Hello, everyone, and welcome to Experience Michiana, where in three Oaks.

I'm Kelly with Irish Dave.

And, you know, I just love saying.

That kind of rolls off the tongue.

Irish Dave.

Hey, fans of the show.

I know.

Thanks for watching.

You know, I've not been here before and I don't know where you're bringing me.

So where are we going?

OK, we're going to this fabulous eatery just opened up.

It's called oaks Eatery, and I'm so excited to meet up with the owner.

But why don't you go get a table for us?

Hang on.

You're actually bringing me some more for food, even though you're trying to get me fit for twenty one.

Well, here's the thing.

I like this.

I get to pcik your meal dave.

OK, so it's going to be a healthy meal.

So why don't we go catch up with the owner Rodrigo Abarca.

So where's the owner.

Hey, I'm Rodrigo.

You're Rodrigo.

Yeah.

OK, how old are you.

Twenty five.

Twenty.

You know what?

I don't feel so good about myself today because you twenty five and you own this restaurant.

What inspired you to open it especially at such a young age.

Well my father has already has always been cooking since he was a young guy, so we've always been cooking at home and I've always worked in restaurants.

I started my first restaurant when I was like 11.

Wow.

So it's just been cooking ever since.

All right.

So how what was it like opening this place?

Was it a little bit difficult?

It was difficult.

And there was like some unexpected things that I would have never thought of kind of pandemic.

Exactly.

Yeah, yeah.

But I guess the hardest part was just being here 24/7.

Yeah.

Yeah.

That must be a challenge because as the owner and you're also the chef.

Exactly right.

You really do have to be here.

Thank goodness for that.

Because I heard let's take a look at this menu.

And I mean, you've got everything on this menu, biscuits and gravy.

I was looking at the sweet potato waffle, which is gluten free because you have gluten free items here, but this is kind of farm to table concept here.

So that was another one of the hard things that we had to find.

I had to go out to local farmers and find their products and try their products.

Like maybe a year before the place opened, I was already trying out different different products.

So all our steaks, all our meat, all the eggs, most of our vegetables are locally sourced, when possible.

And so.

Right, because you have a lot of different items, but it definitely has a Mexican flair.

Oh, definitely.

Yeah, we have a grass fed Chorizo.

So so we get the chorizo off from primal roots, out in Benton Harbor and they do all grass fed Chorizo.

So so it's really, really good Chorizo So and then I hear that you have a bit of chicken bacon sandwich that the review says is to die for.

Oh yeah.

Yeah.

That's our chicken sandwich.

Yeah.

It's on a brioche bun and it comes a bit of lettuce and tomato and bacon and white cheddar cheese.

Wow.

That sounds really good.

Well, you know, Dave is holding a table for us.

So is it OK if I kind of order a little bit of just so I think I'd like the biscuits and gravy, the breakfast sandwich, the eggs Benedict steak and eggs, definitely the sweet potato waffle, buttermilk pancakes, the Mexican omelet as well.

Oh, my goodness.

And what was the Chorizo you said?

Well, OK, I'll take that as well.

And my co-host, they just a poached egg.

OK, ok. OK, thanks.

You're very welcome.

Well, that a great table and I am so excited to eat this food.

Guys, let me take a look at this, OK?

Biscuits and gravy and look at how much gravy they put on this and look at this chilaquiles.

I hope I said that right.

This chorizo here chorizo and then there's black beans and then an egg.

And I heard this is so delicious underneath.

That's what the chilaquiles is.

And I'm hope I'm saying that right.

But I can't wait to try that.

And this masterpiece is Sweet Potato Waffles.

I can't wait to eat this because it's also gluten free.

I have my syrup here.

I've got the butter, we've got the strawberries and the blueberries.

And what do you have, Dave?

Here you have an egg.

Oh, my God.

Oh, my.

Well, are you just as excited to dig in?

Come on, let's dig.

Try it!

You know, this whole get healthy for twenty one is getting kind of ridiculous, like, OK, you know, I will share with you a little bit today.

How's that by the way, can you say Chorizo again chorizo.

Because in your accent it's like the best thing i've ever heard.

So I'm trying the sweet potato.

It's like you're saying Theresa Caputo.

Oh my goodness.

Irish Dave you know what I feel bad for you?

You have to take it.

You have to cut into this here.

This is definitely an egg.

try the sweet potato.

OK, ok, good.

I really want to try the chorizo sausage.

I will let you try that too.

And now I'm going to try the biscuits and gravy while he's getting some of that.

Hey look, I'm getting a strawberry though and I very good.

This is the gravy, the biscuits.

A really nice and flaky in the gravy has some great flavors.

This beautiful, beautiful.

I never thought of sweet potato for a waffle, but that is so good.

It is, yeah.

All right, I'm going to use my chilaquiles here to get my protein and get your protein, this egg is nice and runny.

Oh, OK.

So that's just kind of a little crunchy, almost like a top shelf.

Oh, I got that.

I'm putting a little bit of guacamole on there.

Got a little bit of cilantro as well.

We have the hardest job in the world.

It's very hard.

Oh, my goodness.

Very good .

Would you like some of my yolk?

OK. You know what?

I'm just going to let you eat that.

Well, I try a little bit of the chorizo.

Very, very good.

I'm going to dip my chorizo in my yolk.

That sounded weird.

Oh, isn't that good?

Beautiful, really.

Oh, my God, great flavor.

I love the little spice there.

Very good.

I can see why everybody loves oaks eatery, right?

I'm so glad that we had a chance to come here today.

I really want to eat the biscuits and gravy.

Oh, come on.

No, I wasn't going to put on three pounds just looking at.

That's OK. That's OK.

I'll talk to you later and we'll exercise.

We'll get it all.

I'll just try the gravy because I love the the gravy.

Well, this is really good.

And so they do brunch here, so they do breakfast and lunch and they open seven to three.

So guys, come on out and check out books eatery.

That is beautiful.

Just take another bite now, OK?

All right.

Well, I've eaten all my eggs, so I'm going to go over to the ACORN and check out what's happening over there.

Well, you know what?

I'll finish up here.

Dave take your time.

I'll meet up with you.

I'm so glad he's gone.

I get to eat this all by myself by day.

I'm here with Sandra from the ACORN Theater in Three Oaks.

Sandra, tell me a little bit about how you've pivoted during the pandemic's.

So last year, of course, we had to close the covid was in March.

So what we did was we created a series called ACORN anywhere, and we took our concerts outdoors and we went places in Michigan, Indiana, all all around.

It was it was a really exciting thing to do.

It is wonderful.

I know people are so used to coming here and it can hold up to three hundred people and it's such a beautiful theater.

But bringing the magic of the theater anywhere this year, what are you doing?

What's the plan for this year?

Yeah, so we're continuing it.

A couple highlights May.

Twenty second we're doing something where we're featuring some jazz musicians doing Great American Songbook classics, Niles.

Then Bruce in the USA, one of the greatest Bruce Springsteen tribute bands is coming to Sunset Hill Farm County Park in Valparaiso, a beautiful park.

And then we have Carole King, music of Carole King coming to Fernwood July 10th featuring five dynamic performers.

So there's a lot more.

So www ACORN live, dot org, to check us out and see what we're adding in every week.

Yeah, OK, so ACORN live, dot org, is where people can get that information.

And I know as well this area has so many talented singer songwriters.

You've also got a contest for them.

Yeah.

So every year, actually, this is our ninth annual singer songwriter competition.

And right now we are open for submissions so people can jump on our website.

The competitions tab tells you everything you need to know.

The finals, basically American Idol format, the finals this year are at the Buchanan commons, another gorgeous outdoor venue.

Yeah.

So but it really is one of the most exciting events we have every year.

We're spoiled for choice for outdoor areas around this community.

That's true.

It is.

And Three Oaks is beautiful and so is around this area.

So I'm excited for this.

So, again, ACORN Live dot org, if you're a singer songwriter.

Singer songwriter.

Yeah.

Got I came just at the right time.

I thought I missed it, you know, the food was so good at oaks eatery I just had to have dessert.

I didn't really need to eat dessert but I couldn't leave without that.

So singer songwriter did they tell you that I sing and that I tap dance I was not aware but now I know.

whether it's indoor or outdoor, do you need me.

Do you guys need.

Let me check my schedule and I'll get right back to you Kelly.

I kind of heard that before I get right back to you.

I guess it's no.

You, did not get to Golden buzzer.

Oh, well, that's OK.

I think before we decide whether we want Kelly on stage or not, I think we have to hear her perform.

Right.

Oh, so Kelly.

Wow.

I could do a little tap shuffle off to Buffalo.

We are more interested in the singer songwriter element.

Yeah, let's talk about the writing.

No song.

I think we'd like to hear something.

OK, let's see.

You know what, because June is coming and it's summer, June is busting out all over the meadows and the hills.

I guess that's coming down.

Oh yes.

But you know what?

I heard that in South Bend they're doing some live entertainment as well.

So maybe they can use me there.

That's OK.

But, you know, sandra, I'll give you my number, OK?

I guess.

Don't don't call you.

You'll call me.

Sure.

OK, OK. Oh, she's something you're feeling very refreshed here as spring is officially kicked off.

We're in downtown South Bend today hitting refresh and will have with us today Kylie, who's interim executive director.

Oh, look, I think we're just starting Kelly.

I ran all the way here from three.

Oaks, yes, I did.

It's time to get refreshed.

Are you ready for it?

I actually need a little bit after, but this is beautiful.

And you know what?

I think, like you said, we all need a little refresher unexpectedly after that year.

We had that.

And this is just a. Amazing space at the Studebaker Plaza downtown South Bend, really what the purpose of this this is just a chance for us all to get a little bit of joy and color back into our lives.

Absolutely.

And this is just a springtime art installation to collaboration with venues, parks and arts in downtown South Bend.

And this is going to be up through the end of May.

Yeah.

Now, I think there are a couple of different locations as well, right?

Yes.

So in addition to this, this is the main piece to it.

In addition to this, there's three park lets that are happening.

And if you hadn't heard it, I would have a but what if it is a little sidewalk cafe, but instead of a sidewalk, it's in a parking space.

Oh, yeah.

OK, so we've got we've got one at Chickory, one at the general.

I want to talk to you about Chicago on the west side there.

A great way for people to get out and explore around downtown.

Yes.

And it's nice chance to get a meal with a unique vantage point and get some sunshine.

So, yeah, I think feel I hear that there's also food trucks around.

Yes, we do have occasional food trucks, like we have one here today.

But we also are encouraging people to get food from a downtown restaurant and bring it into the plaza.

We have a campaign going on right now.

Have you heard of it?

Is take out twenty five downtown.

I have found that it has been really, really successful and helped our downtown businesses to grow and see some exposure.

I love scrolling through the group and seeing the pictures of all the yummy food and it gives you an idea of what do I want to eat today?

So so you can get carry out, bring it here.

And so there's tables around here, just a little bistro tables where people can bring their food.

Yes.

And it's really fun because of the fence here when the exchange is open and you can also get drinks at the exchange and enjoy it here, too.

Nice added benefit.

I'm not the takeout because what would we have done during the pandemic without take out We wouldn't have made it.

And then we also have music here in the plaza too.

Oh, that's great.

On Thursdays and Fridays, five to seven o'clock and Saturdays, eleven thirty to one thirty.

You can enjoy music here on the stage.

So Kelly as you see people starting to come in because this started April 2nd, do you see that people's spirits are starting to just become lifted up after all we've been through?

I think so.

You can see here a lot of people have come and played.

You can see the art here.

This is a community.

So I said like, yes, right.

Yes, we have a box that we need right here to help themselves.

What do we want people to do?

I need to wrap it around this.

What does it signify?

What does it mean?

I think it's a ribbon of hope.

You know, it's like here we are.

We are.

We are here.

We're ready for this new chapter here.

And then we have we've got chalk for you want another type of art.

We have games to play this cornhole giant chess we have connect four over there.

Oh, my God.

I can't play with here.

kylie, OK, I will play with you.

Oh, you.

I mean, she she's too competitive.

Oh, no, I can't say.

I'm a pushover, so I'll let you win.

I see how it is, I guess I'll take out and then they're going to want you guys to play with her.

You're going to need to go with a drink.

All of the music that you guys have coming is that can people see who's going to be playing on your website?

Where can they get information?

If they go to a hit refresh Facebook page, you can see who's coming up.

And yeah, and we're partnering with the Music Village.

They're the one who's booking all those local bands here.

So it's a really community effort to bring in some life and excitement to downtown.

Yeah, I love the Music Village and I'm so OK.

So this is going to be open all day.

But the music and it's doing specific things, right?

Yes.

Five to seven Thursday and Friday and Saturday.

Eleven thirty to one thirty.

OK, yeah.

Wow.

And if people want to share their pictures they can do that as well.

Hashtag hit refresh.

Oh yeah.

There's so many these photo ops with the umbrellas.

I've seen a lot of people, you know, with the gorillas above them.

But we also have a photo of their local artist, Kasey Graber painted that and we have an open there, which is a swing on.

OK, OK, we're going to do that, not playing with you.

Take a picture.

