All Hail the Bloody Mary

As I have been away from this blog for many moons, I thought it was time to get back into the swing of things and what better way than to pay homage to the greatest mixed drink of all time: The Bloody Mary. Although I tend not to favor mixed drinks (just some plain ol’ gin over ice w/ a lime, for this gal), the Bloody Mary is an exception as well as one of my favorite drinks on the planet. Plus, if you turn a blind eye to the sodium (or just drink it after a hefty workout), it’s a relatively salubrious cocktail. It’s significantly lower in calories than most (i.e. margarita, daiquiri, gin-n-tonic, etc.), it has Vitamin C, lycopene, potassium, fiber and if you get one from Union Jack’s Pub in Indy, it comes with added protein! And it would be an absolute sin not to mention the Bloody Mary is the ultimate antidote for a hangover.

When doing my Indy commute from Louisville, there are two things I love to do on Saturday and Sunday mornings: 1) Partner up with my favorite cyclist/lawyer and ride the Indianapolis Monon and Cultural Trails http://www.indianatrails.org/Monon_Indy.htm http://www.indyculturaltrail.org/ and 2) Escort my favorite drinking partner/cyclist/lawyer to Union Jacks Pub http://www.unionjackpub-broadripple.com/ to watch Eurotrash Soccer or Rugby, accompanied by Bloody Marys and top notch pub grub. Jenn, the bartendress, makes THE best Bloody Marys in the world—even better than Harry’s in Paris. They consist of Jenn’s own secret recipe, which she claims “love” is one of her priority ingredients. They are accented with a seasoning salt rimmed glass and topped with olives, a lime wedge, big dill pickle, celery stalk and a shrimp. Dee-lish! I usually have it with their White Bean Chicken Chili and the Blues Burger which includes bleu cheese, sautéed onions and mushrooms. One must note to bring a pack of Trident to be used for post-consumption. And another added bonus is despite being a British pub, they actually make incredible pizzas.

So if you’re looking for the perfect version of the perfect post-workout cocktail, my utmost recommendation is Union Jacks, especially if you’re also in the mood for some sports action from across the pond. OR if you have a favorite Bloody Mary location, please let me know....I'm always on the lookout to try a new recipe!

Broadripple Bagel Deli

During my Freshman year of college, after I was fired from my job as a lifeguard at the YMCA, my friend Tom (still a great friend) negotiated a job for me at New York Bagel Deli on Kirkwood in Bloomington. It had to be one of the greatest jobs of my entire life. An eclectic blend of college kids serving up steamed bagels and sandwiches until 2am. I fondly remember Rule #27 of the Employee Rules: Never be too drunk or too stoned to make a bagel. Our friends ate like kings and there were several occasions when Rule #27 was "almost" broken.
Upon my return to the Midwest and my part time life in the Broadripple neighborhood of Indianapolis, much to my content, I recently stumbled upon the Broadripple Bagel Deli. ( www.ripplebageldeli.com ) It's based on the original one at Miami of Ohio (same as they did in Bloomington) but because I usually avoid Ohio, for all intents and purposes, let's say it reminds me of the one we had in Bloomington over 15 years ago.
The menu is just as diverse as the employees. During my visit, I had a cute Emo-dude take my order (I emphasize cute because he was wearing glasses--everyone looks cuter in glasses--wink!) and I decided on the Aunt Pin's Bagel (plus a little feta and banana peppers to make it not-so-PETA-friendly) and it brought back such blissfully steamed memories of my bagel days at NYBD.
So people of Indy, please rejoice that you are fortunate to have such a "kosher-gem" in your area. (ok, they aren't really kosher) This place has something for everyone. You can easily appease your inner vegan or you can let your carnivore side take over. But stop in and check them out, when you get a chance.
And now I find myself quite curious if perhaps Broadripple Bagel Deli also has a Rule #27? But that's for y'all to decide.

Rants and Facts

Thought I might put up this photo with a view from my old flat in Houston. Photo courtesy of Groovehouse......I miss Houston and the southern heat (and Groovehouse too!!).

I have decided the next time I read an article or see an interview with an actress who says "Yeah, I'm just a naturally skinny person. I eat whatever I want, although I do workout 3 days a week for 20 minutes each time, with a trainer." I am going to give her a "knuckle sandwich." I despise these women. They set such poor health examples for everyone. I wish a popular magazine would write about how they actually eat only a milligram of food per day and exercise 5 hours a day, 6 days a week. The 7th day, they are probably in the hospital receiving IV fluids so they can muster up enough energy to tell the world how they are "naturally" thin.

anyway.......

In the numerous articles I have read this semester for my nutrition classes, I have found out some very interesting random facts and wanted to share this food for thought with you:

1) 80% of Overweight/Obese Children will become Overweight/Obese adults. This really scares me, because depending on how long you have known me, you probably know I was a very chubby tween. (hello double-dose of boot camp today!!)
2) Because of our overweight/obesity epidemic, Today's generation of children will be the first generation to have a shorter life span than their parents.
3) Over 30% of children in the U.S. do not consume a fruit/veg on a daily basis.
4) Vegetarian children, the primary youth "consumers" of fruit/veg, have slower growth rates than the typical child.

Nobody wins. I will say this though; for those of you who know any kids whom may need a little guidance in the nutrition department, send them my way.

By the way, speaking of healthy eating, this past weekend, I had the world's greatest bbq ribs from the amazing chef at the Guilford Bistro in Broadripple. I highly recommend them!!