Dance, Play and Drink at Zanzabar in Louisville

Zanzabar first opened its doors back in 1938, but that doesn't mean it remains stuck in the past. To the contrary, this Louisville bar has evolved just as much as, or maybe more than, other businesses in the city. Part bar and restaurant, part music venue, part vintage arcade, there's plenty to see, do, and drink at Zanzabar, also know as Zbar.

Most folks come for the live music. Both local and nationally renowned acts grace the stage at Zanzabar, and their music styles run the gamut. Dancing is encouraged. But almost as many patrons flock to Zbar for its pinball machines. You can join in the pinball tournament every Sunday night, or just play one of the vintage machines for a few rounds any night of the week. Some of the old-school machines date back to the late '70s. Other video games are slightly newer—as in from the '80s. Sega, Atari, and Nintendo Donkey Kong are among them. Refuel with a gourmet pizza and a frosty beer after a few rounds in the arcade.

Zanzabar
2100 S. Preston Street
Louisville, KY 40217
(502) 635-9227
zanzabarlouisville.com
www.yelp.com/biz/zanzabar-louisville

Sip an Artisanal Cocktail From a Mason Jar at Hillbilly Tea in Louisville

Hillbilly Tea is a hip and trendy dining destination in downtown Louisville. Exposed brick walls add a sense of warmth to the open, light-filled dining area, while recycled burplap menus are positioned next to antique oil lamps on the eatery's reclaimed wood tables. The dining room is likely to host 20- and 30-somethings catching up with friends over herbal tea or an artisanal cocktail—served in a mason jar, of course.

As for the food, expect homestyle fare with a gourmet twist. Hillbilly Tea is the kind of place that serves smoked catfish over a bed of arugula, and cornbread is offered to sop up paprika gravy on the braised beef shank. Vegetarians have more than a few options from which to choose, while brunch sees hungry diners arriving with a craving for the eatery's dish of gravy-laden poached eggs over buttermilk biscuits. Regulars insist you don't depart before savoring a spoonful of the restaurant's bourbon bread pudding.

Hillbilly Tea
120 S. First Street
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 587-7350
www.hillbillytea.com

Savor Fall Flavors With These Pumpkin Recipes

It’s not uncommon to want to stay inside once the weather starts to cool down, especially since there are so many tasty fall weather recipes to try out. If you start craving all things pumpkin as soon as the first day of autumn rolls around, you might want to add these brand new pumpkin recipes to your to-do list this weekend.

Pumpkin Butter [marthastewart.com]
Instead of buying store-bought pumpkin butter, try this recipe for an all-natural, wholesome alternative. It uses only four ingredients and a bit of blending, and once it’s complete you can spread it on breads, bagels, muffins, and all of your favorite baked goods.

Pumpkin Bread Rolls with Cinnamon Butter [handletheheat.com]
Can you think of two things that go together better than pumpkin and cinnamon? This recipe not only shows you how to make tasty and adorable rolls in the shape of real pumpkins, it also offers the perfect cinnamon butter to spread on top.

Spiced Butternut-Pumpkin Soup [myrecipes.com]
If you love pumpkin so much that you even want to eat it for lunch and dinner, this is the recipe for you. It’s equal parts sweet and savory, and it makes the perfect small appetizer for all of your autumn dinner parties.

No Green Thumb? No Problem! Grow These Houseplants at Avana Southgate!

Even if you haven’t had the best luck with plants in the past, that’s no reason to give up on having a greenery-filled home. While certain houseplants are very finicky and seem to die as soon as you glance in their direction, others are hearty, resilient and made for people whose thumbs aren't exactly green. Here are just a few.

  1. Succulents. The desert native succulent plant is beloved by many for its very sparse watering schedule. Because it only needs watering once a month or so, this trendy houseplant is perfect for forgetful owners.
  2. Aloe plants. The unique looking aloe plant is another one that doesn’t need much watering (or even much sunlight). Simply give it a bit of water when the soil feels dry to the touch.
  3. Cast-iron plant. There’s a reason this great plant has a name that’s tough as nails: the cast-iron plant can tolerate everything from low light to changes in the atmosphere like a champ.
  4. Snake plant. The high-reaching snake plant (sometimes called mother-in-law’s tongue) not only offers a stylish, impactful look, it can also survive in low light and with sporadic waterings.
  5. Jade plant. This gorgeous plant will live for years without much care at all, eventually growing into a small tree with a large enough pot.

Houseplants for People Who Can't Grow Houseplants [This Old House]
How To Choose the Right Houseplant [Bayer Advanced]
Houseplants for the Forgetful Gardener [Better Homes & Gardens]

Quick and Easy Marinades for That Upcoming Barbecue

Every barbecue enthusiast knows that the marinade is key when it comes to adding flavor to your meats, but there are a whole lot more options than just the usual barbecue sauce to choose from. From sweet to tangy to spicy, these grill-ready marinades can take foods from bland to mouthwatering in just a few minutes flat. And best of all? They don’t have to sit in the refrigerator all night, so they’re perfect for the last-minute home chef!

Greek Marinade [greek.food.com]
Olive oil and lemon juice impart a bright, zesty flavor to foods like chicken and fish, while a bounty of fresh herbs and spices will make you feel like you hopped a plane to the shores of Greece. Pour this perfect marinade over your meats and pop them into the fridge for an hour before grilling.

