Top 10 Best Midwest Food Tours 2013

Food tours have become one of tourism's most requested activity and the Midwest is no different.
Whether checking out a new city, or exploring your own, learning about the cuisine of the area is a delicious way to travel.

Basically, there are two types of food tours: Ones that focus on the food itself, concentrating on the chefs, restaurants and ingredients; the other covers the neighborhood, architecture, and history while enjoying the foods of the area. If you are looking to learn about a town, historic area or neighborhood you will want to choose the second type. True foodies, gourmet cooks and potential restaurant owners may be more inclined to choose the first style.

The best way to figure out which type of tours are available is to research. A simple call, website check, or email is all it should take. Culinary tour owners and staff are eager to ensure you choose one you will enjoy and will lead you in the right direction. Tours might be dedicated to a specific food (pizza, beer, cheese, chocolate), a specific area of town, or ethnicity. Transportation is normally by walking, but in some cases it might be by bicycle or shuttle.

Click here for the Gotta Go Food Tours segment on Indy Style ~

Below are my insider's tips and (in no particular order) the list of my recommendations.

Top 10 Best Food Tours 2013

Insider tips

Wear comfortable walking shoes

Bring a camera

Extra money is good for shopping after it's over

Come hungry

Let the operator know of allergies when booking

Go in a group or with a friend for memory-making

Be open to new foods and drinks

Milwaukee

Milwaukee Food Tours

Tours: Walking, Shuttle-Brady Street, Historic Third Ward, Walker’s Point, Riverwalk/Westown, Bloody Third Ward/Bloody Mary Brunch, Bay View/Bloodies & Beers, Village of Wauwatosa, Cedarburg, Pizza Bus, Churches & Chocolates, Christmas Around Milwaukee Bakery Bus, Grandparent’s Day, Bone Appétit (dog friendly), Walker’s Point Dine Around

MilwaukeeFoodTours.com

Saint Louis

STL Culinary

Tours: Walking-Market Street Gastro, DeMun Gastro, UCity Loop, Edwardsville, Chaumette Vineyards

STLCulinaryTours.com

Savor Saint Louis

Tours: Walking-Central West End

SavorSaintLouis.com

Indianapolis

Taste Indy Food Tours

Tours: Walking-Mass Ave., Wholesale Food District, Fountain Square, City Market

IndianapolisFoodTours.com

Chicago

Bobby’s Bike Hike

Tours: Bicycle-Bikes, Bites & Beer

BobbysBikeHike.com

Tastebud Tours

Tours: Walking-Gold Coast, Sweets (Chocolate and desserts), Loop/Millennium, Magnificent Mile

TastebudTours.com

Chicago Food Planet

Tours: Walking-Gold Coast/Oldtown, Chinatown, Bucktown/Wicker Park

ChicagoFoodPlanet.com

Cincinnati

Findlay Market Tour

Tours: Walking-Customized Findlay Market

FindlayMarket.org

Lexington

Bleu plate Tours

Tours: Walking- Heart of Lexington, Sunday Stroll

BleuPlateTours.com

Bloomington

Bloomington Food Tours

Tours: Bites of Bloomington

Walking-Downtown Bloomington

BloomingtonFoodTours.com

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel, food, wine and spirits columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Personal Lifestyle Adviser on Indy Style, WISH8 (CBS). Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, and in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

The Top 10 Best Chocolate Treats in Indianapolis 2013

Chocolate ~ we crave it, love it and seek it out in every form... and that is perfectly fine. After all, it has healthy antioxidants and tastes delicious. Here is a list of folks bringing chocolate goodness to our world and city that I have searched all over to find.

These are The Top 10 Best Chocolate Treats in the Indianapolis area!

Wyliepalooza

Caffeinated chocolate ice cream and Zanzibar chocolate shakes

Wyliepalooza.com

Severin

Chocolate-dipped bacon

SeverinBar.com

Indy Style segment on Top 10 Chocolate List 2013

Ruth's Chris Downtown

Salted chocolate caramel martini (Review)

RuthsChrisIndy.com

Shula's

7-layer chocolate cake

Shula'sIndy.com

Complexions Spa
Chocolate spa treatments
ComplexionsSpa.com

Young Audiences
Chocolate Festival

YAIndy.org

Handels

Frozen Hot Chocolate, Handels Pops and Chocolate-dipped bananas

HandelsIceCream.com

Endangered Chocolate

Chocolate candy bars

ChocolateBar.com

Sun King

Chocolate Wee Mac

SunKingBrewing.com

Schakolad Chocolate Factory

Handmade European-style chocolates

SchakoladChocolateFactory.com

Images ~ Izzy Evans; Elizabeth J. Musgrave

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s lifestyle adviser on Indy Style televison (CBS). Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, and in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Holy Rosary Italian Street Festival returns to Indianapolis June 14-15, 2013

Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 520 Stevens St., Indianapolis, will once again open its hearts and grounds to the festival lovers of Indiana. Having to cancel last year's event, the parish released a statement promising to come back this year with the beloved event.

