What’s Happening in Downtown Indy This Weekend

Posted on May 26, 2022 by englishivys

Don’t let all this rain put a damper in your Hoosier spirit! Keep your hopes high for better weather this weekend! And even if the rainy, cloudy weather decides to stick around, there is still plenty to do in Downtown Indianapolis! Scroll below to review some of the top events and attractions happening in Downtown Indy this weekend that you do not want to miss, rain or shine!

Indiana Repertory Theatre - Downtown Indianapolis — Indiana Repertory Theatre

Hi-Fi Annex Downtown Indianapolis — Indiana Repertory Theatre

Looking for Something To Do This Weekend in Downtown Indianapolis?

Check out these top events and attractions happening now through Memorial Day weekend!

Steel Magnolias at the Indiana Repertory Theatre

A beloved Broadway-turned-movie classic has come to the Indiana Repertory Theatre! Catch the famous show, Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling, presented by OneAmerica Mainstage this weekend! Showing times run 2 hours and 20 minutes, which includes a 15 minute intermission. You can see a show anytime, from today through June 5^th. Just be sure to bring age-appropriate guests, as this pop culture favorite tends to include a lot of mature, adult language! Tickets start at $25, and patrons are required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test.

Gondola Rides By Old World Gondoliers

Saturday weather reports suggest a sunny, dry, and warm day! So, ask a date or grab your loved ones and reserve a Downtown Indianapolis Canal gondola ride! Take a marvelous trip down the canals of Downtown Indianapolis, Italian-style. Offered by Old World Gondoliers and offered through September 27th, your Gondolier will serenade you as take in the most beautiful canal views and all the charm of Downtown Indy has to offer! Reservations are required, and admission is $189 per boat, which can hold up to 8 passengers.

Top Gun at the IMAX Theater

Who doesn’t love Tom Cruise? Swoon over the Navy’s top action aviator heroes this weekend by catching Top Gun – Maverick at the IMAX Theater in the Indiana State Museum! Showings started today and go through June 9^th this year. Relish in the shenanigans and adventures of Maverick, Goose, Lt. Bradshaw, and all the other cult favorites this Memorial Day weekend. This classic, good-time movie is rated PG-13 and has a running time of 131 minutes. Ticket prices are $17 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $14 for kids 12 and under.

‘Michigander’ Presented By Rock for Riley

If you like great music and a good cause, go Downtown this Friday, May 27, to check out Michigander – Rock for Riley at the Hi-Fi Annex. Presented by Rock for Riley, this show will also feature music by Public Universal Friend. Best of all, 100% of the proceeds made from the concert will directly benefit the Riley Hospital for Children. Rock for Riley is an admired philanthropy group that was founded and still operated by Indiana University School of Medicine students. Show your support and enjoy the best music this weekend at the Hi-Fi Annex! Tickets range between $20 and $25.

English Ivy’s Weekend Brunch and Dinner Specials

Before or after enjoying one of these awesome Downtown Indianapolis attractions, be sure to fill yourself up with a delicious meal and some buzz-worthy drinks at English Ivy’s Pub & Eatery! All of the above-listed Downtown Indy events are within 10 minutes of our restaurant!

This Friday, relish in our famous $22 Prime Rib Dinner Special! Then choose from our $4 Effen cocktails, $5 Kettle One cocktails, and $3 House Wine by the glass drink specials. Hitting the town this Saturday, May 27th? Stop in from 11am to 3pm for brunch, featuring signature brunch dishes, mimosa carafes, $5 Tito’s Bloody Mary’s, Effen Screw Drivers, Irish Coffees, and an $18 champagne bottle served with an orange juice carafe!

Saturday evening, you can enjoy our delicious Mango Salsa Salmon or 10 oz. Filet special, as well as $4 Effen cocktails and $5 Kettle One cocktails. We also have fantastic bar specials every day of the week, and brunch AGAIN on Sundays from 10AM to 3PM!

So, what are you waiting for? Get your weekend plans in motion right now! Visit English Ivy’s Downtown Pub and Eatery and enjoy brunch, lunch, dinner, and delicious drinks all Memorial Day weekend! Be sure to check out our weekly specials, too! Tonight, our special is steak kabobs!

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!

Chicken Wings Special Near Me Indianapolis 317-822-5070

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!

Downtown Indianapolis Bar Restaurant — 317-822-5070

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!

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Top 5 Things to Do in Downtown Indy This Weekend

Posted on July 29, 2021 by englishivys

The kids might all be back in school now, but the summer season is still hot and going strong for us adults! So, if you are looking for some adult things to do this weekend with your pals, Downtown Indy is the place to be! Scroll below to see the top five things you should be doing this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, right here in Downtown Indianapolis!

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Top Events and Experiences in Downtown Indianapolis

~ Friday July 30^th – Sunday August 1^st

Gather your friends and loved ones up for some exciting events and happenings taking place all throughout the heart of Downtown Indianapolis. From the Riverside Regional Park to the beautiful Historic Saint Joseph Neighborhood, and many in between, there is something for everyone to enjoy this weekend in Downtown Indy!

The Lume – Indianapolis Museum of Art

Visit the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields this weekend, as the new and highly-anticipated Vincent van Gogh digital art exhibit, LUME Indianapolis officially debuts this Friday! But don’t feel rushed, LUME at Newfields will be available until May 31^st next year! Created by Australian-based Grande Experiences, LUME is a walk-through art exhibit that entices all of the senses, from sight and sound to taste, smell, and more! Taking up the full 4^th of the Indianapolis Museum of Art, this 30,000 square foot digital art experience is set to be the largest nonstop exhibition space at Newfields since it’s commencement more than 137 years ago! Enjoy more than 3,000 moving Vincent van Gogh paintings, food and beverages, shopping, and more! Tickets: $13 – $25

Indiana State Fair

If you are a born and raised Hoosier, then you certainly know about the upcoming Indiana State Fair happening right here at our local fair grounds. Tickets are only $12, so bring all your friends for live music, food, drinks, racing, rodeo, demolition derby, a strong man show, and even the famous Beach Boys! The Tap Room will also be there providing wine and beer options, too! Enjoy 18 days of summer fun at the Indiana State Fair this weekend, and through August 22. Tickets: $12

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Are you and your friends the artsy type? If so, after you check out LUME Indianapolis, head over to Taggart Memorial Amphitheater this Friday and Saturday for the famous livestream performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream! Shows start at 8PM and finish at 10 PM, during which you can enjoy the pleasures of Indy’s favorite food trucks, beverage vendors, and more! Simply register through Eventbrite for a FREE TICKET! Just be sure to bring your own picnic blanket and folding chairs, as there will not be any seating provided! Tickets: FREE!

Indy Seltzer Fest

Do you and your friends love the new seltzer trend happening all over the country? If so, then Indy Seltzer Fest at Fowling Warehouse is your go-to place of pleasure this weekend in Downtown Indianapolis! Offering more than 75 local and national brand seltzers, you are sure to find a new favorite alcoholic seltzer! At this highly- anticipated Indy event, you can also enjoy food and beverage vendors, live music, and OPEN FOWLING! Only available in two sessions this Saturday, July 31^st, 1pm to 5pm and 6pm to 10pm, be sure to grab your tickets fast before they are all sold out! Tickets: $35+

English Ivy’s Weekend Dinner Specials and Sunday Brunch

After you have enjoyed all of these incredible Downtown Indianapolis events, finish the evening with a delicious dinner and drink specials at English Ivy’s Pub & Eatery. All above-mentioned events are within 11 minutes of our restaurant! This Friday, fill your belly with our famous Prime Rib Dinner Special! Hitting the town on Saturday, instead? Stop by English Ivy’s for our delicious Shrimp and Grits! We also have fantastic bar specials every day of the week, and even BRUNCH on SUNDAYS! Brunch starts at 10AM, so come in to top-off to your exciting Downtown Indy weekend!

So, what are you waiting for? Get your weekend plans in motion right now! Visit English Ivy’s Downtown Pub and Eatery and enjoy brunch, lunch, dinner, and delicious drinks all weekend long. Be sure to check out our weekly specials, too!

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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!

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!

English Ivy’s Has Upgraded Safety Codes and Procedures in Response to the Coronavirus Threat

Posted on March 13, 2020 by englishivys

Below is an important message regarding enhancements made to our internal safety codes and cleaning procedures in response to the current Coronavirus threat. We hope this gives you confidence in our commitment to protecting you, and encourages you to continue being a valued guest of English Ivy’s.

Downtown Indianapolis Eatery — English Ivy’s is Fully- Equipped and Prepared to Protect Our Guests.

To Our Valued Guests,

The safety and well-being of our staff and guests are of paramount importance to us. So, we are closely monitoring the developments and information surrounding the spread of the Coronavirus, and are actively taking extra precautions to ensure our restaurant is fully-prepared for any potential threat. As a rule, we follow a meticulous cleaning and sanitizing regiment every day, as we take deep pride in maintaining a clean and safe workplace.