Have fun anyway.

Yeah.

All right.

Let's go.

I had a.

Well.

Yeah.

I see how it is.

Oh, wow.

Oh, my.

Yeah, but I.

We've got some.

She's a cheater!.

OK. Courtney.

Oh, good shot, then, all right.

Oh, I'm going to roll up my sleeves.

I.

Over Does that count for anything.

Look at that.

All right.

Love you guys!

Previously on Experience Michiana, What am I signed up for?

You asked for my help?

I do.

I want twenty, twenty one to be the year that I get in shape.

But what is this?

This is going to be one of the best moments of your life.

And mine, too.

It's go areal fitness.

Ariel Ariel as in off the ground.

And I heard you love flying.

Don't you get up in the airplanes, in the air.

I do.

But I don't like when my arms are the horsepower.

Oh.

Because I'm afraid that I will fall to the ground.

Well, guess what.

Well, too bad going in there.

I'm going to try it.

And today you're going to fly yoga style.

April, we are so glad to be here and so grateful that you can help us too, because Dave wants to get in shape.

I want to lose a little pound here, too.

So.

So we are so glad to be here.

And it's all about yoga in this place, isn't it?

We have a lot of yoga.

We have other fitness classes.

So we have TRX.

Zumba.

Right.

What's track?

TRX is these yellow straps.

So it's kind of neat.

We can use our aerial rigging to use these.

And this is more of a fitness class.

So it's all about like body weight, squats, push ups, you know.

Oh, wow.

I might want to take a look at that.

Yeah, I'm interested in that.

Right.

So this one here, though, this is the aerial yoga.

Right?

Aerial yoga.

This is an aerial yoga hammock.

So this is our kids use this in our aerial circus class and adults use it for our aerial yoga.

OK, so I'm excited to try today.

Right.

I'm very excited.

I like this.

I like anything that allows me to lie down.

Well, see, that's the problem.

Looking at this like it's a hammock if you're just going to get to light and it's a hobby now, but I'm excited for it.

It's good to get out and have fun while trying to get in shape.

Yeah, I agree.

So do we just throw ourselves in a hammock or so?

Let's start.

I like to start us off with a little trust building exercise just to get a little bit of comfort and familiarity with our yoga hammock.

So if we walk right up to it and wrap our arms around it like you're giving it a hug, OK, open your palms towards me and grab through the pinky side.

And don't hold on too tight.

Keep your grip pretty loose and the hands are about shoulder, distance apart.

Reach in your arms, out ahead of you and start to fold forward, just like you're talking about.

So we're going to keep solid on our feet and just feel stretch in in the hamstring that feels good.

And then if your shoulders feel pretty safe, you can start to hang a little bit more in the arms, maybe bending the elbows or so I feel this really in my shoulders as that.

Oh, yes.

I definite.

Well, and then if it feels still pretty good, you could start that sways side to side who's stretching out the sides of our torso.

The shoulders definitely hamstrings.

This is surprisingly relaxing.

It really is.

Can I ask you, April, how many pounds does this hold though you all aerial equipment should be rated for at least six hundred.

OK, yeah, right.

I'm good.

I've got a ways to go just to go just about ahead and get in the swing.

So I'm going to go ahead and put it right behind your butt and just kind of push it under your hips.

You'll find that like one hip hikes a little bit higher than the other and see if you can get it.

Oh, OK. Get into that right now.

One thing that you might not think of is the pressure points.

So it's really common to sort of feel this is biting into your body a little bit.

Yes, yes.

Yeah, I practice regularly.

The pain actually does pretty much go away.

But with your first class, you're going to be kind of like, oh gosh, that that's something.

OK, so let's move.

That'll help.

We're going to hold on about temple height.

OK, OK. And just lean back.

Kind of like you're swinging on a swing.

Lean, lean back turn and let your arms totally straighten.

Whoa.

So you can engage the core here keeping your glutes engaged so that we don't slide off of.

And then if you were to release one hand, your hammock is going to turn to try not to let that startle you.

And let's see if we can release the right hand.

Oh, my gosh.

OK. Once you are ready, go ahead and sit up, and that's going to let your core take a little break and then we'll do for the other side.

So hold on.

You're like Temple height as you lean back.

I don't want you to slide your hand down at all, straighten your arms completely.

So that'll be a little bit easier then.

Let's see if we could release the left hand.

OK, I also don't trust my arm strength here.. What are the benefits to doing aerial yoga instead of doing it, let's say, on the mat on the floor?