And they are fulfilling that promise.

Located in the Fletcher Park neighborhood, the little parish that could is rolling out the red carpet with its annual fundraiser.

The family friendly event offers a mini-Midway alongside the parish and includes rides and games. You can find rubber ducky games, dart-throwing and basketball tossing. Rides include a carousel for the little ones as well as older kid's rides.

Families, friends and strangers will come together to raise much-needed money for the tiny church through food, drinks, snacks, games and rides.

Every year dedicated volunteers roll up their sleeves (figuratively and literally) in the 90+ degree weather and the scorching sun to dish up meatballs, spaghetti and cannoli. No good Italian festival is good without Italian beer and wine, however, and there wills plenty of beer chilling on ice and wine being uncorked.

This year, two stages are added for musical entertainment in the form of the The Indy Nile Band and Cooking with Nonna on the main stage. A side stage will feature Theotokos.

The best part of this festival is the spirit of the people who hold it and those who attend. Everyone's spirits are high and welcoming, joking and laughing while they dish up hundreds upon hundreds of their goodies for those wanting to capture the flavor of the Italian cuisine and culture.
Hours: Friday , June 14: 5-11 pm; Saturday, June 15: 5-11 pm rain or shine
Website: www.HolyRosaryParish.org
Note: The Italian Street Festival is held the 2nd weekend of June annually.

Photos: Elizabeth J Musgrave

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, and in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Indiana Artisan Marketplace April 4-7, 2013 Seeks Volunteers

*Press Release*
IndianaArtisan.org is looking for art and food enthusiasts to volunteer behind the scenes April 4-7 at Indiana Artisan Marketplace, the state’s premier fine art and food event, at the State Fairgrounds.

Volunteers, 18 and older, are asked to work 4-hour shifts doing a variety of tasks, including greeting guests, selling tickets, answering questions, helping Artisans load-in or pack up, staffing the Artisan store and booth sitting. In return, each receives free parking, admission and T-shirt.

Register at IndianaArtisan_VolunteerRegistration

In addition to more than 150 booths, demonstrations, food and wine sampling and live music, this year’s Marketplace will include a gallery of work by artists affiliated with VSA Indiana, the state organization on arts and disability, as well as a Preview Party from 7-9:30 p.m. April 5 that will benefit VSA. Plus, Indianapolis interior designer Chip Kalleen will furnish and decorate a model dining room and bathroom with Indiana Artisan work.

For information, contact Ros Demaree, Rosalyn@IndianaArtisan.org or (317) 964-9455.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, an in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Restaurant Review: Sahm's Place Serves up Success on Tap with Third Thursdays

Sahm’s Place, Indianapolis, has decided it has been in the shadow of wine-pairing dinner for far too long. Creating a five-course dinner menu for the third Thursday of each month, the north side pub offers IPAs, ales and stouts paired with gourmet appetizers, entrees and desserts.
The reservation-only event has proven an immediate success with sold-out dinners for September and October, the first two months. November will focus on Thanksgiving foods and ideas for which liquid amber to choose for accompanying the holiday feast.

Invited to sit in on October’s pairing, Bier Brewery was featured prominently with a hoppy Rye IPA (SRM 9, IBU 70, ABV 7%) served with Buddhanut soup for the first course. The butternut squash soup’s roasted almonds and cinnamon oil held up against the spicy malt liquid.

Second course consisted of the diners’ favorite Imperial Brown Ale (SRM 10, IBU 20, ABV 8%) paired with The Apple King stuffed with blue cheese, Dominator Dopplebock, dried cranberries, walnuts and New Day Meadery Hard Cider. (read review of New Day here) The medium weight bier was layered with chocolate, coffee and caramel emphasizing the autumn flavors of the apple dish.

Good Pils (SRM 3, IBU 25, ABV 5.5%) a German pilsner joined forces with Gordito Camote for the third course. Filled with black bean avocado salad, chorizo, sweet potato and peppers, the tortilla grabbed hold of the spicy earthiness of the German noble Hops and held on throughout the layer of sweetness and balanced the hops’ bitterness.

