Road Trip: Classic Cup Cafe in Ann Arbor, MI

Recently, I visited my brother and sister-in-law in Ann Arbor to welcome the new addition to our family. After a long weekend of chasing toddlers around and staring at my beautiful new niece, nobody was in the mood to cook breakfast on Sunday.¹ We went to the Classic Cup Cafe, which was just a short jaunt away from my brother's place.

The Diner

What kind of food is it that restaurants serve that makes you want to keep coming back?  For most, it's one of two things: either the restaurant serves comfort food, or a restaurant that serves up the food the way the owner and workers would want it if they cooked it for themselves?  What if I told you that a place like this exists in Indianapolis, fits into our price point of $15 or less, and has amazing quality food that has had me there 3 times in their first three weeks after opening.

BBQ Chicken Salad w./ Spicy Lime Salad Dressing

I've been trying to come up with something that could improve the quality of my lunch recently.  Sandwiches, a banana, and a pudding cup (or whatever), get boring after weeks of the same old thing.  I like taking a salad now and again, but that gets boring, too.  My wife has tried to up the ante on our daily lunches by getting many more fresh veggies, which puts pressure on making sure we get through them before they go to waste.  In a scenario with many, MANY packages of veggies, the best option is in fact to make a salad.  We decided to go a bit different this time around, and put a little spin on the normal "lettuce, cheese, dressing" type of salad that had become normal when packing a lunch in a hurry.

Justin's #IndyEats Bucket List

Well here we are, another point of change....

I feel as though this is the weirdest possible way for me to announce this, but as of June, I (Justin) will be moving to the Tampa area with my wife so that she can pursue a promotion with the company she works for.  I am sad to leave Indy, as I have lived here for the last 8 years, and I will forever think of this place as my home.  Nonetheless, the opportunity for her to pursue her career, and for me to attend school for cheap (FL in-state tuition is nearly $1,200 cheaper vs. IUPUI) is just too good to pass up.  Although I am sad to leave my snowy state of IN, I am happy for the doors that this will open up for Mealightenment to expand again.

Super Bowl Party? Try Some Variety...

This year's Super Bowl is bound to be a good game, showcasing both the offensive prowess of the 49ers, and the brute strength of the Raven's defense. In between breaks, when you're not watching the e-Trade baby or some stupid Doritos commercial, I'm sure you'll be cramming some sort of food or dip into your mouthhole. The question of what to bring/make for a party you're attending?

Taste of the Caribbean [Review]

Today, I had an idea.  I figured that I would just toss out there on Twitter that I was interested in getting something to eat from a food truck.  Social media, and the "now-ness" of our generation is still amazing, even to the 27-year old me.  Either way, here's the tweet I sent out earlier (pictured at right).

Alternative Pasta Dish - Spaghetti Squash

Other than the recipe that I have for Brussels Sprouts, I don't really have a whole lot of veggie recipes in my cookbook.  To be honest, I had never really been a huge fan of veggies until I met my wife, who at the time was a vegetarian.  For the sake of not having to prepare two meals each night, she decided to come back to the better side by becoming a carnivore yet again.  She has been a big influence on

The New Guy...(Trick)

                                                                                    Oh hey there,

My name is Jacob Trick, and I just joined Mealightenment! Day in and day out I think of food and eating. . . Its pretty much my favorite past time. With that being said I was more than happy and eager to join the team with Justin and James.  I hope to bring a lot of great ideas and opportunities to the table here at Mealightenment.

Making BBQ Ribs

If our readers are anything like me, you are probably fans of both eating out for dinner and creating new tasty treats from home.  I decided recently to take on something I hadn't made on the grill myself, but have had numerous times--BBQ Ribs.  This was a true test of manliness at it's best, so I decided to take on the challenge.  I was assured by a few friends that had made ribs before that, "Oh, dude, it's so easy.  The trick is indirect low heat for a long time."  Little did I know that I was getting myself into nearly an all-day prep and cook session.  Here's how it all went down.

Eggs in a Basket, Eggies and Toast...or whatever...?

I've become a huge breakfast buff...and recently cereal is just not cutting it for me.  I've been racking my brain for something not necessarily out of the ordinary, but something that I don't make often, or a spin on an old favorite.  While recently revisiting a movie favorite of mine ("V for Vendetta"), I came across the scene where V is preparing Eggs and Toast, together.  I thought to myself, that was just the thing!  It's quick, it's easy, and it doesn't interrupt my morning.

Spice box Indy review

 

       "Approachable Indian food" is the theme for Spice box!

As you can tell, we @mealightenment love our food trucks in Indianapolis! I can't decide if it is the originality of the food, the awesome owners, the great taste, or the excitement that a good truck brings to a curb near you! The one thing I do know for a fact is you can certainly find a truck that has tasty food for a good price!

The Manliest Quiche Around

I'll be honest...I didn't think I'd like quiche. I'd always been told growing up, "That's girly food." Well, color me girly then, because this recipe I've made up made me change my thoughts on it. If it doesn't put a little bit of hair on your chest (ladies, my apologies if it does), then you've done something terribly wrong.

Here is what you'll need to get started:

Seoul Grill Indy Review

In Indianapolis food trucks, having a solid identity and offering something truly unique is what makes you stand out amongst the others.  One mobile restaurant really stands out for us here @Mealightenment, and that is Seoul Grill Indy.  The first thing that caught my eye about this truck was the wicked paint job on their truck; and to be honest, as did "Korean."  I had to stop and try it out.

The "Big" Announcement...We've Expanded!

Hello everyone!!!!

My name is James Thornburgh, and I just joined @mealightenment! Justin and I met in college last semester and we both thought it would be a great idea to work together! So, here I am! I'm very excited to help bring a lot to the table for Mealightenment! 

Insanely Moist Banana Bread

I love buying bananas at the market, just for the simple thought of knowing that at least those few bananas I don't eat through that week will make something of themselves. To be honest, the 6 bananas in this recipe really outdid themselves...I'll reveal to you how with this interesting recipe for banana bread. Here are the ingredients: