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!

Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich Indianapolis 317-822-5070

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!

You Might Also Enjoy:

Top 4 Tips for Using Cast Iron Skillets
Recommended Grocery Store Wine and Cheese Pairings
How to Choose Between Flour Tortillas and Corn Tortillas

Downtown Indianapolis Bar Restaurant — 317-822-5070

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!

Food Drink Specials Downtown Indianapolis 317-822-5070

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!

You Might Also Like:

English Ivy’s Warmly Welcomes All Our Guests Back to Our Downtown Eatery
English Ivy’s Has Upgraded Safety Codes and Procedures in Response to the Coronavirus
Top-Recommended Low Calorie Cocktail Options for Summer

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!

Pizza Downtown Indianapolis 317-822-5070

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!

You Should Also Read:

How to Choose Between Flour Tortillas and Corn Tortillas
Tips for Cooking a Delicious Beef Roast
Why Surf and Turf is a Good Choice for Any Dinner Occasion

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!

Fish Tacos Special in Indianapolis — Call for Taco Thursday at English Ivy’s in Indianapolis 317-822-5070

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!

Downtown Indianapolis Takeout and Carry Out 317-822-5070

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!

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.

Halloween Specials Downtown Indianapolis 317-822-5070

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!

The Historic Facts Behind the Beloved Beef Manhattan

Posted on October 7, 2020 by englishivys

You might know it as a Beef Manhattan, but for millions of Americans, particular hailing from the East Coast, New York regions, the rightful moniker is open-faced hot roast beef sandwich. Either way, this delicious dish has been enjoyed for many generations all over the country, and continues to please even the pickiest of palates. As for us Hoosiers, we certainly love our Beef Manhattans, and appreciate their name and history! But why exactly do we call this beloved dish a Beef Manhattan in Indiana?

Scroll down to learn some noteworthy facts about the history and mystery behind America’s favorite hot sandwich, including where to get one on the fly in Downtown Indy after reading this blog!

Indianapolis Beef Manhattan Special 317-822-5070

The Beef Manhattan Sandwich

The Beef Manhattan is a roast beef and gravy dish served with white bread and mashed potatoes. In fact, it is not even necessarily a sandwich, as it is traditionally served open-faced, atop a bed of mashed potatoes, and with bread slices on the side. However, today, modern chefs and at-home cooking enthusiasts continually add their own innovative twists and renditions of this classic roast beef and gravy meal, so you can find it served all sorts of ways. Here in Indiana, you often see Beef Manhattan dishes served as sandwiches, with a side of mashed potatoes, and everything topped with brown gravy.

What’s With the Name?

Ironically, the name Beef Manhattan is considered an inaccurate one since the rest of the nation, outside of New York, call these dishes open-faced roast beef sandwiches. Even more ironic is the fact that the name, Beef Manhattan, is rumored to have originated right here in Indianapolis! That’s right; in the late 1940’s, a deli, now out of business, dubbed this hot roast beef and gravy sandwich dish a Beef Manhattan on their menu.

In fact, Naval Ordnance Plant Indianapolis (NOPI) workers are to thank for naming this deli’s hot roast beef sandwich menu item. You see, during World War II, these NOPI workers were trained on a replicated set of the Norden Bombsight in Manhattan, New York. They loved the meal so much, they brought the idea back to their favorite deli in Indianapolis, and gave it the name, Beef Manhattan! From that point on, the Beef Manhattan became a Hoosier staple.

Now to the Most Important Point…

Where to Get One in Indy Right Now!

Just Call English Ivy’s to Order a Deliciously Classic Beef Manhattan Meal!

Call English Ivy’s Pub and Eatery at 317-822-5070 to order our current special of the week, Beef Manhattan! Our weekly specials menu is also showcasing a spicy Boom Boom Shrimp appetizer, a savory Chicken Marsala Pasta, our classic Prime Rib Sandwich, a sticky Chicken Teriyaki Salad, and more! We gladly accept wall-ins, reservations, and even carryout orders. With neighborhood prices and the kindliest service around, you will be fully-satisfied with every moment you spend at our Downtown Indianapolis bar and restaurant! We look forward to being friends!

English Ivy’s Warmly Welcomes All Our Guests Back to Our Downtown Eatery

Posted on September 4, 2020 by englishivys

English Ivy’s is so happy to announce that, after quite some time, our doors are officially open again! We want to give a warm, generous thank you to all of your support you’ve shown us over the past two weeks we have been reopen.

Although still working on making some adjustments, we are continuing with all the English Ivy’s fun! Continue below to learn about our new restaurant hours and menus, as well as, all the great specials you can expect this season!

Bar Restaurant Downtown Indianapolis 317-822-5070 — Call 317-822-5070 to Hear Our Specials!

Come for a Visit or Order Carry Out!

🕚 Monday: Closed
🕚 Tuesday – Thursday: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
🕚 Friday – Saturday: 11:00 am – 12:00 am
🕚 Sunday: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm

Let Us Introduce Our New Menu!

We are anxiously looking forward to introducing our brand new menu, full of creative renditions, original recipes, seasonal favorites, English Ivy classics, and fresh, farm-to-table inspirations! You will simply fall in love this Fall with our new English Ivy’s menu!

🍴 Weekly and Daily Specials 🍴

We are planning on weekly food and beverage specials, and continuing with our daily specials too! Tuesday through Friday, stay hungry as we have a lot to serve you! You can expect some of the same classics you’ve grown to love over the years, including our weekend brunch! But you can also expect some new surprises that will leaving you wanting seconds, and thirds!

Don’t Forget About Brunch!✨🍾

English Ivy’s is still going strong with our brunch menu, serving it EVERY SATURDAY and SUNDAY until 3PM! Be sure to order extra for those Monday morning cravings when we are closed! Walk-ins are always welcomed, but feel free to call ahead for reservations, anytime. Just be sure to remember your mask!

No time to stay in and dine with us? We also take carryout orders! As an added convenience, we have both lot and street parking available, so finding a spot is never an issue for our guests. With cheap prices and the friendliest service around, you will be fully- satisfied with every experience you have with us, whether you dine in or take out.

Get in Touch for More Info!

Contact us today at 317-822-5070 to learn more about our menus, specials, events, and more! We gladly accept wall-ins, reservations, and even carryout orders. And as an added convenience, we have both lot and street parking available, so visiting us is never a hassle. With neighborhood prices and the kindliest service around, you will be fully- satisfied with every moment you spend at our Downtown Indiana bar and restaurant! We look forward to being friends!

Recommended Grocery Store Wine and Cheese Pairings

Posted on January 27, 2020 by englishivys

What’s not to love about wine and cheese? All over the world you will find various kinds of cheese and wines being produced, and with modern-day importing and exporting, we are lucky to have our pick of many right here in the United States. That’s not to say that local North American wines and cheeses are not worth the choosing. We are also benefited by local wineries and cheese farms that grace us with their passion for quality craftsmanship and value.

But you don’t have to be an enthusiast or connoisseur to create your own wine and cheese pairings at home. Your local grocery store right around the corner is all you need to build the perfect charcuterie tray for your next night in. There are several quick and easy wine and cheese combinations you can go with to ensure you are coupling the right flavors and aromas for the perfect pairing experience.

Continue below to review some recommendations for both grocery store wines and cheeses that perfectly complement each other, and available at Kroger, Trader Joe’s, or Fresh Market locations in Indianapolis!

Downtown Indianapolis Wine Specials 317-822-5070

Red Wines and Cheese Pairings

When choosing a red wine, be sure to store it at 60 degrees Fahrenheit to allow the flavor to fully develop. And remove cheese trays from the refrigerator 30 to 40 minutes before serving to allow the cheeses to soften. Below are some easy red pairings to consider.

Cabernet Sauvignon:

🍷 SIMI Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 – $20
🧀 Presidente Soft-Ripened Brie Cheese – $6

Merlot:

🍷 Beringer Merlot Founders’ Estate 2010 – $16
🧀 Tillamook Medium Sharp Cheddar Cheese – $5

Pinot Noir:

🍷 Francis Coppola Pinot Noir 2014 – $16
🧀 Red Apple Smoked Gruyere Cheese – $8

Chianti:

🍷 Castello Di Gabbiano Chianti 2014 – $11
🧀 Galbani Mozzarella Fresca Marinated – $6

White Wines and Cheese Pairings

When choosing a white wine, be sure to store and serve at 45 degrees Fahrenheit for that perfect flavorful finish. And remember to remove the cheeses from the refrigerator prior to guests arriving. This will ensure every bite is gentle and pleasing. Below are some easy white pairings to consider.

