The following is a quick round-up of current f + f obsessions.
Pizzology's weekday lunch special
You get a Pizzeta Persona (definitely big enough to be satisfying) + small chop salad or a cup of the daily house made soup + fountain soda or fresh brewed iced tea for $9. (served M-F from 11a-2p). Right now I'm digging mushrooms and smoked mozzarella on a red pie, and prosciutto and artichokes on a white pie.
Pizzology's weekday lunch special
You get a Pizzeta Persona (definitely big enough to be satisfying) + small chop salad or a cup of the daily house made soup + fountain soda or fresh brewed iced tea for $9. (served M-F from 11a-2p). Right now I'm digging mushrooms and smoked mozzarella on a red pie, and prosciutto and artichokes on a white pie.Kokomo 2008 Cuvee 4791 Dry Creek Valley
This blend is the perfect wine to go with a chilly autumn evening and a fireplace. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfindel, Carignan, Petitie Syrah, and Syrah combine to make a nose filled with leather and blackberry. The body is full of rich oak and dark fruit, and the finish is dry and earthy. It has a great mouth feel which makes it deliciously sippable with no food. I happened to pair it with dark chocolate, and it was a home run.
This upstairs lounge is everything what the downtown scene has been begging for! It is cozy, comfortable, chic, and the personal service is unmatched in other night spots. The ambiance is warm, with a vintage-industrial Americana feel. I know this will be incredibly popular, but selfishly I would love for it to stay under the radar.
Riondo Rosé Prosecco with a splash of St. Germain Perfection. Enough said.
Chimichurri Pesto
I've been buying this at the Broad Ripple Farmer's Market (my favorite is from the Country Mouse stand, but there are a few other vendors). It is hands-down the best way to prepare lamb kebabs. Marinate the kebab meat in the pesto (1/2 c), lemon zest, 1/4 c of olive oil, and 1/2 cup of plain yogurt for up to 48 hours. As soon as the kebabs come off the grill, brush them with more pesto and serve. I serve them with couscous and grilled veggies. This is also a great marinade for pork chops (just lose the yogurt). The pesto freezes beautifully for year-round use.
2005 Amphora Cabernet Sauvignon, Polesky Vineyard (Sonoma County)
2005 Amphora Cabernet Sauvignon, Polesky Vineyard (Sonoma County)This cab is the perfect way to usher in the autumn chill. It is big and bold, but well-balanced and round. Be sure to decant it, as it is much better after it has an hour to breathe.
Trader Joe's English Cheddar with Caramelized Onions
This is a great party cheese. It's unexpected sweetness plays well against the sharpness of the cheddar, and keeps the crowd interested ("wow! what is that?" will be exclaimed multiple times). It's a no-brainer to serve with any cracker or crostini you have lying around the house.People's Mound Builder IPA (Lafayette, IN)
While we always try to have great local beer on tap in our basement bar (affectionately known to our neighbors and friends as the Paxton Pub), all of our house guests just can't stop talking about this one. It has huge hops but is very smooth. Check it out.Cheers!
