Restaurant Review: Rusty Bucket
Rusty Bucket is a casual American restaurant and tavern designed for people to come together and enjoy great conversation over even better food. At Rusty Bucket food is cooked from scratch because they think it tastes better that way – and I couldn’t agree more. Plus, since everything is made just for you, if you have any dietary needs be sure to share them and the Rusty Bucket can most likely accommodate them 0 that’s some exceptional service right there! The Rusty Bucket’s bar features drinks made with FRESHLY squeezed juices, I mean let\’s be real do you know of many places that offer freshly squeezed juices in their cocktails… didn’t think so.
I recently had the opportunity to get a peek at Rusty Buckets new menu and let me tell you’re going to love it. Did I mention they even have Brunch Saturday and Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – and you won’t want to miss out on the Chicken & Waffles or Chilaquiles.
Rusty Bucket has over 24 locations in six states (Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina, and Ohio). Michigan has four locations: Bingham Farms, Bloomfield, Northville, and Northville Park Place.
This was my first time visiting the Rusty Bucket, and let me tell you I will definitely be back. The food was not only delicious, but the service was great and the atmosphere was fun. The Rusty Bucket is the perfect girls night out, date night or place to take your family. With a jam-packed menu, there is sure to be something on it for everyone. My personal favorite was the Chicken and Waffles, which you can order Saturdays and Sundays off the brunch menu. I’ve had a few chicken and waffle meals in my lifetime and this one is one of the best.
Monday through Sunday at the Rusty Bucket you will find Drink Features and Blue Plate Specials. Don’t get this confused with Weekday Happy hour from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday which is something entirely different.
Monday
Drink Feature: Draft Day
Blue Plate Special: Cincinnati 3-Way
Spaghetti smothered with Rusty Bucket’s Texas sirloin chili and topped with cheddar cheese, sour cream, onion, and fresh diced tomatoes; served with garlic cheese bread
Tuesday
Drink Feature: Half Off Wine Bottles
Blue Plate Special: Hoosier State Fair Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Center-cut pork loin breaded with Gary\’s secret blend of spices served with lettuce, tomato, pickle chip and onion with a side of mayo. ** Really unique flavor
Wednesday
Drink Feature: Whiskey Wednesday
Blue Plate Special: Beef Stroganoff
Tender slow-roasted pulled beef, button and morel mushrooms tossed with pappardelle pasta and morel cream sauce; topped with sour cream and scallions and served with garlic cheese bread.
Thursday
Drink Feature: Bucket Punch Day
Blue Plate Special: Spaghetti ’N Meatballs
Two jumbo beef and veal meatballs slow-cooked in house made red sauce; served atop spaghetti noodles garnished with our homemade garlic cheese bread.
Friday
Drink Feature: Martinis
Blue Plate Special: Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp sautéed with white wine garlic butter sauce, fresh herbs and tomatoes tossed with spaghetti and grated parmesan and served with garlic cheese bread.
Saturday
Drink Feature: Gary’s Famous Margaritas
Blue Plate Special: Chicken and Noodles
Slow roasted chicken, mushrooms, caramelized onion, carrots, peas and our house made chicken jus, tossed with pappardelle pasta and served over mashers.
Sunday
Drink Feature: Bloody Sunday
Blue Plate Special: Kentucky Hot Brown
Rusty Bucket’s house roasted turkey breast, thinly sliced and piled high on Texas toast, covered with a creamy parmesan sauce and topped with sliced tomato and bacon. *** YOU GUYS! Oh my goodness, this was absolutely amazing!! Since it’s called a Kentucky Hot Brown I would assume it’s from Kentucky (unless it\’s like the whole Boston Cooler in Michigan that has nothing to do with Boston), since I have never been there before this was my first time trying a Hot Brown and now I want to go to Kentucky and give one of theirs a try!
Starters
Spinach Con Queso A blend of spinach, white wine, and cheeses, served pipping hot with tortilla chips. So insanely good!
“Cheese Blanket” Nachos Loaded with seasoned ground beef and braised black beans, covered with Rusty Bucket’s signature “cheese blanket.” Served with pico de gallo, jalapenos, sour cream and scallions. Great to share with friends!
Burgers
Bucket Bites
Mini Burgers on potato buns topped with carmelized onions, American cheese and a pickle chip on top.
Highly recommend!
Green Chili Burger*
Rusty Bucket’s house-made beer cheese, Serrano and jalapeño relish.
Beer Cheese Burger*
Rusty Bucket’s house-made beer cheese piled high with crispy onion rings.
Main Plates
Macaroni ’N Cheese*
Swiss and American cheeses melted with heavy cream and Blue Moon white ale; tossed with jumbo elbow macaroni noodles; topped with kettle cooked potato chips, scallions, and diced tomatoes. Served with garlic cheese bread.
Pizza
Veggie
Roasted tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, provolone cheese, mushrooms, bell peppers, red onion, fresh banana peppers, green olives, and spinach.
Yum, yum, yum
“The Big Sicilian”
Pepperoni, Italian sausage, and capicola with mozzarella and provolone cheeses, peppers and red onions.
Dessert
Cookies ’N Cream
Heaven right on a plate!
Death By Chocolate Cake
If you’re a chocoholic you’re going to love this cake.
Berry Blast
This cobbler is out of this world.
Brunch
Chicken and Waffles
House-made Belgian waffle, Rusty Bucket’s famous hand-dipped chicken fingers, warm maple syrup and a light dusting of powdered sugar.
My absolutely favorite thing on the Rusty Bucket menu, and might even be the BEST chicken and waffles that I have ever had.
Chilaquiles
Fresh corn tortillas baked with salsa verde and pepper jack cheese, topped with braised black beans, ranchero sauce, sour cream and two sunny side up eggs.
Probably becoming one of my favorite things to get for brunch at places.
*I do not drink alcohol, so trying anything with their cheese sauce really grossed me out. Everyone else really loved it, especially the macaroni and cheese. If you like alcohol you’ll love the infused cheeses, if you don’t I highly recommend ordering something else.
Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo Wild Encounters
Whether you’re visiting Fort Wayne with your girlfriends, significant other or your kids the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is definitely worth checking out. The mission of the zoo is “Connecting kids and animals, strengthen families and inspiring people to care.” One thing I really loved about the zoo was it’s designed for children to get up close and personal with the animals with their parents having to pick them up – this was especially beneficial for me since I am 4’10” and no one is going to go around picking me up so I can see what is going on.
Something that makes the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo really unique is its Wild Encounters. The zoo offers five different fun encounters for an extra price that you’re sure to love. While I was visit the Zoo a few weeks ago I got to experience the Stingray Wild Encounter and absolutely loved it. It was a really unique experience to get up close with the stingrays and feel them take fish right out of your hands. The one encounter I would love to do on my next trip is the penguin one – as someone who loves penguins I think it would be a lot of fun to check it out.
To help you select which Wild Encounter is best for you, lets see what each one offers.
African Bird Walking Tour Wild Encounter
Cost: $59* per person
If you’ve ever wondered about the birds in the African portion of your zoo journey then this tour is for you. This walking tour provides you with access to the zoo’s bird keepers so they can show you what they feed the birds as well as how they care for them.
Days: Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Time: April 27 – May 23 & Sept 1 to Oct 7 – 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
and May 24 – August 31st 4:00 pm – 4:45 pm
Ages 5 & up.
Maximum group size 4 people.
Dr. Diversity Wild Encounter
Cost: $59* per person
This Wild Encounter will take you behind the scenes of the Indonesian Dr. Diversity Rain Forest Research station, where you will visit the retile room and see how zoo keepers take care of the Dr. Diversity animals.
Days: Sundays
Time: 11:00 – 11:30 AM
Ages 4 & up.
Maximum group size 4 people.
Stingray Wild Encounter
Cost $39* per person
The aquarists will provide you with fish that you will hold in your hand, and wait for the stingrays to swim over and grab the food from your hand.
Days: Saturdays, Sundays and Monday during the zoo season.
Time: 1:00 – 1:30 PM.
Ages 6 & up.
Maximum group size 4 people.
Giraffe Wild Encounter
Cost: $79* per person
Start your adventure behind the scenes in the giraffe barn, where you’ll held the zookeepers create special feeders and watch the food get eaten while you stand toe to toe with these gorgeous creatures.
Days: Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays
Time: 3:00 – 3:30 PM
DO NOT visit the Indiana Family Farm before your Giraffe Wild Encounter – goats and sheet may carry a virus that can affect giraffes (it is not harmful to humans).
After your Giraffe Wild Encounter feel free to go visit the sheep and goats.
Penguin Wild Encounter
Cost: $89* per person
Step onto the beach – yes BEACH, and help the zookeepers bring the penguins lunch. You’ll be taught the best way to feed the penguins and details about their personalities.
Days: Fridays-Mondays during the zoo season.
Time: 1:15-2:00 PM.
Cost: $89 per person.
Ages 8 & up. Maximum group size 2 people.
*These prices are for 2019 and are subject to change year to year. Please visit the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo for an up to date price list.