I think the first benefit is the most important ones to me is fun.

Yes.

And this is like this kind of combines yoga with circus arts.

And where I learned and was trained in aerial yoga, my teacher was very much it's all about yoga.

And how can we use the hammock.

Yeah.

To focus on our yoga practice.

But just my personality immediately was like, how could we use the yoga hammock for circus tricks?

You know?

So I immediately wanted to add more of the fun.

I wanted to teach it to children.

We even do some programs out in the community where we have this like twenty five foot rig and we're climbing.

And so we kind of take it a little bit extreme and in the group classes a little bit more, you know, attainable for everyone.

And you also have hot yoga.

Yeah, that's upstairs that's going on right now upstairs.

I love hot yoga.

Seriously, I lived in Asia for a year and I did hot yoga every week and I love it.

Yeah, it's my favorite.

Hot yoga is one hundred and eight degrees.

Wow.

Well, far infrared radiant heat.

So it's like top notch state of the art heat system.

Nice.

Everything I have to do.

I have to do it like all the way, you know, I like that.

So let's do this.

Let's see.

Is that another fun thing?

Usually when people come to a class, they want to get upside down.

Yeah, they do.

Yeah.

Right.

I'm just jump in and then.

Yeah.

Sit up in here.

One hip in and another hip in, and now I want you to lay down, but your head is going to be out and your shoulders are going to be in OK, and then you're going to hold gently right here in here, OK?

Mess it up.

Now, this looks pretty good, so just lay heavy, OK?

And then you're going to hold your hands just like this.

OK, so now the pressure point is going to be a little bit in the back of the neck just to warn you.

And you're going to try to get your Achilles heel onto this railing.

So if you put your feet up into the air and then kind of like happy baby kind of hook your Achilles heel there and there are perfectly guys now slide you slide your feet up to invert candlestick Like straight up.

Yeah.

Yeah.

OK. Now, the next step of this is going to have you lay your legs into this long sleeve of fabric Dave put your legs in okay then I'm going to put a blanket on your feet, tuck in your little feet.

Now we're talking.

Let me hold this out for you, Kelly go ahead and lay your legs.

And to put them in April, lay your legs right in like you're just laying down in a hammock and straight.

OK, I'm out and I put the little blanket on your feet.

OK, now, kind of like the candlestick, but we're going to keep it up like otherwise it'll be a little bit like a like a tree falling and it won't be very, very relaxing.

So going to put your feet straight up in the air with the blanket on, OK?

And then you're going to pike your feet toward the window and lift up your hips.

Don't scream.

Come or further.

My body wasn't meant to do this.

So you're you're going to feel yourself hanging from your toes.

Go a little further, Kelly Can can any can people at any level do this?

I really do.

Hello and welcome.

People of all fitness levels.

So the part of the reason I teach things in a progression, kind of how we went through sitting is the first step leaning back is a second step.

Everyone can do at least a couple of the steps, you know.

So on your first class, you might not be able to do every single move that I'm showing to the whole class, but you can do some of it.

And I really encourage everyone to work at their own level, taking whatever steps of that progression are appropriate for their fitness level.

But as you showed me, you're here to help as well.

So even if I can't reach back all the way where my feet are pointing out onto the road.

Yeah.

you'll help me.

I do do.

But pretty intense assistant and spotting.

And it's just kind of my teaching style.

I really like that because it showed me straight away that I was able to do it.

I was physically able to do what I just needed to get there.

It was amazing is we didn't even do a whole hour class and I think the had to workout, but my heart was beating faster.

Interesting because people with a lot of time see pictures or videos of it and they go, oh, that looks so free and easy.

And, you know, hopefully we make it look that way.

But it is quite a workout.

It is quite a workout.

Now, speaking of helping, you also have baby sitting here for those that have kids.

We do, yeah.

Since we reopened after being closed from covid, we have reduced our babysitting just because of reduced demand.

We used to have it for every class.

Now we just have a weeknights.

So what are the days and hours that you're open?

We have our schedule online at Go Aerial Fitness, dotcom.

We are open seven days a week.

We have morning classes, evening classes and all those are listed.

I think we have maybe forty five classes a week, so we have a time.

That's wonderful.

Well, thank you so much for helping us with our fitness journey.

How do you feel, Dave?

I feel like, you know, we did about seven minutes and I feel like I could definitely I'd love to try it again honestly to do a full house because, yeah, it's there's nothing better than getting in shape while having fun because that makes you want to keep.

Yeah.

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