Here are the precautionary steps we’re taking in addition to our standard cleaning program:

✅ In hourly rotations, we are using disinfectant on high-traffic surfaces and areas in both the dining room and the kitchen.

✅ We are making sure that all service tools, such as pens, menus, and check presenters, are disinfected between each use.

✅ We are sourcing and providing hand sanitizers for guest use.

Our staff continues to be thorough and thoughtful about frequent hand washing and sanitizing. Those good habits have been in place since the beginning, and will be upheld with extra vigilance during this current time of concern. Furthermore, we have spoken in depth with our team about the virus, including how it’s transmitted and common symptoms. Our existing policy prohibits employees from coming to work sick, and you can rest assure that this policy will continue to be enforced moving forward.

While we understand and share the concern about this virus, please know that we are taking every precaution to protect both staff and guests, which mean you can have confidence in the safety of English Ivy’s. We hope that this explanation about our new, strict internal safety code puts your mind at ease, and doesn’t stop you from supporting your local, favorite Downtown Indianapolis pub and eatery!

We Wish to See You All Soon!

If you have any questions regarding our recent news, menus, events, specials, or business hours, please feel free to contact us directly at 317-822-5070, anytime. Please continue to visit our website blog page every other week for new posts regarding our business and operations. We graciously thank you all!

Easy Leftover Thanksgiving Day Turkey Ideas

Posted on November 29, 2019 by englishivys

The best part of Thanksgiving Day is that it keeps on giving and giving, even after the holiday has come and gone. We are talking about all the tasty leftovers, of course! But of all the typical leftover Thanksgiving dinner foods, turkey is by far the most universal, capable of being repurposed into a variety of delicious snacks, lunches, and more. To top it all off, turkey is healthy, making it a good choice for a meal, any time of day.

So rather than settling for the standard, cold turkey refrigerator grazing tradition this year, think about all the other goodies you can make with your leftover holiday bird. Continue reading for some easy recipes to get your own ideas flowing!

Downtown Indianapolis Eatery 317-822-5070

Thanksgiving Day Tips to Get You Started

First and foremost, if you know you’re not going to be able to consume all your leftover turkey within 5 to 7 days, the best tip to follow is to freeze it in a freezer-acceptable bag or container. After 5 to 7 days, bacteria can begin to grow within the proteins of the meat, and therefore begins to reduce the quality, taste, texture, and more. By freezing your leftover turkey, you can extend its life and ensure it’s healthy to eat. Cooked turkey can be frozen safely for 2 to 6 months.

Thawing Frozen Turkey

If frozen, turkey needs to be completely thawed before it can be seasoned or cooked. There are three primary methods of thawing meat, safely: refrigeration, cold water, and microwaving. The safest and most recommended method is to thaw your meat in the refrigerator. Simply keep the turkey in its packaging and place it on a plate to thaw overnight. If you need a faster option, the next best method is to thaw frozen turkey in cold water.

Just place the meat in an enclosed waterproof plastic bag and submerge it in cold water, changing the water every half hour until the meat is entirely thawed. To thaw frozen meat in the microwave, you will need to understand your appliances defrost settings since make and models vary in operation and performance. Refer to the owners’ manual for instructions on how to defrost frozen meat in your particular make and model microwave. If you choose this method, it is important that you immediately cook the meat once it is thawed.

Turkey Ideas You Can Try

Where to Get Tasty Eats in Downtown Indianapolis

Contact English Ivy’s at 317-822-5070 to ask about our dinner menus and holiday specials we are offering this season. We offer a seasonal-inspired, multi-cuisine menu that is locally-sourced and curated by our chef. From classics like wings and burgers, to specialty entrees like prime rib and baked scallops, and everything in between, you will find exactly what your taste buds crave this Thanksgiving on our exclusive holiday menus. With neighborhood prices and the nicest service around, you will enjoy every minute you spend at our Downtown Indianapolis bar and restaurant!

Top 4 Tips for Using Cast Iron Skillets

Posted on October 29, 2019 by englishivys

Cast iron has played a major role in our world’s history, with the earliest cast-iron artifacts dating back all the way to 5th century BC. Throughout the centuries, cast iron pots and cauldrons became popular because they were highly durable, cooked meals evenly, and made food taste better. Fashioned with thick handles and long legs, they were specially designed for cooking over a hearth or fire, which was the most common form of fuel in a home during those times. But eventually, stoves were introduced into residential kitchens, logically eliminating the need for legs and handles. As a result, the flat-bottomed cast iron pot was invented, and eventually dubbed the skillet.

Today, cast iron skillets are still among the most popular methods of high-heat and heat retention cooking for these same qualities. Even better, innovative advances in the cookware industry have further improved the natural science behind cast iron cooking! There are even several sizes, colors, and shapes to choose from on the market, so there is one for every cooking need!

If you are interested in improving your cast iron cooking skills, it all starts with cast iron skillet best practices. Continue below to learn the top 4 tips for using and caring for a cast iron skillet.

❶ Do Not Wash It

Your cast iron skillet is special and more delicate than you think. It cannot withstand the astringent properties in dish detergents, let alone the abrasive textures of scrubbing pads and sponges. This means they cannot be washed in the same way as conventional cookware. You see, it gets naturally “seasoned” with a light coating of oil every time you use it. Not only does this enhance the flavor of your meals the more you use your cast iron, the congealed oil settles within the minuscule holes of the skillet, thus creating a natural seal that protects against burning, rusting, and more.

❷ Periodically Deep Clean It

Just because you are not supposed to wash your cast iron after every use does not mean you never clean it at all. Periodically clean away the caked on remnants of past meal preps by adding one cup of water to the skillet, and then putting it on high heat. This will boil off any solid debris stuck to the surface. If this does not do the trick, use kosher or sea salt and a paper towel to gently scrub the gunk away, and then repeat the process.

❸ Store Cast Iron in a Safe Spot

You do not want to dent, chip, or nick your cast iron skillet because it can cause rust formation, and negatively affect the quality of sear you get on your food. Be sure to store your cast iron skillets flat so they cannot topple over. You can also store them in between your other pots and pans so long as you use layers of felt or paper towel to prevent scratching.

❹ Avoid Using Metal Utensils

Unless using extreme care and focus, avoid using metal spatulas, spoons, and other utensils while cooking in a cast iron skillet. The metal can be too abrasive, and potentially scratch the surface of the skillet. And as mentioned before, scratches can lead to rust and uneven cooking. Instead, stick with a trusty and safe wooden spoon or plastic spatula.

Delicious Food and Great Drink Specials in Downtown Indianapolis!

Contact English Ivy’s at 317-822-5070 to hear about our delicious food and drink menus we’re offering this fall! 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 moment you spend at our Downtown Indianapolis bar and restaurant! We look forward to being friends!

Why You Should Eat Locally-Sourced Foods

Posted on October 14, 2019 by englishivys

If meats, fruits, and vegetables are grown and raised no farther than one hour away, they are considered a local product. This is commonly referred to as “farm-to-table” eating since these products are produced so close to home. There are several benefits to eating locally grown and raised foods, but some of the most admired include freshness, taste, nutrition, economy, community, sustainability, and seasonal awareness.

Continue reading to learn how locally-sourced foods can render such benefits, as well as, where you can find a great, farm-to-table meal near you.

Fresh Downtown Indianapolis Eatery 317-822-5070

☑ Freshness

There is nothing fresher than buying foods that were just harvested days before. This is especially true for locally-raised and produced livestock and poultry. There is no week-long transportation or distribution of fruits and vegetables, which means you can eat them at the peak of ripeness when they taste the best. This benefits ties together with the next important one: nutrition.

☑ Nutrition

Other than quality of taste and level of freshness, locally grown and raised products are generally higher in nutritional value. That is because they are not subjected to added preservatives to keep them fresh during distribution. This is also because they are able to be eaten at the peak of freshness when fruits and vegetables are most nutritious.

☑ Economy

As a member of your thriving community, it is important to do your part to contribute to its success. Supporting your local farmers is a great way to accomplish this philanthropic pursuit. Eating local foods means you are supporting your local economy and keeping money flowing within your town, which in turn, makes your community a better place to live!

☑ Seasonal Awareness

When you eat local foods, you get to stay in touch with the changing seasons, and enjoy the limited-edition yields they provide. Pumpkins, apples, carrots, and corn are just a few examples of delicious seasonal foods to enjoy. Furthermore, buying seasonally ensures freshness and cost savings.

☑ Sustainability

Sustainable agriculture is something to really think about if you care about your community. Sustainability practices ensure that the land used to raise farm products is healthy and available for years to come. This has several benefits, including making the most efficient use of nonrenewable and on-farm resources and enhancing the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.

Great Food in Downtown Indy

Contact English Ivy’s at 317-822-5070 to hear about our seasonal-inspired, multi-cuisine menus that are locally-sourced and curated by our executive chef! From wings and burgers, to prime rib, roasted pork, and everything in between, you will find exactly what your taste buds crave on our exclusive, farm-to-table menus. 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!