Weekend Getaway: Fort Wayne, IN
Who’s ready for a road trip? I recently had the opportunity to explore Fort Wayne, Indiana with the Visit Fort Wayne team, and I am so excited to share my experience with you. Prior to this trip, I knew nothing about Fort Wayne or Indiana in general (other than the fact that I have to drive through it to get to Chicago). Depending on where you live in the Metro Detroit area Fort Wayne is likely three hours or less. The quick drive makes it a really attractive distance if you’re in the mood to get out of Michigan for a weekend.
From Detroit, it’s a quick drive (around 2.5 hours – it took me 3 hours since I am outside of Detroit) to Fort Wayne, which makes it a great weekend getaway with friends or family.
Things To Do:
There’s a ton of fun things to do in Fort Wayne with your girlfriends, significant other or family. Here are some top picks from my trip to Fort Wayne.
See a TinCaps Baseball Game
You know I am a huge fan of baseball, and love checking out as many ballparks as I can. If you’re going to Fort Wayne I highly recommend checking out their minor league baseball team, the TinCaps. The name of the team is a tribute to pioneer Johnny Appleseed who is believed to be buried in Fort Wayne. With an adorable logo that features an apple wearing Johnny Appleseed\’s trademark tin cap, the TinCaps have called Parkview Field home since 2009 and continue to draw in fans young and old each season. The stadium is gorgeous, the atmosphere is a lot of fun and there is so much interaction you’ll never be bored.
Visit the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
Even if you aren’t visiting with kids the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is definitely worth checking out. The mission of the zoo is “Connecting kids and animals, strengthening families and inspiring people to care.” What I really love about that is it’s actually true, as someone who is 4’10” I struggle to see animals when I go to the zoo – so think about the kids who are smaller than me. Kids can actually see the animals without having to be picked up by their parents! The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo also offers Wild Encounters like feeding the stingrays, which I would highly recommend.
Explore the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory
If you love flowers you’re going to love the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory. Filled with tropical plants, a relaxing waterfall, and desert-themed room there is sure to be something for everyone. The conservatory hosts a variety of events and exhibits throughout the year, and beginning April 27 they will have a live butterfly exhibit that runs until July 7, which I cannot wait to go back and checkout.
Learn About Your Ancestors at the Genealogy Center
One of the coolest experiences was visiting the Genealogy Center at the Allen County Public Library and learning about my family history. With nearly a million physical research items plus additional online databases, the Genealogy Center is a completely free resource that draws people in from all over. Prior to the trip, I provided the librarians some information about my family, and they pulled some amazing information about my ancestors. I learned that I am French Canadian, Scottish, German and Irish – plus my family has colonial roots in the United States which is amazing. Learning about my family history was truly an amazing experience.
See what’s new at The Fort Wayne Museum of Art
If you love art, you’re not going to want to miss out on the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. This museum provides an array of unique pieces of art from permanent pieces to rotating exhibits.
Check Out Science Central
Do you love science? If you do, then you definitely don’t want to miss checking out Science Central. The hands-on exhibits are educational, and you’ll learn so much in a short time. One of my favorite parts of Science Central is “Science On A Sphere,” this three-dimensional globe can showcase anything from the plants to storm systems.
Where to Eat:
Looking for ideas of where to eat while you’re in Fort Wayne? Here are a few places I highly recommend.
Breakfast – Proximo
Looking for a unique and delicious breakfast? Look no further than Proximo. This is a great space to go with friends or family. I ordered the Carnitas Benedict which featured braised pork served over house-made cornbread and is finished with arugula, poached eggs and hollandaise – oh my goodness was it delicious.
Lunch – Dash-In
If grilled cheese is your thing, you’re definitely going to want to head to Dash-In. They have a great selection of food, but are known for their grilled cheese sandwiches and have a unique variety of them. I tried the Green Goddess, and it was absolutely amazing. With muenster, provolone, havarti, pesto sauce, guacamole, and fresh spinach this sandwich is pure perfection. I paired it with their tomato bisque which is a rich and creamy tomato soup with hints of white wine, white onion and is topped with parmesan cheese and scallion – oh my gosh yum!
Snack – DeBrand Fine Chocolates
You can’t go to Fort Wayne and not try DeBrand Fine Chocolates. I loved the raspberry cream from the classic collection.
Appetizers – Copper Spoon
Looking for a great selection of wines, a huge cocktail list filled with unique options and delicious appetizers, then Copper Spoon is the place for you. This restaurant has a fun atmosphere that is perfect for gathering with friends or a significant other. Copper Spoon also shares views of Parkview Field where the TinCaps play. I tried the Charcuterie Platter (cured meat, cheese, pickles, spicy mustard, and baguette pieces) and Smutty Fries (patatas, sloppy joe, quest, pickled hot peppers, pickled onion, and scallions ).
