On the Road Again (Louisville!)

At 21C letters rain down on you while waiting for the elevator

A wedding of some dear friends took Jeff and I to Louisville in July. I have family in the area, but truthfully haven't had a chance to explore the food scene in the 'Ville yet because I'm always busy with family events. We booked at the Hotel 21C, and I knew we would have a great weekend. 21C Museum Hotel is truly my favorite place to stay. Not only is it affordable, but it is mind-blowing. The lobby and lower levels of the hotel are actually a free modern art museum with revolving exhibits and lots of interactive installations (think Floor 4 of the IMA). Its restaurant/bar, Proof on Main, is also a see-and-be-seen spot for the Louisville "it" crowd. The whole situation may just be the epicenter of hipster-nouveau-art chic. Beware: it's edgy! In my opinion, in the best possible way, but some may be offended by some of the art (for instance, the first time I went to Proof on Main, there was a huge photographic installation of a collection of breasts that was so tasteful it took awhile to realize what exactly you were viewing, so you get my drift).

Modern art gallery in the lobby of 21C

foodie rockstar DUO: Mandy + Carly from Just Pop In!

 

Carly and Mandy promoting their products

Mandy Selke and Carly Swift, the owners of Just Pop in! Gourmet Popcorn, are enigmatic. They are stunning, bubbly, and their positive energy and smiles are highly infectious!

I love a good snack as much as the next person, but I have been astounded at the growth of Just Pop In! over the years. It is everywhere! When I had the chance to meet the dynamic duo at an event in our Broad Ripple neighborhood, I just had to learn more about them and their well-carved popcorn niche. Upon meeting them, I knew they were special... they just have it. I finally got to sit down with them and chat it up for awhile. 

Here are a few things you should know about Mandy and Carly:

Food Fieldtrip to.... Tampa!

the bottle we drank at Catch 23

Tampa. Honestly, I've never thought of it as a food destination, a mecca of culinary amazement, or even a good place to eat. Tampa people, please accept my sincerest apology; I was wrong.... oh so very wrong! 

On the flight down to Tampa I had the rare experience of meeting a Tampa native (just recently and happily relocated to Indy). He wanted to know all about the Indy food scene. I think it's fair to say he got all he bargained for and more. His head was spinning after I rattled on and on (and on) about all my favorite Indy eateries and drinkeries.** The flip side of this was that he let me know all the best places in Tampa to eat on my whirlwind adventure.

For the sake of brevity, I will only highlight some of my experiences. I was in Tampa for a variety of missions, and I literally went all over the Bay area, so this list covers some serious geography: