In anticipation of the release of "Diary of the Dead"

I've got to admit it, I love zombie films. Especially the George Romero films, the slow shuffling gait, the slow decomposition of flesh, the singular urge to consume the living. I know I'm not making a strong case for the genre, but I just love them.

Romere is supposed to get "back to his roots" in Diary, unlike the more commercial "Land of the Dead" Remember "Night of the Living Dead" was made on a shoestring budget, with friends as zombies and Bosco syrup as blood. "Diary" is made in the "Blair Witch" "Cloverfield" style of a faux documentary.

As I patiently await it's release, I will give you my top 5 zombie flicks.

1) Night of the Living Dead ( original)- Chilling, even to this day. Social commentary too, although unintended.

2) Dawn of the Dead (original)- I swear, I cannot go to a mall without making a dozen or so "Dawn" references. No name cast gives it the "anything can happen" feel.

3) Zombie 2- Lucio Fulci at the helm of this one, written before "Dawn of the Dead" with NYC bookends filmed to give it the whole sequel feel.

4) White Zombie- First American film to feature zombies AND Bela Lugosi. Sure, it has it's flaws, and some say it doesn't hold up well, but I can imagine leaving a theatre in 1932, walking to my car in total darkness and looking over my shoulder for the zombies.

5) Last Man on Earth- The first of three film incarnations of "I am Legend". I realize in the Matheson book, they were vampires and not zombies, and in the film, they are considered vampires, but take a look at the film today, then watch "Night of the Living Dead". They seem creepy enough in the zombie way to be included.

Apologies to "Shaun of the Dead", which certainly should have been included, but got edged out, since it was an homage to the genre.

Asia Mart

If the drab days of Indiana's winter are starting to get you down but you don't have the time or money to take a vacation, head over to the Asia Mart grocery on 86th St. behind Castleton Mall. It has the feel of one of those great stores in New York or San Francisco's Chinatown. Even if you can't read the labels of some of the items, it is fascinating to browse and listen to the different languages being spoken. I went there trying to find some thai tea like they serve at Jasmine Thai restaurant (please let me know if you know a local store that carries that). While I didn't find that, I did find one of my new favorites, pu-erh tea. Enjoy browsing and have some patience if you decide to buy. A recent Saturday visit found long lines at the check-out. http://www.asiamartgrocery.com/

Jasmine Thai Restaurant

We enjoyed another great meal at Jasmine Thai restaurant this weekend. If you aren't familiar with it, it is on 96th St. near Gray Rd. in the same strip mall as Moon Dog Tavern. They have an expansive menu but we generally can't tear ourselves away from the soups and the pad thai options. The large sized portion of soup is really generous and may be too much for one person. However, the small size will be small enough that you can enjoy an appetizer without leaving feeling too full. Their "moneybags" appetizer is cute and tasty. A crispy dough takes the shape of a drawstring purse and comes with a light and tasty dipping sauce. We also highly recommend either the hot or cold variation of Thai tea as well. The cold version is quite sweet and almost like a dessert. The hot version is not sweetened but equally delicious and unique.

Discovering mosaics thanks to the Indianapolis Art Museum

I just finished a mosaic class that was held at the Indianapolis Art Museum. If you have any creative inclinations at all, check out their website for class offerings. They are reasonably priced and, a plus for commitment-phobes, short term (http://www.imamuseum.org/). This one was 3 Thursdays for 2 hours each class. A mosaic project is good even for those who don't consider themselves that artistic. Patience is the most important trait that you should possess since gluing the tiles is time consuming. This website (http://www.mosaicbasics.com/) is where the IMA got most of their supplies. All you need is your project piece (which the website sells), tiles, glue, a nipper to cut tiles, and grout. If the cold days have you daydreaming about spring and planning your garden, these projects will pleasantly fill your time and a garden would be a great spot for some of the pieces.

