After a moment of silence for Bryan's Piano Barr, it's time to move on to everything else there is to do in South Bend beginning with tomorrow's genealogy session at the St. Joe County Public Library. Who out there hasn't wondered the origin of your last name or if you're related to some historical figure? Well wonder no more, just show up at 6:00pm tomorrow in the Dickinson Room at the Main library to learn the best tips and tools for uncovering the gems in your past.
Maybe you're the long lost descendant of Henry, John, Clement, Peter, or Jacob Studebaker? Maybe your great-great grandparents came through Ellis Island? Maybe your ancestors fought in the Revolutionary War? Maybe you have family in Alaska? I mean who knows, right? So take advantage of this class and find out!
Where: Dickinson Room at the St. Joe County Public Library, Main Branch
When: 6:00pm, November 16, 2010
For more information call 574-282-4621.
Monday, November 15, 2010
#60: In memoriam: Bryan's Piano Barr
I wish none of the 365 things to do in South Bend would never involve this, but just like pets can't live forever, just like the teacher you had a crush on in high school will eventually get grey hair, there are some things you can't prevent in life. Change is inevitable, right? (Still, I'd like to see more diverse base of support for local places...).
So, Bryan's Piano Barr shut its doors today after a decade of serving cold beers and a slap-in-the-face to those used to the ND college bar scene. I was happy to see the place was packed, but the mood was bittersweet. Gospel hour had its last hour. And who will drop the disco ball when I stand up for being proud to be an American? Bryan urged the crowd to support him at his first extra-Barr show at Kelly's Pub on Thursday night.
Should you expect a post? Perhaps. It is right across from the Farmer's Market...
So, Bryan's Piano Barr shut its doors today after a decade of serving cold beers and a slap-in-the-face to those used to the ND college bar scene. I was happy to see the place was packed, but the mood was bittersweet. Gospel hour had its last hour. And who will drop the disco ball when I stand up for being proud to be an American? Bryan urged the crowd to support him at his first extra-Barr show at Kelly's Pub on Thursday night.
Should you expect a post? Perhaps. It is right across from the Farmer's Market...
Friday, November 12, 2010
#59: The Rolling Stonebaker
Across the States, the latest foodie craze has revolved around food trucks and stands. While the idea of a portable restaurant is nothing new, the offerings have increased in complexity from the classic hot dog or ice cream stand.
Today, South Bend brings you its particular twist on this trend: the Rolling Stonebaker, a retooled Studebaker fire truck offering wood-fired pizza. It's stopping by the Studebaker Museum (naturally) today to sell their creative pizza offerings. Their unusual ingredients are a breath of fresh air from the classic pizzas you'll find in South Bend joints. (As a transplant from Virginia, I think 'The Purple Pig' looks especially appetizing-- it's good to see BBQ and slaw together again.)
Jim and Andrea, the couple behind this idea, found the truck for sale on Craigslist and thought they'd use their culinary skills to bring warm cheesy goodness to the Midwest masses. Since July 31st, the truck has travelled around to different farmer's markets and events in the Michiana area, but catch it here in South Bend in the very place owner Jim Chaddock did research on what the truck should look like. This pizza-vending truck is one helluva brainchild.
Where: The Studebaker National Museum, 201 Chapin St.
When: 10am - 5pm
Website: http://rollingstonebaker.com/
 |
| Photo by Andrea Georgian, one of the authors of this ingenious idea! |
Today, South Bend brings you its particular twist on this trend: the Rolling Stonebaker, a retooled Studebaker fire truck offering wood-fired pizza. It's stopping by the Studebaker Museum (naturally) today to sell their creative pizza offerings. Their unusual ingredients are a breath of fresh air from the classic pizzas you'll find in South Bend joints. (As a transplant from Virginia, I think 'The Purple Pig' looks especially appetizing-- it's good to see BBQ and slaw together again.)
Jim and Andrea, the couple behind this idea, found the truck for sale on Craigslist and thought they'd use their culinary skills to bring warm cheesy goodness to the Midwest masses. Since July 31st, the truck has travelled around to different farmer's markets and events in the Michiana area, but catch it here in South Bend in the very place owner Jim Chaddock did research on what the truck should look like. This pizza-vending truck is one helluva brainchild.
Where: The Studebaker National Museum, 201 Chapin St.
When: 10am - 5pm
Website: http://rollingstonebaker.com/
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
#58: Main Street Cafe
Barely 3 months old, Main Street Cafe has already taken downtown South Bend by storm. I'm of the opinion that you can never have too many coffee-shops/cafes in one area, but Main Street also offers several features that other coffee-shops around the area don't. First, they're open until 10:00pm on weekdays. Let me repeat that, they're open until 10:00pm, making this the perfect place to read, study, and relax in the heart of downtown post-business hours.