Dinner – The Hoppy Gnome
The Hoppy Gnome is a fun and unique experience, this brewery rocks and amazing sophisticated food menu you’re sure to love. They focus on fresh ingredients and make an effort to change up their menu a few times a year. I enjoyed the Pan-Seared Scallops (jumbo scallops, hoppy hash, bacon and sweet corn relish with jalapeño tartar) and Asian Tuna Tartare (Sashimi grade tuna, Serrano pepper guacamole, soy glaze, and crispy wontons).
Dessert – Ruth’s Chris
I know that there are Ruth’s Chris chains all over the continental United States, but trust me you want to check out the one in Fort Wayne for dessert. Forget all other desserts on the menu, you want to get the carrot cake, it’s the best that I have ever had – and it’s only at a couple locations.
More Things To See and Do:
Promenade Park is opening this June, and you won’t want to miss the dining, Tree Canopy Trail, playground, kayak rentals and more.
If you like seeing the art around Detroit, you’ll definitely want to explore the many unique art murals and public art around town.
See the Embassy Theatre, with a history dating back to 1928 this place has been dazzling audiences with live shows, movies and more for years. Dress in your most elegant attire and head to the Embassy Theatre to see a show one weekend instead of the Fisher Theatre or Fox Theatre.
Fort Wayne, you were amazing! I had so much fun, and cannot wait to visit again.
5 Tips to Help Achieve Your Fitness Goals
Summer is right around the corner… I think, and with summer quickly approaching if you’re anything like me you’re determined to try and get into shape. To help myself, and you achieve the goals you have I am sharing some of my fitness tips.
5 Tips for Achieving Your Fitness Goals
1. Set goals that are attainable. I have a very busy schedule, therefore I am making sure that I am setting realistic goals for myself. My goal is to get to the gym five days a week for at least 30 minutes each day.
2. Work with a trainer. Experienced trainers are there to help you achieve your fitness goals. This is a great way to get a workout tailored to what you’re trying to accomplish.
3. Try new classes. This has been a game changer for me, lately, I have gone to barre and burlesque classes. I have taken barre plenty of times before, but burlesque never before and I absolutely love it.
4. Find an accountability partner. It’s easier to make sure you get to the gym if you know you are meeting someone there.
5. Have fun. Keep things fun and exciting, do what you love. I love boot camp and booty classes so I make sure to fill my schedule with them.
Detroitish Spring Bucket List
If you’re dreaming of spring weather right know, you’re not alone. While the calendar may say spring, the gloomy, rainy, chilly days feel more like fall. However, with all these April showers, May flowers will be showing up quickly. So let us spring forward and start a bucket list of things to do once the weather breaks. Here are some of my top picks to make the most out of spring in Detroitish (Southeast, Michigan). Feel free to leave a comment to add some of your own ideas to the list.
Explore Detroit Zoo
You’re never too old to explore the zoo.
Catch a baseball game
There’s nothing better than enjoying a baseball game with friends. Visit downtown Detroit to catch a Tigers game or visit downtown Utica for a USPBL game and see the Utica Unicorns, Eastside Diamond Hoppers, Birmingham Bloomfield Beavers or Westside Wolly Mammoths.
Visit the Anna Scripps Conservatory on Belle Isle
This beautiful space that makes up the Anna Scripps Conservatory is filled with five different flower rooms that are sure to leave you amazed.
Bike or walk along the Dequindre Cut Greenway
The Dequindre Cut is a two-mile recreational path is known for its graffiti and artwork. Along the way be sure to stop at Eastern Market and end your trip near the Detroit Riverfront.
Entrances to the greenway are located at Atwater Street, Franklin Street, Woodbridge Street, Lafayette Street, Gratiot Avenue, Wilkins Street, and Mack Avenue.
Spend Saturdays at Eastern Market
Eastern Market allows you to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and so much more.
Enjoy the Detroit Riverwalk
The Detroit Riverfront offers beautiful views of the city and Canada, not to mention is surrounded by delicious food and attractions.
Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts
The Detroit Institude of Arts (DIA) is home to amazing works of art and is the perfect place to hang out on a rainy spring day.
Bring out your competitive side
Head to C.J. Barrymore’s for a round of mini golf, go-karts, batting cages and more.
Get out an hike
Visit one of the Huron-Clinton Metroparks.
Take a step back in time
Visit Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Museum for a unique experience.
Fashion meets Food 