Fat Tuesday is early this year

This is a heads up that Fat Tuesday comes early this year. It is on February 5th, 2008. If you think that means nothing to you here in Central Indiana you couldn't be more wrong. It is cold and colorless in our part of the world right now so we need a reason to celebrate. The AYS Agency puts on a "Mardi Gras Mambo" parade in Noblesville and downtown Indianapolis on February 2nd, 2008. These are family friendly, and pet friendly, parades complete with beads and doubloons that are tossed from the floats. Sure it can be cold to watch but it is worth it to see the floats and hear the great music. Find parade routes and details at http://www.ayskids.org/mardigras/indy.htm
When you think of New Orleans, one of the first things that comes to mind is food. We are very fortunate to have 2 great Cajun options in the area. Yat's never disappoints (particulary the chili cheese etouffee) and they have several locations. Zydeco's might be a farther drive for you but it is very much worth it. Located in a quaint old building in downtown Mooresville, you really feel like you have walked into the French Quarter when you enter their doors. The decor is perfect, the staff is always welcoming, the food is divine, and you can wash it down with Abita beer- the beer of New Orleans. http://www.zydecos.net/

It's Indianapolis restaurant week

Indianapolis restaurant week is going on right now through February 2nd. This means that $30 gets you a complete meal, typically 3 courses, at an upscale restaurant that you might normally be hesitant to visit. The website has all of the information, including menus. Of special note is the legendary St. Elmo's Steak House where $30 gets you 3 courses including, if you choose, the incomparable shrimp cocktail as an appetizer. It is a 3 piece version of the dish but a great way to satisfy the craving or try the famous sauce that normally costs $14.95. http://www.indyrestaurantweek.com/

It's cold, you need soup

We are in the depths of winter in Indiana and we need to warm up from the inside. This recipe is a great twist on traditional chili. Trader Joe's organic chicken is a great choice for it or, if you are a vegetarian, just double the beans and skip the meat. Also, if you find that it is too hot for you, or if you just want a more liquid consistency, you can add a 1/2 cup of chicken or vegetable broth or even an additional 1/2 cup of water with a bouillon cube. You can generally find green salsa at Meijer in the ethnic foods aisle. As with traditional chili, it pairs well with cornbread.

Chicken Chili with Green Salsa

12 oz chicken breast, cut into 1/2" pieces

1 can (15-19 oz) white kidney beans (cannellini), rinsed and drained

1 3/4 cups mild or medium-hot green salsa (about 16 oz jar)

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 cup red and/or yellow cherry tomatoes, each cut into quarters

1. Heat nonstick 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add chicken and cook 2-3 minutes or just until chicken loses its pink color throughout, stirring constantly.
2. Add beans, salsa, cilantro, and 1/2 cup water, and cook 5 minutes longer to blend flavors, stirring occasionally. Top with tomatoes to serve.

Great teahouse is back

For fans of the Moroccan Tea Company that was formerly on Boulevard Place, the same owners have opened International Tea and Coffee on Virginia Ave. It is in the Fletcher Place Neighborhood which is just before the Fountain Square neighborhood when coming from downtown. It is in a stunning old building with soaring windows and beautifully decorated with bright furniture and original art. It is impossible not to feel like a cool urbanite in this setting. On top of that, they have a wide array of teas and a great food menu. If your thought of a teahouse conjures up floral print tableclothes and precious teacups with saucers filled with the Lipton tea you had as a child, bury those preconceptions here. http://www.itcindy.com/

Inspiring Indianapolis yoga teachers

If you've been practicing long enough to consider yourself intermediate/advanced, join Gina's class at Invoke Studio (970 Ft. Wayne Ave. across from Red Cross). It is only on Saturdays and it is an intense 2 hours but you'll come out of it having worked every muscle and having wrung every bit of tension that your body was holding onto. You'll also feel better about yourself and your life. Come early- the class will be full. Saturdays at 10AM. http://www.invokestudio.com/
You wouldn't have to be quite as advanced to try Sarah's class at Cityoga (936 Indiana Ave.)however it is still a challenging all levels class. She has a wonderfully flowy style and uses beautiful imagery. Picturing a frog by a pond really does help take your mind off of the fact that you have been on one leg for an extended time. Sundays at 2PM. http://www.cityoga.biz/

This little blog

Welcome to "Worth Your Attention". We hope to share cool things in Indianapolis, the central Indiana area, and wherever we may be at the time. We will throw in a few book and movie reviews, and of course, the occasional rant ( I apologize in advance)

Feel free to e-mail with anything you feel we need to look at and review.