the body’s water reserves will minimize headaches, body aches, fatigue, and more. It will also get your body’s internal systems working optimally, which will detox you faster and get rid of any lingering mental fog. If you are hungover from too much sugar or food, water will help with digestion issues, and flush the contents of your bowels quicker.

🍳 Eat Something Healthy

If you are hungover from overeating, whether sugar or food, get your body back on track by eating something healthy. Although you might feel like you shouldn’t eat at all after eating so much, fasting can worsen any residual stomach or digestion issues. Choose a healthy meal to counter the greasy, salty, or sugary delights you had the night before. Focus on half your plate being a lean protein, like grilled fish or chicken, and other half clean vegetables. Add a garden salad on top of that and you are really going to notice the impact on how you feel.

Now, if you have a hangover from too much drinking, then just focus on getting some food in your stomach. Sometimes, a hangover can make you feel so ill, you don’t want to eat, but you must if you want to feel better, sooner. And although it is recommended to still eat healthy when hungover, the reality is, greasy or comfort food is what we all want. Just be sure to follow up your next meal with something healthier.

💊 Take Some Medicine

Over-the-counter headache medicines and pain killers are also your friend when suffering from a hangover from alcohol. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and patiently await the relief. If you are hungover from too much food or sugar, consider anti-diarrheal medicine, gas pills, antacids, or even stool softeners to help ease symptoms of boating, diarrhea, or constipation. Be sure to consult with your primary doctor before mixing medications or taking them for the first time.

The Place to Come Celebrate Halloween in Downtown Indianapolis

English Ivy’s is open this Halloween weekend, Friday through Sunday from 5PM to Midnight!

Call 317-822-5070 to ask about our dinner and drink specials we are offering this Halloween. We serve a full lunch, dinner, and late night menu, and even brunch on Sundays! From icy cocktails and beers, to an assortment of wines, liquors, shots, and everything in between, you will find exactly what your taste buds crave this Halloween weekend at our exclusive Downtown Indianapolis bar and restaurant! Find out more about our upcoming events and announcements on our Facebook page!