An Unexpected Brewery for Dog Lovers in Indianapolis

In September I travelled to Indianapolis, Indiana for a work trip. Having been mostly trapped at our hotel for meetings I didn’t get to explore much of the city but I did get a chance to visit a local brewery called Metazoa Brewing Co. - a dog and really ALL animal friendly brewery.

Being that I’m not at all a beer drinker and I loved this place says a lot. There were so many ties to animals it was incredible. First, when you come in your surrounded by dogs or D.I.L.P.S. as I like to call them (dogs I’d like to pet), as well as an open dog park for them to play with a great view of the Indy skyline.

When it came to the beer I went for the sampler which came in 4, 6, 8, 10 and each wooden sampler tray was in the shape of an animal. I got the cat, of course.

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They have a MUG Club with membership benefits and the best part is you can bring your own 20oz mug and they will store it for you there.

Was definitely feeling this women’s Bob Ross mug…

As for art, on their walls they sported these very abstract looking paintings. When I got close there was photos of chimpanzees and a description underneath from who they were and where they came from. I thought it was very cool, unique, and even BETTER than some other pieces of artwork I’ve seen.

Finally, they have been donated 5% of their profits from day one to animal and wildlife organizations to give back to the planet that gives us beer. List of organizations can be found here. Definitely recommend this spot if you’re ever in the area!

Unique PDX brunch spot, HunnyMilk, will ruin all other brunches for you

On a quiet Sunday afternoon I woke up way before I should have (darn you evil East cost time zones), and started to venture off to HunnyMilk in hopes to beat the brunch rush. They are closed Monday’s & Tuesday’s so had to make it my mission.

About 30 minutes by train from my hotel I was there with a crowd starting to form.

You start by putting your name down on the list and grabbing a seat at either the couches or bar where you can start to color or play a game. They even have a projector playing movies at the bar.

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The menu is prefix with a choice of beverage (juices, tea, hot cocoa, or bottomless coffee) a choice of a savory dish and choice of a sweet dish. Which is only the best concept ever; to taste the best of both worlds. You also have the choice to order cocktails or snacks beforehand.

Once your name is called a server comes over to you and takes your order. That’s right, you’re not actually seated first. They start preparing your meal while you wait until a seat opens up. Leaving you more time to color and drink bottomless coffee. Freaking. Genius!!!

Brunch is $23 per person - prix fixe plus a fixed $4 tip added automatically, coming to $27 for one pre-fixe meal.

I ordered the chicken leg with grits, pesto, avocado and soft egg with the rice crispy crusted French toast. They also give you a appetizer starter of a mini churro and chocolate mousse.

Hands down this was the best brunch I’ve ever had, literally. The concept of sweet + savory and the food itself was incredible but no only that, the whole experience of ordering while you wait and engaging in your inner child brought it all together. Highly recommend for anyone visiting or living in PDX!

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Stacks on Stacks - Simple Fluffy Pancakes with Seasonal Fruit Jams

Pancakes are a classic favorite breakfast or brunch treat. The secret ingredient buttermilk is hard to come by or if you do get it it’s hard to use the rest and I always feel wasteful. I found this very simple recipe from Home Grown & Healthy with a way to mock the light and airy quality that you usually get from buttermilk, just with apple cider vinegar instead.

To top my pancakes off, I love making and switching up the compost/jam based on the season. Directions for fruit jam added below.

Pancakes with Peach Jam

Pancakes with Peach Jam

Ingredients for Pancakes:

  • 3/4 cup milk

  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 egg

  • Butter for cooking

Instructions for Pancakes:

  1. In a small bowl, combine milk and vinegar. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes and let it sour.

  2. In a large bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients. Add the milk and stir well. Then let it sit for another 10 minutes, do NOT stir it again.

  3. Heat your griddle or a flat pan over medium heat. Add a spoonful of butter and let it melt. Ladle pancake batter on, 1/4 cup at a time. When the top begins to bubble (2-3 minutes) flip each pancake over and allow to cook for another 2-3 minutes.


Pancakes with a spiced apple jam

Pancakes with a spiced apple jam

Instructions for Fruit Jam Topping:

Depending on the season get your favorite local fruit, then you’d just need sugar and (1) lemon.

For me I tend to go:

Spring/Summer - Peaches, Blueberries, Strawberries

Fall/Winter- Apples or Pears

  1. Cut up fruit - remove any pits, seeds, stems

    >>(1 lb = 3 to 4 medium - apples, peaches, pears and then one of those containers of strawberries/blueberries should work fine.), 

  2. Add in a 1lb of fruit to a saucepan. Heat to medium. Add juice of 1 lemon.

  3. As the fruit starts to break down, using a potato masher or fork, start gently mashing the fruit.

  4. Reduce heat to medium.  Add sugar about 1/4 -1/2 cup, start on the light side and taste to desired sweetness, you can’t take away sugar ;)!  Bring peaches back to a boil, stirring frequently.

  5. Continue to boil and stir, until peaches reduce and reach desired consistency.  (Anywhere from 15 to 25 minutes – jam should stick to spoon when lifted and turned sideways.)


Hi Friends, Nice to Meet You I'm Nicole

Hello New Friends! I'm Nicole 👋

Wanted to start by saying hey and welcoming you to The Whisk and The Waffle. A newsletter for foodies which combines some of my favorite things - food, travel, learning, and people. 

A little about me... I'm a born and raised Floridian, now living in NY - working in Marketing & Events. From the start of my career I've always had a passion for events. There's something about an experience that you always remember - whether that be the food, decor, venue, speaker, someone you met. I found those lasting connections carry you beyond any other "instant" social media platform we use now.

Not only do I enjoy eating and cooking, but I love gathering people around food. Whether that be coffee dates and brain storm sessions, to starting Women Who Brunch in 2015 - a networking and dining experience where women can both learn and connect over a great brunch meal. Since 2015, I've hosted many food events because I wanted to meet new people, try a new restaurant, or learn something new from someone I've never met before. 

This is why I decided to start The Whisk and The Waffle. My dream is for this to be a community for food loving people. A hub for those who love food news and searching the latest trends, for those who travel and want to find the best spots, for those who want to host a dinner and catch up with old friends, or explore more education on nutrition, or try a new recipe with our cookbook club

I'm looking forward to sharing the latest content, inspiration, news, trends, interviews, wellness, and more with you Whisk Takers ;)

xoxo,

Nicole