Grill Time 2012

Grilling is one of America's favorite pastimes, and what's not to love? The mood is relaxed, the weather is perfect, and men take over cooking. And by cooking I mean experimenting and showing off their insane creative abilities. Nothing is too far out or off limits when the grill becomes center stage.

Ribs are slathered in secret sauces, special lemonade is poured into old, glass canning jars and watermelon is sliced. What makes men come alive for this open air eat fest? Studies may hint that it is from the forefathers, getting to play with fire and the hunter within each of the male persuasion. Whatever the reason, I sit back, relax while sipping on an adult beverage and allow them to share, show off and shine in their passion.

Do you call it "grilling," "barbecuing" or "cooking out" when lighting up the grill? And, is gas or charcoal better? What are your favorite recipes, and what makes yours better than everyone else? Is it the sauce, the style of cooking or perhaps the cut of meat? Whatever makes your food taste that much better is what I would like to hear about.

Growing up, no outdoor meal was complete without my mother's potato salad. Made with a few sprigs of dandelion greens, I still hanker for it whenever the weather becomes kind, freshly cut grass scents the air and stores display the latest in man aprons.

Below are a few links to festivals devoted to the culinary tradition and related events. If you know of others, please let me know and I will add it to the list. Until then, enjoy outdoor dining!

• Kokomo Ribfest: June 9, Kokomo w: CityofKokomo.org 
• BBQ Ribfest: June 14-17, Ft. Wayne w: BBQRibFest.com
• Indy Wine Trail-BBQ: July 14-15, Indianapolis w: IndyWineTrail.com

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her new column, Infused, at FoodandDrinkDigital.com, as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published on BroadwayWorld.com and in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Rock and Roll BBQ 2011 Announces Musical Lineup

ROCK AND ROLL AND BARBEQUE

INAUGURAL EVENT TO SIZZLE

** Press Release **

INDIANAPOLIS – For many people, nothing tops the flavorful taste of barbecue with the mix of rock and roll. These two things will be celebrated during the inaugural Rock And Roll BBQ from July 1 – 3
in the Victory Field west parking lot.

Reserved tickets now on sale for music and food festival

The Rock And Roll BBQ’s lineup includes:

 Loverboy

 Puddle of Mudd

 Charlie Daniels Band

 Gin Blossoms

 Soul Asylum

 Saving Abel

 Rev Theory

Charlie Daniels

Nationally recognized barbecue and food vendors will also be on site including:

               Big Boned BBQ Co.

                                Cowboys Barbeque & Rib Co.

             Porky Chicks BBQ

                            Rick’s Smokehouse & Grill

 Sweet BBQ

Reserved tickets are now on sale for the event. Other ticket options include VIP seating and
general admission. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit indyrockandrollbbq.com.


Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook.
Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Barbecue Time!

It’s Barbecue Time and I am ready for it. Chops, burgers, chicken, kabobs, seafood, vegetables and steaks; they are all good. Easter is near and Spring has arrived. The only problem is, I want new recipes every year when it’s time for barbecues and lazy Sundays on the deck.

Who has the best BBQ sauce out there? I want a family members-begging-for-the-recipe good sauce. I like it a little sweet, a tad smoky and plenty of it dripping off my chin. 

I was tipped off years ago to soak ribs overnight in cold, salty water in the refrigerator. That hint has aided me in tenderizing those favorites. Add a little smoke seasoning into the baked beans and keep the husks on the cob and soak them for at least one hour before pushing them under the coals.

I like all the advice on these important matters that I can get.

What type of a grill is best? I am on the mission of finding, and purchasing, a new one this year and hope to get lots of opinions on this issue. It is important. After all, I will use it for many years to come. It is replacing a 7-year-old grill, which has served me well and deserves its retirement, I assure you.

So, I am ready...smoker? Gas? Charcoal? What is best and why? Round, rectangular, black, red, stainless steel? Tabletop or self-standing? How big? So many choices, and so little time.

If you have any hints, suggestions or warnings about grills, cooking techniques or recipes, drop me a message. If you are a grill chef, or just like to experiment on the grill, I would enjoy hearing about it.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, music, restaurant and performing arts critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook.
Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

A Day at the Indiana State Fair including Jeff Dunham

A day at the Indiana State Fair, for some, is an annual event. I had not been in about 20 years. I know; I was long overdue. Being asked to judge the Backyard BBQ Cook-off, sponsored by Shoup's, and review Jeff Dunham's performance for the same day seemed like a higher power giving a little push.

So I went.

Alongside of me, judging four hours worth of pork hog burgers, ribs and loin, shrimp and vegetables were Reid Duffy (Duffy's Diner) and Chef Thomas England, who is also a sommelier. I was in good company.

After eating for four straight hours, there was only one thing I wanted to do...that's right, hit the strip for fair food. Hey, it'd been awhile. First, I got a couple of old standbys, the elephant ear and the pineapple whip ice cream, and then headed over for deep-fried butter.

Yes, it really was butter; frozen, dipped in funnel cake batter, dropped in hot oil and sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. It tasted exactly like french toast without syrup.

Amelia Rettig, a third-grader at New Britton Elementary, dug in and enjoyed it, also. (see left photo)

Taking to the grandstand stage was Jeff Dunham, master ventriloquist and comedian. With millions of Youtube hits, DVD sales and sell-out performances around the world, Dunham continues to delight audiences with his "friends," Walter, Peanut, Jose Jalepeno, Bubba and Achmed.

Achmed, the terrifying terrorist, has scored the most popular spot with fans, usurping grump Walter for the title.

Guitar Guy provided opening entertainment for Dunham and company, and re-appeared to help during the show.

Walter garnered the most laughs when a live train happened along, right in the middle of his routine. Twice.

I am a fan of Dunham but was more than a little surprised when the characters dotted the performance heavily with sexual innuendos and outright vulgarities. Keep that in mind if you are considering taking the kids.

Overall, the day was great with memories of my childhood days of 4-H projects due to the fair, junk food and the midway.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer and theater critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93.1 WIBC and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and at gottago.us. Comments can be sent to elizabeth@gottago.us.

Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, West Side Community News, New Palestine Reporter, West Indianapolis Community News, Pendleton Times Reporter, Fortville-McCordsville Reporter, and Indiana Weekender

Photo credits:
Mark Lee www.GreatExposures.net
PLR photography