In the magazines and/or around the web
food-related
How to Cook Dinner for the World's Greatest Chef- an Esquire writer invited Chef Thomas Keller over to his house for dinner...
Katie Lee (formerly Katie Lee Joel) launched her web site which includes recipes and lovely photos. I own her first cookbook The Comfort Table and recommend it to anyone who's looking for simple, yet delicious food (like banana pancakes).
Chicago food blog, Lottie + Doof is featuring 12 days of cookies (until December 12th). I was drooling over the apricot kolaches and plan to make them soon. I'll let you know how they turn out:)
Risotto fan? Bon Appetit features Top 15 Risotto Recipes. Get your stir on!
fashion-related
I have a love for tights and trouser socks. A few weeks ago I picked up a pair of Vera Wang Trouser Socks at Kohl's for only $6.99 for 2 pairs (a grey Herringbone pair and a black pair). I put them through the test and I've worn them a lot and!!! no holes and no runs. I'll be going back to Kohl's to pick up another few pairs.
Places to go now- in the Indianapolis area
Claus' German Sausage & Meats, Inc.- Confession time: I've lived in Indianapolis many years and have never been to Claus' German Sausage & Meats, Inc (formerly Klem's). Last week I attempted to visit to Claus' (formerly Klem's) and got lost and didn't make it. I don't give up easily- so on Saturday I went back to Claus' and well, still got a little lost, but made it and was so glad I did.
Claus' German Sausage & Meats, Inc. is located on S. Shelby St. (south of Fountain Square). Claus' specializes in all kinds of homemade sausages (such as Metts, Kielbasa) and deli meats (such as Braunschweiger, Liverwurst, German Bologna). They also sell German breads and other German products (such as wine, mustard, pickles).
I was at Claus' around 2 p.m. and there was a line of people inside and some of the customers were speaking German and I immediately felt like I was in another city. I wasn't sure what to order. I went with a pound of Kielbasa, a pound of Metts, and a loaf of German rye bread.
German Rye
What I tried so far: This morning I tasted some Kielbasa (I broiled it) with a slice of toasted rye. The Kielbasa was very spicy and the meat was fresh and the skin of the Kielbasa had a snap to it. If you don't like spicy stuff (I love spicy foods), I would suggest getting another type of sausage. The German rye was a perfect accompaniment to the Kielbasa. It was an ideal meal for cold weather. When I go back I want to try some of the other sausages and lunch meats.
When you go to Claus'- take cash (they do not accept credit/debit cards or checks). They are open until 3 p.m. on Saturdays and are closed on Sunday. Claus' German Sausage & Meats, Inc., 1845 South Shelby Street, Indianapolis (317) 632-1963. Check the web site for hours and directions.
Craving a "Philadelphia" pretzel?
A Taste of Philly- My Mom told me about a pretzel bakery that opened in Indianapolis. When I was younger a mall pretzel dipped in cheese or a plain pretzel with mustard was one of my favorite snacks. I've never been to a pretzel bakery and now that I have- I won't eat another mall pretzel.
A Taste of Philly- makes and sells homemade soft pretzels- at very inexpensive prices. This is a real, working bakery and the proof is in the mouth-watering pretzels. If you enjoy pretzels- make a Taste of Philly one of your regular stops and tell all of your friends and family about A Taste of Philly. The pretzels are phenomenal. I purchased a pretzel stick and a soft pretzel and a side of jalapeno cheese sauce. The pretzel stick had a harder crust and a soft inside and the jalapeno cheese sauce was other worldly (I should've purchased a few more sides).
pretzel stick and pretzel (3 soft pretzels for $2.00- how awesome is that?)
On my next trip I plan to try some of the pretzel nuggets with the jalapeno cheese and want to try some of the mustard sauces. A Taste of Philly, 670 E. 42nd Street (at College), Indianapolis (317) 828-6753. Check the web site for menu and hours.
Back to Pizzology Pizzeria & Pub
Pizzology- Yes- I've already blogged about Pizzology, like here...but I wanted to try some of the pasta dishes. My parents and I settled in at one the tables in the bar (which I would recommend if you don't have children with you) and here's what we tried.
Appetizers
Italian mussels
Italian Mussels with breadsticks
Italian mussels- served in a brothy sauce (I wanted to drink this broth it was so unbelievable)- it was so flavorful with salami and the mussels were served with homemade breadsticks. I will definitely go back and have the mussels again- this is a lovely appetizer and the preparation is not one that you'd find in Indianapolis.
Tony's Zucchini Fritters (I love zucchini and I got these on my last visit and had to order them again)
Dinner
Fettucini (it was dark so the picture is blurry)
My Dad ordered the small Fettucini and really loved it. Homemade noodles with a light parmesan cream sauce. I tasted this Fettucini and the homemade noodles were so good and perfectly flavored.
We tried a side of meatballs and they were served in a tomato sauce (a delectable blend of meats, possibly beef, veal and pork).
Carbonara (it was dark- so the picture is blurry)
Our server recommended the carbonara and my Mom and I decided to split a small order of Carbonara. The small order was plenty for two. The carbornara was mixed with crunchy pancetta and black olives. The sauce was light and the combination of the pancetta and soft black olives was wonderful.
*A small pasta is $7.00 and a large pasta is $15.00
If you go on a Saturday night I recommend getting there early as we arrived around 5:30 p.m. and there were tables available- but within 30 minutes the restaurant was full and there was a line of people waiting.
Pizzology Pizzeria & Pub, 13190 Hazel Dell Parkway, Carmel (317) 844-2554.
We love Claus's! Next time, try the Cajun sausage if you like spicy. It's got a kick!!
We are actually going to Pizzology tonight and I was wondering what to order. I think fritters and mussels may be on the menu.
Posted by: Anne | December 11, 2009 at 01:22 PM
Yum- Cajun sausage. I'll definitely try it. Thanks.
Have fun at Pizzology- you can't go wrong. I suggest ordering a few different things and sharing. The pizza is wonderful-- so are the pasta dishes and yes- the mussels rock as well as the fritters!
Enjoy and thanks for your comments!
Posted by: Indianapolis Amy | December 11, 2009 at 05:56 PM