Liz Biro's Foodie Action: Beer, history, farms and cigars
Cocktails, nibbles, fine cigars
Why do I care that BLEND BAR • CIGAR has been named one of five finalists for Best Cigar Lounge in the world by Cigar Journal magazine? Because I noshed on a nice antipasto platter there and sipped an exceptional vodka martini. I don't smoke cigars — well, OK, maybe a rare puff from something super slim — but I dig BLEND. Its large, open floor plan, estate-rich-meets-contemporary textures and golden-hued lighting feel somewhere between a high-roller hideaway and a see-and-be-seen Downtown lounge. It's a place, as BLEND owners put it, "for adults with discerning tastes." BLEND sources rare spirits, wine and cigars from around the world. Ventilation is tops. Music is fresh. The Italian Platter I nibbled included nationally known chef Paul Bertolli's Fra'mani brand salame, sopressata, speck, aged gouda, gorgonzola stuffed peppadews and artichoke hearts. "We are thrilled to have been named one of five finalists in the Best Cigar Lounge category," BLEND president Corey Johnston said. "BLEND is the only cigar lounge from the U.S. to be named a finalist, which is a huge honor for our brand." How huge? Cigar Journal's Cigar Trophy is regarded as the most highly respected accolade in the trade. "We launched our concept in Indianapolis less than two years ago," Johnston said. A winner will be named in September 2015. Help BLEND win by casting your vote by May 31 at www.cigarjournal.co. Another BLEND is scheduled to open in Nashville, Tenn., in September.
3981 E. 82nd St., (317) 578-1774, www.blendbarcigar.com.
Craft beer on the prairie
Twenty-five local breweries pour suds 6:30 to 10 p.m. May 29 at Conner Prairie's annual History on Tap. Meet brewers from new TwoDEEP Brewing Co., Hoosier Brewing Co., Redemption Alewerks, Planetary Brewing Co., Taxman Brewing Co., Lagunitas Brewing Co., Grand Junction Brewing Co., Wooden Bear Brewing Co., Powerhouse Brewing Co. and McClure's Orchard. Returning this year are Sun King Brewing Co., Upland Brewing Co., Fountain Square Brewing Co., Flat12 Bierwerks, Three Pints Brewing Co., Bier Brewery, Barley Island Brewing Co., Scotty's Thr3e Wise Men Brewing Co., Triton Brewing Co., Scarlet Lane Brewing Co., Bloomington Brewing Co., Brugge Brasserie, Outliers Brewing Co., Books and Brews and Broad Ripple Brewpub. Music and food are part of the event, as are flights on Conner Prairie's 1859 Balloon Voyage. Tickets cost $40. A dinner buffet costs an extra $10. Designated driver tickets are $15 and include a gift. Buy tickets online and plan to show your ID at the event, which is for ages 21 and older.
13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers, (317) 776-6000, www.connerprairie.org.
Urban farm tour + dinner
Think you can't have a garden in the city? Get inspired to grow at the 2015 IndyGrown Urban Farm Tour 2 to 8 p.m. June 6. IndyGrown is a cooperative network of urban farmers in Indianapolis and this tour is an opportunity to visit all four IndyGrown member farms in one afternoon. Bike an 18.5-mile route that begins at 2 p.m. at South Circle Farm, 2048 S. Meridian St. Alternately, hop on the 3 p.m. bus tour starting at Growing Places Indy, 722 N. Oriental St. Either way ends with an on-farm dinner and a pint of local beer at Big City Farms, 907 E. Michigan St. Bike tour tickets cost $20; bus tour tickets, $30. Order tickets at www.eventbrite.com.
Call Liz Biro at (317) 444-6264. Follow her on Twitter @lizbiro, Instagram @lizbirodish and Facebook.