Sometimes I just have to escape. I might be short on time or funds- but here are a few of the places I go when I'm on an Indy Stay-cation.
Read, read, read!
Carmel Clay Public Library- Way back when in college, I worked at the college library. I feel very at home in a library. When I need to escape for a few hours, I go to the Carmel library. Here you can find a massive selection of books, CDs, DVDs and magazines. If you need absolute quiet, you can sit in one of the reading rooms on the 2nd floor. I can spend hours searching through the stacks for a biography, cookbook, or magazine. I love reading magazines and you can checkout magazines here (for a week) and they have a large selection (entertainment, food, news, travel, etc). Bonus- you don't have to be a Carmel resident to go to the Carmel library. Check the web site above for more information. Carmel Clay Public Library, 55 4th Ave SE, Carmel.
magazines I picked up at the Carmel library
See you at the movies
Landmark Theatres- When I'm in desperate need of a getaway, I head to the movies. For me, watching a movie at home is not the same. I want the big screen experience- that's what movies were made for!!! I'm a die-hard movie fan and enjoy most genres (except horror- I'm a wimp, ok!!). Landmark has a bar, should you want to take a drink into the show. Locations all over the country- check the web site for details.
Stationary *note Westwood Paper is no longer at that location. Check their web site for details.
Westwood Paper- My brother, Peter, once joked that I could spend my entire paycheck on pens and paper. That may be an exaggeration- but to an extent- he's right. I love pens and paper! Is there a support group? Sign me up! I've mentioned Westwood before, but I just love stationary and I'm mentioning them again! Westwood's owner, Jill, stays with and ahead of all of the latest trends and personally works with each customer to ensure 100% satisfaction. I recently popped in and Jill showed me all of the latest stuff she purchased from the New York City stationary show. Westwood Paper, 20 Executive Drive, Carmel. Check the web site for more information.
one of the displays at Westwood Paper
a few things I picked up at Westwood Paper
Drinks and dinner with a gorgeous water view
Bella Vita Ristorante- Wednesday, my friend Jennifer (remember- fantastic hostess) and I met up for drinks and dinner at Bella Vita, located on Geist Reservoir. I needed to escape and I needed to see water. Location, location, location. We sat outside and enjoyed a leisurely meal of wine and pasta. We people-watched, looked at the boats in the marina and listened to the band play, "I'll Be There" and "I Can See Clearly Now." I was so relaxed- I didn't want to leave. I'm already planning my next after work visit. Bella Vita Ristorante, 11699 Fall Creek Rd., Fishers, IN 46256.
view from Bella Vita
the band playing "I'll Be There"
I love these colored palm trees!
The most fabulous specialty food shop in Indy
Goose The Market- This specialty food store, a unique store that you might find in New York City or Los Angeles, is an oasis. The store's Batali sandwich (named after Chef Mario Batali) was named by by Bon Apetit as one of the top 10 sandwiches (and sandwich shops) in the country. The owners are friendly and helpful and each item is presented with an attention to detail. I recently stopped in and picked up some salami, Italian soft cheese, a loaf of french bread (from Breadsmith), some olives and a market salad (made with potatoes, green beans and bacon), perfect for an indoor or outdoor picnic. Oh, and a piece of Sahm's Coffee Cake that I will enjoy with a cup of coffee. I suggest you immediately get in your car and go to Goose and take in all of the wonderful sights and smells. Goose The Market, 2503 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis. Check the web site for hours and details.
The BEST potato soup- EVER!
When I was growing up in Atlanta, Sidney's Just South restaurant was one of my family's favorite restaurants. Sadly, the restaurant closed many years ago. My parents continue to make many of Sidney's recipes. Recently, my Dad whipped of a batch of Sidney's famous potato soup. It had a been a while since I had it and I can't stop talking about it. The soup is even better the second day.
Sidney's Just South Restaurant, Atlanta, GA
Potato Soup
*cook's note: do not substitute or leave out any ingredients or you will not have the same result of this wonderfully comforting soup.
ingredients:
4 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cups onions chopped
3 cups potatoes cubed
1 grated carrot
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 cups water
3 teaspoons caraway seeds
2 tablespoons farina (cream of wheat)
3 cups whole milk
4 tablespoons parsley flakes
1/2 cup sour cream
*Serves 4*
1) Saute onions in butter in a large pan
2) Add carrots, potatoes, water, salt, pepper and caraway seeds and bring to a boil.
3) Stir in farina (cream of wheat). Cook over low heat for 25 minutes.
4) Add parsley and milk. Bring to a boil.
5) Cook gently until potatoes are soft.
6) Serve with a dab of sour cream.
Serve with some crusty bread (perfect for dipping) and a glass of white wine.
Enjoy!
Sidney's Just South- Potato Soup
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