2023 Week 32/33 – Pizza Pizza!

What’s Going On:
I missed the weekly post again last weekend, so it’s another double post this time around. We’ve been very fortunate with the weather this summer, but that’s about to come to an end this week, with temps hitting 99 degrees on Wednesday and 102 on Thursday (ouch).


What I’m Eating:
I’m a big fan of J. Kenji López-Alt. To me, he’s like a modern-day Alton Brown. When I read that he successfully made pizzas with flour tortillas, I had my doubts, but given his track record, I decided to give it a try

Extra-Crispy Bar-Style Tortilla Pizza Supreme

I already had the tortillas and cheeses in the fridge, so I needed some pizza sauce and pepperoni to try this. 10 minutes later, I ate one of the best thin-crust pizzas I have ever had. You can’t get much thinner than a flour tortilla, and the way it crisped up was beyond belief. I give this a 10/10 and even made it again the following night. If you like thin and crispy pizza, this recipe is for you!


I ran some errands in the Carmel area last week and decided to swing by Greek Tony’s for lunch. It had been a while since my previous visit, and from the memorials on the wall, some of the original owners had passed away. The children of the original owners (now adults) are running the place, and it has not changed a bit. I ordered my usual, the Hot Italian Sub.

This sandwich is unlike any other sub I’ve ever tasted, and it’s retained that unique flavor for over the 25 years I’ve been ordering. I think it’s the combination of the capicola and creamy Italian dressing layered with melted pizza cheese in a freshly toasted hoagie roll. And it ALWAYS comes with 3 pickle chips. That little detail has always amazed me: just 3 pickles, every time.


Where I’ve Been:
Last week, I stopped by the Mash House at West Fork Whiskey for appetizers and a cocktail. It’s down the road from the Indianapolis Colts Training Camp at Grand Park in Westfield. I didn’t take any pictures of the Pork Rinds with Pimento Cheese and the Hush Puppies with Maple Butter, but given how much we enjoyed the place, there is no doubt we’ll be returning to try more of the menu.


What I’m Watching:


What I’m Reading:


And Finally…
Driving The New Fastest Car Ever Made!

Saturday Morning Rides

I’ve set the alarm nice and early these past few Saturday mornings and getting some miles in on the Road Bike.  The weather last weekend was 100% humidity and super foggy around Geist Reservoir.  Lucky for me there are some great paths to use and avoid the vehicular traffic in the area.

Yesterday morning was about as good as it gets.  68-degrees, light wind, sunshine.  It made for a great 30-mile loop through Carmel, touching Noblesville at 146th St. and back to Fishers via 96th St.  The Flowing Well Park is always a nice place to stop for a snack and top off the water bottles.  I’d love to know how many visitors this place gets a year.  I’ve never been there alone. There are always people filling up dozens of water jugs at all hours of the day and night.

 

While riding along the River Trail in Carmel I had to stop and take a picture of how the trees line the trail and make for a nice shady stretch.  As usual traffic was light and riding on the streets posed no problems.

If there’s a path along a road and it’s in decent shape I’ll happily ride it.  Unfortunately a lot of the paths in Hamilton County are starting to deteriorate to the point where it’s dangerous to ride a stiff road bike with skinny tires on them.  The road normally offers a smoother surface and when everyone follows the rules (cyclists included) can be safe for everyone.

It’s nice to see that 99% of the drivers out there give you the legal right-of-way (3-foot minimum) when passing.  I think the “Share the Road” signs help remind people that cyclists are allowed to be on the roadway the same a cars and trucks.  The only exception I’ve witnessed this year has been pickup trucks on country roads and soccer moms that pass a little too close in their mini vans.  Not much you can to about a close truck pass in the middle of nowhere.  Hand gestures could result in a confrontation where the cyclist is at a distinct disadvantage.

When riding the back roads I’m more concerned about dogs than anything else.  They can come out of nowhere and if they have any size to them can outrun a cyclist who is caught off guard.  Normally they are more bark than bite but I’ve had a few close calls over the years.

Right now I’m 300-miles into my 1000-mile goal for 2018.  I’m looking forward to passing the 1k mark and setting an even higher goal for 2019 (2k?).  I have a cycling trip this summer in Northern Ohio that should produce some fun photos, I’m looking forward to it!

It’s Been a Busy Month of May (so far)…

As typical in Indiana the weather was unpredictable and went from cold to hot overnight.  We’ve spent a lot of time outdoors and documenting our journeys with photography.  Sadly the Blog has once again suffered.

I decided to write a catch-up post to get a little activity back on the page.

On May 1st a group from work stopped by the opening day of Black Eye Take Out.  Started by the folks from the General American Donut Company, Black eye focuses on Ramen and Banh Mi.  They had a nice turnout for the event and I really enjoyed the Meatball sandwich I ordered.

Found this amazing safe in the basement of a downtown liquor store on May 3rd while buying a gift for a departing co-worker.

May 9th I was fortunate to attend a lunch with the 4 mayors of Hamilton County.  It was a really nice event and a great opportunity to hear how each of these leaders are planning for the future of their cities.

I met Pirate Cat for the first time on May 10th!

While out Geocaching with the boy on Mat 12th we learned that the courthouse in Bloomington has a FISH as part of it’s rooftop weathervane.

And finally on the following day I found this hidden gem along the White River in Carmel.

It’s been a busy month and I’m looking forward to getting out there today and taking advantage of it all over again.

Until next time…

Carmel – Saturday Photowalk

Decided to get out of the house this morning and venture to the Carmel Farmers Market.  I was obviously not the only one with that idea because the market was PACKED.  I mean elbow to elbow people.  After making a couple of laps I’d had enough of the congestion and headed up to Main Street for more photographic opportunities.

Here are some of the images that caught my eye today.

Carmel – Zacky’s Hot Dogs & Smokehouse BBQ

Trying my hand at some Mobile Blogging today with the iPod Touch (pictures) and Blackberry (text).

While visiting Carmel Saturday afternoon I realized it was lunch time and I was hungry. This occurred almost exactly as I was passing Zacky’s. Since I’ve wanted to check this place out, and a Chicago style hot dog sounded good, I turned in.

Seating is minimal at Zacky’s and the place was full.  They had a lot of people behind the county all performing their assigned and being directed by , I assume, the owner.  I ordered my Chicago Dog with everything and made the order to go (I had a good place to sit in the car). 

I dug in and almost forgot to take a picture, so there’s a bite missing.  This is the real deal folks.  From the poppy seeded (and steamed) bun to the neon green relish and sport peppers.  I quickly realized I should have ordered two as this one was going to be gone pretty quickly.

If you’re in the area and are craving a good Chicago Dog, check this place out.  I think you’ll be happy you did!

Zacky's Hot Dogs & Smokehouse BBQ on Urbanspoon