But the list of awesome continues. I was in the cafe recently and overheard a staff member mention to a customer that they had won the recent chili cook-off between the restaurants of Downtown South Bend. So there you go, for a second reason, they apparently have the best chili in the city. Third, free Wi-Fi. Fourth, their dessert case. You have to see it to believe it. I could go on, but I would rather you just visit and try it out for yourself.
Location:
102 North Main Street
574-232-5333
Hours:
Mon-Thur- 7am-10pm
Fri-Sat- 7am-11pm
Sun- closed
Fun Fact: Main Street can partially lay claim to the birth of this blog. A late night here as well as several at Lula's was responsible for the initial design, conception and launch of 365 South Bend.
But the list of awesome continues. I was in the cafe recently and overheard a staff member mention to a customer that they had won the recent chili cook-off between the restaurants of Downtown South Bend. So there you go, for a second reason, they apparently have the best chili in the city. Third, free Wi-Fi. Fourth, their dessert case. You have to see it to believe it. I could go on, but I would rather you just visit and try it out for yourself.
Location:
102 North Main Street
574-232-5333
Hours:
Mon-Thur- 7am-10pm
Fri-Sat- 7am-11pm
Sun- closed
Fun Fact: Main Street can partially lay claim to the birth of this blog. A late night here as well as several at Lula's was responsible for the initial design, conception and launch of 365 South Bend.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
#57: Art Classes at the South Bend Museum of Art
The itch to create something took hold of me the other day. I never took an art class in school, but I was always envious of students who had "studio" and something other than Word documents to show for their time spent in class. I would tell myself, Take an art class in your spare time, some other time. Don't waste your time now.
Little did I realize how much an art class is not a waste of time. It's a fully enriching experience, which I discovered when I stopped the procrastination and finally signed up for a pastels class at the South Bend Museum of Art. The class is composed of beginners like myself and accomplished artists looking for another opinion on their work. The most unexpected and most wonderful element of the class is the community -- most people know each other but they are most kind to me, the newcomer.
It's eye-opening to take an art class. You begin to see things you didn't before. After I had drawn tree after tree, struggling to figure out how to make branches look realistic, I started to notice the branching patterns of the trees around me. Then I began to realize where there were trees (St. Joseph Street, of all places) and where there were not (Grape Road, for one). In class, it was fascinating to observe the more advanced students work on their pieces. Each person took a different approach to the same medium; some used pastels to depict ephemeral landscapes, others used its blendable color to recreate vivid flowers and faces with startling accuracy.
While this post may seem tangential and personal, I want to convey to you that art class fosters an appreciation of the world around you, both in regard to other people and the environment. And this mindset of loving where you are, dear readers, is kinda what this blog is all about.
Where: South Bend Museum of Art, 120 S. St. Joseph Street
When: A 4-week Winter session is now open for enrollment; classes are offered year-round
Website: http://southbendart.org/index.php?lt=03
Little did I realize how much an art class is not a waste of time. It's a fully enriching experience, which I discovered when I stopped the procrastination and finally signed up for a pastels class at the South Bend Museum of Art. The class is composed of beginners like myself and accomplished artists looking for another opinion on their work. The most unexpected and most wonderful element of the class is the community -- most people know each other but they are most kind to me, the newcomer.
It's eye-opening to take an art class. You begin to see things you didn't before. After I had drawn tree after tree, struggling to figure out how to make branches look realistic, I started to notice the branching patterns of the trees around me. Then I began to realize where there were trees (St. Joseph Street, of all places) and where there were not (Grape Road, for one). In class, it was fascinating to observe the more advanced students work on their pieces. Each person took a different approach to the same medium; some used pastels to depict ephemeral landscapes, others used its blendable color to recreate vivid flowers and faces with startling accuracy.
While this post may seem tangential and personal, I want to convey to you that art class fosters an appreciation of the world around you, both in regard to other people and the environment. And this mindset of loving where you are, dear readers, is kinda what this blog is all about.
Where: South Bend Museum of Art, 120 S. St. Joseph Street
When: A 4-week Winter session is now open for enrollment; classes are offered year-round
Website: http://southbendart.org/index.php?lt=03
Sunday, November 7, 2010
#56: Arts Cafe
Again with the misnomers! "Arts Cafe", an annual community open house hosted by the Near Northwest Neighborhood, Inc. (NNN), is more of a lively all-ages festival than a laidback artists gathering. Now in its eigth year, this event is a great way to catch a glimpse into a neighborhood that has a lot of character.