Maple Grilled Salmon Glaze [myrecipes.com]
Take salmon to the next level with this sweet and smoky glaze that you can brush on the fish — or even on a juicy pork chop — right as it’s cooking. Garnish with orange slices to bring out even more sweet, citrus-y flavor.

Barbecue Sauce [marthastewart.com]
Although there are limitless options for marinades, sometimes you’re just in the mood for a good old-fashioned barbecue sauce. This simple, straightforward recipe takes just 30 minutes to make, and it can be used on everything from ribs to chicken at your next cookout.

La Chasse Brings a Taste of France to Louisville

If you have never taken a photo of your meal, then you have not tried La Chasse. Not only is the food presentation picture-perfect, but you will also want to take a selfie after you taste it. The food is just that good.

The main menu is French and includes a sweet bread appetizer, fried rabbit, and wood roasted elk. However, there are several nights a month where the restaurant hosts an Argentinean dinner. There are also several different wine pairing dinners throughout the month, including a Mediterranean wine night and a Southern France wine evening.

Reservations are encouraged, as is saving room for dessert. Both the spiced bourbon cream with salted caramel topping and the dark chocolate mousse topped with coffee whipped cream are great choices. Either go with a group of people so that you can sample more of the menu items or plan on returning to do so.

La Chasse
1359 Bardstown Road
Louisville, KY 40204
(502) 822-3963
lachasselouisville.com

Learn How to Manage Clutter — Not Hide It!

If you find yourself tucking away all of that extra clutter every time you clean your home, you may wonder how you can get rid of it for good. Instead of managing the clutter in your home, these smart, space-saving tips will show you how to control your clutter by getting rid of it completely.

  • Take an assessment of your clutter. Where do you notice clutter the most in your home? Is it in the junk drawers in your kitchen, the entryway area or your bedroom closet? Make note of those places where clutter always seems to accumulate so that you can focus the majority of your energy there.
  • Invest in storage systems. If the current storage systems in those areas just aren't working, it's time to reevaluate them. If clothes are always tumbling off of the shelves in your bedroom closet, add some affordable plastic drawers from your local home goods store; if you're always tripping over shoes in the doorway, add a stylish shoe rack.
  • Get rid of clutter-prone areas. Those junk drawers that are always overflowing? Get rid of them! If you don't have that go-to spot for disposing of those unused items, you'll be forced to really think about where they go — or if you need them at all.
  • Make it a part of your routine. If you don't usually think about where to put certain items, you might want to start. A big part of keeping a clean home is developing clean habits, so before you toss those shoes or that extra junk mail aside, take pause and deal with it right on the spot.

See Who’s Taking the Stage at The Louisville Palace

For shows, movies, and concerts alike, you cannot beat The Louisville Palace. Not only does this Louisville venue have historic significance, it also has phenomenal acoustics and you can see the stage and the performers from every seat in the house.

Built in 1928, The Louisville Palace was rededicated in 1994 after a short stint as a movie theater. Today, it is home to a variety of events, including performers and children’s shows. The theater also holds a vintage movie fest every summer.

When you visit, be sure to look up at the ceiling and marvel the architecture that surrounds you. Then, enjoy a drink at one of the many bars that are onsite, including the private VIP Ovation bar, for an additional fee. Tickets for all events can be purchased through Ticketmaster or the box office.

The Louisville Palace
625 S Fourth St
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 583-4555
www.louisvillepalace.com

Easy Ways to Squeeze in a Workout

Between work, keeping up with chores, and spending time with friends and family, you may find it difficult to make time in your day for exercise. But as busy as you may feel, you should be able to uncover a few extra minutes hiding in your day. Here are a few ways to fit more fitness into your busy schedule.

  • For two days, keep track of how you spend your time. Writing this down helps you find more downtime that you could use for working out.
  • Pencil it in. Decide on a set time for exercise and enter it in your calendar as a daily event. When you see it every morning, you'll make a mental note that you’re going to exercise and this can help you to stay motivated.
  • Start small. Five-minute walks every day can easily turn into 30-minute walks.
  • Do small exercises while you’re watching TV. You can do crunches, planks, squats, lunges, or pushups while you’re catching up on your favorite shows.
  • Keep a positive attitude. Editing your negative thoughts is a great way to support healthier lifestyle choices.

4 Ways to Squeeze In That Workout [Women’s Health]
25 Ways to Make Time for Fitness [Experience Life]
10 Ways to Sneak In a Workout [Fitness Magazine]

Have You Tried the Duck and Waffles at Fontleroy’s?

If you are tired of the same selection at what seems like every restaurant, then you need to head to Fontleroy’s the next time you eat out. This casual eatery, which pays homage to Louisville history and is named after a former mayor, features such dishes as duck and waffles and hushpuppies with crab, as well as their not-to-miss biscuits. Meanwhile, the bar pours drinks with clever names.

Fontleroy’s serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day and while the names of the dishes may sound familiar, the chef puts his own special twist to make just that much different and delicious. For example, for breakfast, the cheese grits come with shrimp. For lunch and dinner, the macaroni and cheese is made with goat cheese, and the fried green tomatoes come with crab meat on top. There is no refrigerator or microwave onsite, so you know everything is fresh.

Fontleroy’s
2011 Grinstead Dr
Louisville, KY 40204
(502) 882-2507
www.facebook.com/Fontleroys-763434220431758

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