Lobster is the star of the annual Lobsterfest

The annual celebration of the delicious crustacean is back at Red Lobster. Now through April 13, Red Lobster is serving up the best of Lobsterfest. From classics like the Lobster Lovers' Dream to new selections like the Ultimate Surf and Turf, guests will return again and again to enjoy the delicious menu choices.

In honor of this annual event, here are some interesting facts about the decadent shellfish.

• Lobster has been a popular American delicacy since before this country was founded – in fact, many say it was served at America’s first Thanksgiving in 1621.
• Lobster is very high in protein, and there are only 96 calories in 3.5 ounces of lobster.
• Most lobsters are caught along the Northeastern border of the United States and Canadian Maritimes. In fact, the American lobster is commonly referred to as the “Maine” lobster since most are caught in the waters surrounding that state.
• There are more than 5,200 lobstermen in the state of Maine, so it’s no surprise that approximately 80 percent of the United States’ lobster production takes place in that state.
• Lobster can be prepared in a variety of ways, but the most popular methods are steamed, boiled or broiled. Lobster is also delicious cold in salads.
• They are harvested all year, but their heavy months are May, June, September, October and November.

Don't miss out on Lobsterfest at Red Lobster.

Rhythm Discover Center of Indianapolis, playing to your inner beat

Music is an integral part of life. From a favorite song played over and over to a melody that brings back a special memory, music can evoke varied emotions. Even with music part of daily life, kids and adults don't often get the opportunity to play music as loud as they want. At the Rhythm! Discover Center of Indianapolis, everyone is encouraged to play to their inner beat.

Located in downtown Indianapolis, the Rhythm! Discovery Center is the world’s foremost percussion museum. The museum hosts interactive, standards based educational exhibits, artist performances and innovative programs.  Drawing upon cultures from around the world, the Center offers an unique, engaging experience to explore the universality of rhythm and percussion and its role in shaping communication, music, art, performance and society. Walking through the visually captivating exhibit rooms and performance venue, guests are invited to fulfill their dreams of being a percussionist.

Having recently visited the museum, children loved being able to touch, to play and to create music. Museums tend to be quiet institutions where the look don't touch policy is strictly enforced. The kids were thrilled to know that they could bang, thump and create a beat as loud and fast as they wanted. With each crash of the cymbals or thumb of the bass drum, the kids’ smiles increased. The freedom that the museum allows them adds to the creativity.

The museum is more than just beating on a drum. The various exhibits explain how and why music has developed through history. From primitive instruments to electronically enhanced beats, the form and performance of music is important to the development of music. As cultures develop and even technology improves, the music created reflects these changes.

The Rhythm Discovery Center is located at the corner of Illinois and Washington Streets in downtown Indianapolis.  The museum is open Monday through Sunday, hours vary depending on the day. Tickets are $10 an adult, $8 for seniors and students, and $5 for children (children under 5 are free). For more information and to see a list of current exhibits, please visit http://rhythmdiscoverycenter.org/.

Rhythm! Discovery Center is an integral extension of the Percussive Arts Society whose mission is to advance the awareness of percussion education, research, performance and appreciation throughout the world.

Both the musically inclined and the musically challenged will appreciate a visit to the Rhythm Discovery Center. Take the opportunity to make your own music and find your rhythm.

His and hers Valentine’s Day cocktails spark romance

Valentine’s Day brings romance to many couples. A love sip can heighten the romance between the couple. Sometimes men and women prefer different taste profiles. This Valentine’s Day serve up a heartfelt cocktail for him and her. 

These love sips will spark romance on the day of love. 

Cocktails for Him:

Cupid’s Potion

·         2 parts Sauza® Blue Silver 100% Agave Tequila

·         ½ part fresh lemon juice

·         ¼ part agave nectar

·         ¼ part ginger syrup

·         1 tsp. puréed canned chipotle in adobe

·         ½ lime, quartered lengthwise

·         1 strip red bell pepper, for garnish

·         1 small piece beef jerky, for garnish

Preparation: Combine lemon juice, agave nectar, ginger syrup, chipotle purée, and lime wedges in a cocktail shaker and muddle together. Add ice and tequila, and stir. Pour into a cocktail glass and garnish with bell pepper and beef jerky.

[To make your own ginger syrup, boil ⅓ cup sugar and ½ cup water with one 2” piece of peeled and smashed ginger for 5 minutes. Strain and refrigerate.]

Bac-in Love Margarita

Bacon-Infused Tequila

·         3 parts Sauza® Blue Reposado 100% Agave Tequila

·         1 quart canning jar

·         1 pound  of bacon

Margarita

·              1 part frozen limeade

·              1 part water

·              1 ½ parts light beer

Bacon- Infused Tequila Preparation:  Cook the bacon in a frying pan until it is crisp and the fat is rendered. Remove the bacon and let drain on a plate with paper towels. Remove the liquid fat from the pan and strain, set aside to cool. Sterilize your canning jar in boiling water. Fill clean jar with 3 cups Sauza® Blue Reposado. Once the fat has cooled slightly add it to the container. Finally add 2 pieces of the cooked bacon. Seal the jar and set to infuse for five days in your refrigerator. The fat and liquid will separate.

When you are ready to use your Bacon-Infused Tequila, skim the fat from the top and strain through a double cheese cloth. Set aside 1 ½ parts of Bacon-Infused Tequila to use for your margarita, and store the rest in the refrigerator for later use.

Margarita Preparation: Combine 1 ½ parts of Bacon-Infused Tequila, frozen limeade, water and light beer. Stir gently and enjoy.

Cocktails for Her: 

Romance-Rita

·         1 part Sauza® Blue Silver 100% Agave Tequila

·         2 parts JDK & Sons™ 03 Premium Orange Liqueur

·         5 cherries (pitted and stemmed)

·         1 tbsp agave nectar

·         1 part fresh lime juice

·         1 part club soda

Preparation: Muddle together cherries, lime juice and agave nectar. Strain into shaker. Add in orange liqueur, tequila, and ice and shake. Top with club soda and garnish with cherries.

Sweetheart Sipper

·         1 part Sauza® Blue Silver 100% Agave Tequila

·         ½ part DeKuyper® Strawberry Liqueur

·         ½ part (chilled) rose champagne

·         ½ part limeade

·         3 strawberries

·         1 tbsp. sugar

·         1 lime wedge

                                                   

Preparation:  Wash, stem, quarter and freeze strawberries for at least 1 hour (can be done the day ahead). Run a wedge of lime around the rim of your champagne flute and dip in a plate of sugar to coat rim. Place 3 frozen strawberries in the bottom of the prepared flute.  Pour champagne into the glass. In a shaker filled with ice, combine tequila, limeade, and strawberry liqueur. Shake and pour into glass. Add a squeeze of fresh lime if desired and serve immediately.