The motivation behind this event is to showcase some restored homes that are for sale (at great prices -- even I could afford the mortgage. I thought seriously about buying a house...for about two minutes), so there were about a half-dozen homes that you could enter and look around. Each one was different, but beautiful wood floors and window frames and unexpected nooks seemed to be common features.
Looking at these different homes was fun enough itself, but in addition, there were booths set up in different homes with local vendors selling everything from cookies to knit caps. You never knew what you would find when you entered a house.
Also, on the street, there was a two stages with live music, and pop-up tents for non-profits and businesses were scattered throughout. Many organizations in South Bend, and NNN in particular, support community groups and historic preservation. Paradoxically, this appreciation for the past keeps the city vibrant and full of things to discover, especially when there's pressure to have in town the big-name chains that can be found anywhere. There may not be a Cheesecake Factory in the area, but trust me, it ain't got nothing on Miss Brittney Jennings's $1.50 pumpkin-and-cream-cheese cupcake.
When: Sunday, 10 am - 5pm
Where : Stop by Cushing Street and Lindsey St. first, where the NNN tent with a map to the house tour
Website: http://www.nearnorthwest.org/Pages/Events/ArtsCafe2010.htm
Looking at these different homes was fun enough itself, but in addition, there were booths set up in different homes with local vendors selling everything from cookies to knit caps. You never knew what you would find when you entered a house.
Also, on the street, there was a two stages with live music, and pop-up tents for non-profits and businesses were scattered throughout. Many organizations in South Bend, and NNN in particular, support community groups and historic preservation. Paradoxically, this appreciation for the past keeps the city vibrant and full of things to discover, especially when there's pressure to have in town the big-name chains that can be found anywhere. There may not be a Cheesecake Factory in the area, but trust me, it ain't got nothing on Miss Brittney Jennings's $1.50 pumpkin-and-cream-cheese cupcake.
When: Sunday, 10 am - 5pm
Where : Stop by Cushing Street and Lindsey St. first, where the NNN tent with a map to the house tour
Website: http://www.nearnorthwest.org/Pages/Events/ArtsCafe2010.htm
#55: Alexander's Grill
This restaurant is popular among Notre Dame students for its late night hours and cheap prices. Nothing beckons more than dollar beer, and a five dollar gyro platter special. Whether it's the most authentic Greek food in town, as their website claims, is open to debate -- my week in Greece taught me that Greek salad does not have lettuce in it and that feta should be eaten in card deck-sized blocks -- but they do have the most authentic Greek sense of hospitality I've seen since Yia Yia Kaltsas gave me a pound of food as an afternoon snack. The owner, Ari, is one of the most outgoing people I've ever met, and he'll sit down in the booth with you to chat. I've taken several pictures with him at his request. His joy from this restaurant is contagious.
This is a great place to go in big groups, and they're happy (overjoyed, sometimes) to accommodate everyone. While the gyros are the most popular, their menu is quite large. Don't miss the appetizers -- lots of good dips and the staple for every good Greek restaurant, flaming cheese.
Where: 1841 South Bend Ave. (across from Studebagels)
When to go: They're open seven days a week and until 4 am (!) on Friday and Saturday.
Tip: Mention if you're a ND/SMC/HC student/staff/faculty member, and you'll get 15% off the bill.
This is a great place to go in big groups, and they're happy (overjoyed, sometimes) to accommodate everyone. While the gyros are the most popular, their menu is quite large. Don't miss the appetizers -- lots of good dips and the staple for every good Greek restaurant, flaming cheese.
Where: 1841 South Bend Ave. (across from Studebagels)
When to go: They're open seven days a week and until 4 am (!) on Friday and Saturday.
Tip: Mention if you're a ND/SMC/HC student/staff/faculty member, and you'll get 15% off the bill.
Friday, November 5, 2010
#54: ArtPost
It’s the first Friday of the month.
As such it’s "First Friday" here in South Bend with the monthly bevy of events that follows. Just Goods is having a re-opening celebration! There’s an Open Mic at Chicory Café! Opera LaSalle’s holding an open dress rehearsal in the Blue Gallery! A book-signing by author Colleen Affeld at Idle Hours Bookstore! Origami at Spark, ceramics at the Chocolate Café, and copper jewelry-making at Fire Arts. There’s almost too much to do and too many places to go, but if you have time for only one activity tonight, my personal recommendation would be to stop by the new-guy-around-town art gallery, ArtPost, and its opening reception for “Dr. Funlaw: Collective Consciousness.”
As such it’s "First Friday" here in South Bend with the monthly bevy of events that follows. Just Goods is having a re-opening celebration! There’s an Open Mic at Chicory Café! Opera LaSalle’s holding an open dress rehearsal in the Blue Gallery! A book-signing by author Colleen Affeld at Idle Hours Bookstore! Origami at Spark, ceramics at the Chocolate Café, and copper jewelry-making at Fire Arts. There’s almost too much to do and too many places to go, but if you have time for only one activity tonight, my personal recommendation would be to stop by the new-guy-around-town art gallery, ArtPost, and its opening reception for “Dr. Funlaw: Collective Consciousness.”
About a year old now, ArtPost, is a gallery founded by local artists and dedicated to bringing great local and regional art to South Bend. As they say, “we believe in promoting art at home.” The exhibition featured tonight is no exception. It presents young, local artists who go by the name “Dr. Funlaw” and whose work is described as “highly saturated” and “brightly colored.” The event description even notes that “they are known to suggest the use of 3D Chromadepth glasses to best view their work.” The exhibition will run through December 19, so if you can’t make it tonight make sure to stop in before then.
ArtPost has already set itself apart through its great collection of art books (McSweeney’s Quarterly included), local photography, permanent exhibits, and featured exhibitions. In addition to the featured art tonight, upcoming art includes Cuban posters and an artist who “experiments with stenciled skateboard decks.” Honestly, that doesn't get out of the door and through theirs, who knows what will persuade you because this is about as local and as cool as you will find, at least in South Bend.
Where: ArtPost Gallery, 216 W. Madison St. (574-287-6293 if you want to call)
When: Exhibition Reception: tonight 5:00-9:00 pm; Regular Hours: Thursday, Friday, Saturday noon-8:00 pm, Sunday noon-4:00 pm
Website: http://www.artpostblog.com/
Thursday, November 4, 2010
#53: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
I have a soft spot in my heart for community theater, but whether you're new to the stage or grew up in the green room, you're sure to enjoy the South Bend Civic Theatre's production of the familiar and frightening "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde". The story of the upstanding Dr. Jekyll and the murderous Mr. Hyde has been described as a "stunning psychological thriller" and its portrayal on the stage should be eerily entertaining.
The production will run through November 7, leaving only four more days for you to check out the show. There is a chance that most of the shows have already been sold-out so move quickly and make sure to call ahead or check the day of to see if there are any seats left.
Check out the Civic Theater's website here and a South Bend Tribune review of the production here.
The production will run through November 7, leaving only four more days for you to check out the show. There is a chance that most of the shows have already been sold-out so move quickly and make sure to call ahead or check the day of to see if there are any seats left.
Check out the Civic Theater's website here and a South Bend Tribune review of the production here.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
#52: The Notre Dame Forum
In times such as this, you appreciate living in (somewhat of) a college town. In these lucky cities, there are plenty of free, educational, and cultural events that (somewhat) balance out the gameday traffic and crosswalk-disregarding pedestrians.
Tonight, the University of Notre Dame hosts Thomas Friedman, author of the Hot, Flat, and Crowded and Pulitzer-prize winning columnist for The New York Times, as a speaker for its annual Forum. The topic for this year's series of discussions is "The Global Marketplace and the Common Good." In other words, how to balance the demands we place on the economy and on helping out each other. It's an interesting, pertinent topic, and Thomas Friedman is an articulate source on globalization, religious fundamentalism, and climate change.
His point of view is sure to spark debate, and the best part about this event is that it provides a platform for Notre Dame students and faculty to engage each other in discussion. This often proves to be the most interesting part of the night. The Dean of the ND Business School, a Theology professor, and a senior Economics major will have a roundtable discussion after Mr. Friedman speaks.
 |
| Doesn't he look engaging?! |
His point of view is sure to spark debate, and the best part about this event is that it provides a platform for Notre Dame students and faculty to engage each other in discussion. This often proves to be the most interesting part of the night. The Dean of the ND Business School, a Theology professor, and a senior Economics major will have a roundtable discussion after Mr. Friedman speaks.
Unfortunately, there are no tickets left to the venue where the discussion is being held, but the next best option is a showing at the Mendoza College of Business Auditorium. (And afterwards, you can sneak over to the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center for the post-Forum reception.) Even if you feel like staying in, away from the first frosts of winter, you can still engage your mind by watching it on the live stream at forum.nd.edu.
Although you can still learn a lot about humanity by watching America's Top Model.
Where: University of Notre Dame campus, or at home on the live screen
When: 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Tip: The website for this event is spectacular, and you can learn more about this topic and post your thoughts.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)