Chardonnay:

🍷 Cupcake Vineyards Chardonnay 2014 – $8
🧀 Dofino Creamy Havarti – $6

White Zinfandel:

🍷 Barefoot White Zinfandel 2014 – $13
🧀 Boar’s Head Muenster Cheese – $4

Riesling:

🍷 Schmitt Sohne Riesling – $14
🧀 Castello Blue Cheese – $9

Sauvignon Blanc:

🍷 Yellow Tail Sauvignon Blanc 2014 – $15
🧀 Montchevre Chevre Goat Cheese – &5

Pinot Gris:

🍷 Chateau Ste Michelle Pinot Gris – $10
🧀 Private Selection Van Gogh Gouda Cheese – $7

Where to Wine and Dine in Downtown Indy

Call English Ivy’s at 317-822-5070 to hear about our fresh menus and specials we offer at our Downtown Indianapolis pub and eatery! Visit us on Mondays for ½ PRICE PREMIUM WINES, or Tuesdays for our $3 HOUSE WINES! We have a full bar stocked with all your favorites, including wine, premium liquors, beer, and more. To accompany your glass of wine, you can also order some delicious appetizers and entrees from our lunch and dinner menus! So, if you need a new place to wine and dine with your group, trust English Ivy’s bar and restaurant for phenomenal food, fun, and friendship!

Tips for Cooking a Delicious Beef Roast

Posted on January 15, 2020 by englishivys

When you want to take credit for preparing the perfect beef pot roast, you have to learn what it takes to achieve it first. In today’s world, there are so many fancy gadgets, cooking methods, and recipes that can sometimes overshadow a perfectly good traditional cut of beef. But when it comes to beef, you really don’t need all the frills to ensure your main course comes out juicy and delicious. Instead, all you need to do is rely on some good, old-fashioned tips handed down by all those talented Grannies. With the right knowledge under your belt, you are fully-equipped to prepare the tastiest and most memorable roast beef your whole family will love.

Continue reading to cover some of the most important tips for cooking a succulent beef pot roast.

Downtown Indianapolis Eatery 317-822-5070 — Grandma’s Beef Pot Roast Special 317-822-5070

Use a Good Butcher or Cut

The most important part of preparing a great beef roast is to start with the butcher. You want to concentrate on procuring your beef meat through a trusted, organic sheep farmer who will provide any custom cut for a fair price. Farm-to-table, locally-sourced foods have several benefits, one of which being some of the highest quality product around. Ask your provider to remove the bone for easier preparation. If you prefer to shop at your local grocery store, you have organic options, or you can simply opt for your favorite, trusted cut.

Let Your Roast Come to Room Temp

Another important tip is to let the meat rest before cooking so that it can reach room temperature. This supports more even cooking and balanced flavors. Once your meat is at room temperature, spend the first 10 to 20 minutes searing it on all sides using a cast iron skillet on high heat. This will properly seal in all the delicious juices and flavors of the meat while it cooks in the oven.

Get Your Cooking Time Right

When it comes time to put it in the oven, you want to roast it slowly at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The amount of time you roast your beef will depend on its weight. The rule of thumb to follow here is 13 to 13 minutes per pound for rare beef, 17 to 19 minutes for medium, and 22 to 25 for fully cooked. For instance, if your beef roast is three and half pounds, you will want to roast it for at least 45 minutes for rare, and upwards of 90 minutes for well-done.

Let Your Roast Rest

Once you remove your roast from the oven, allow it to rest for 15 minutes to retain all the juices inside. The temperature of your meat is important, and will range depending on your personal preference. Be sure to check your meat with a meat thermometer to ensure it has achieved the proper internal temperature, which is around 145°F for medium rare and 160°F for medium.

Get Delicious, Homemade Beef Pot Roast in Downtown Indianapolis

Call English Ivy’s at 317-822-5070 to ask us about our Sunday dinner special, Grandma’s Beef Pot Roast Special! Our patrons continue to beg us for the recipe, but we promised Granny we’d keep it a family secret! Fortunately, all you have to do to enjoy this special dish is join us for dinner on Sunday nights! We are open from 10am-3pm, so come in and check out our menus full of delicious appetizers, cocktails, and more! With neighborhood prices and the nicest service around, you will enjoy every minute you spend at our Downtown Indianapolis bar and restaurant!