Fourth course arrived in the form of the entrée prime pork loin with scalloped potatoes, brussel sprout gratin and a fennel reduction. The Scottish 80 (SRM 11, IBU 15, ABV 4.9%), a pale ale, was a gentle partner to the meat with a smokiness which drifted throughout each sip.

Dessert was Pumpkin Tri, a Sahm’s take on an autumn tradition: pumpkin bread pudding, true pumpkin pie and nutmeg whipped cream. The much-anticipated Pumpkin Ale (SRM 8, IBU 15, ABV 5.3%), was as delightful to the tongue as anyone could wish. The sweetness connected with the spices created a not-too-sweet autumn ale perfect for dessert or sipping solo.

Bottom Line: Sahm’s Place has moved into the food-beer pairing with absolute smoothness with its enjoyable and educational style, making it a perfect evening out.

Need to Know:
Sahm’s Place: 317-202-1577; 2411 E. 65th St., Indianapolis
When: Third Thursday monthly
Cost: $30
Reservations: Required
Website: Sahms.com
Attire: Casual

Images: Izzy Evans

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on Gottago.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in magazines and several Indianapolis area newspapers. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

5th Annual Gotta Go Ultimate Gift Guide 2012: Now Accepting Submissions

5th Annual Gotta Go Ultimate Gift Guide 2012

The 5th annual “Gotta Go Ultimate Gift Guide” is quickly coming upon us, sharing holiday and Christmas gift ideas. Nov. 6  is this year's deadline for entries. The list will be published online at GottaGo.us during the week of Nov. 19-23, 2012.

Entries will be selected by a three-judge panel.

Those submitting winning entries will be notified by the email address sent with the entry. Purchasing and contact information should be included with entry, along with bio of product and company. Images should be submitted via email.

Categories

• Wine/spirits/beer

• Food

• Nonfood 

Rules and tips: 

• Entries must be EXACTLY as the consumer would purchase. Ex. gift packs, gift baskets, monthly club items, etc. 

• Submissions must include enough for 3 judges.

• Information for purchasing must be included (website, retail locations, etc.).

• Include social media information (Twitter, Facebook) in email.

• No pornographic, sexual, illegal or hate items will be accepted.

• Entries must be received by 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012.

• Ship entries to: “Gotta Go” 2960 S. Keystone Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46203
Attn.: Ultimate Gift Guide 2012-Elizabeth J. Musgrave.

• Send all questions to elizabethjmusgrave@yahoo.com.

• Items cannot be returned.

• No monies, by way of donation, fee or otherwise, will be required or accepted by any judge.

Thank you for your interest. We look forward to a variety of gift ideas again this year.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read her new column, Infused, at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on Gottago.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in magazines and several Indianapolis area newspapers. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

3rd Annual Indianapolis Scottish Highland Games & Festival 2012 offers Scotch Whisky Tastings, Kilts and Clans

The 3rd annual Indianapolis Scottish Highland Games and Festival will be held Sat., Oct. 13 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at German Park, 8600 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis.

Presented by the Scottish Society of Indianapolis, the day features world class amateur athletes competing in the caber toss, hammer throw and sheath toss. Scottish and Celtic music, bagpipe soloists and other performers will perform throughout the day.

Events and Activities

 Mary Queen of Scots and her Court (the Tudor Rose Players)

Clans' ceremonial presentation of champions to Queen

40-50 world-class amateur athletes competing in Highland games

Live entertainment on 2 stages all day

8 Celtic bands

Pipe Bands

Fountain Trust Pipers

Roving entertainers

Highland dancers

Scottish cuisine

Scottish beer

Scotch whisky

Scotch whisky tastings

Scottish merchandise market

Youth activities

Clan tents

Bonniest knees contest

Haggis Toss

Highland Cows

*  Limited, Free Parking On-Site 

** Volunteer opportunities still available

Tickets: $12 adult/$6 child-advance at IndyScotGamesandFest.com; $15/$8-gate; active duty military (ID required) free, children 6 and under-free

Photos: Scottish Society of Indianapolis
Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her newest column, Infused at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com and as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published onGottago.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in M and Retired Living magazines and several newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Infused: Sassy at 88, Ethel's Brews offers Beer Cocktail recipes

Ethel's Brew, a Brooklyn-based brewery (say that 3 times fast) has opened in the borough with a distinct style unlike most. Your grandmother. The octogenarian face for the company, Ethel, leads the way in your craft beer adventures.

EB takes its Euro-style busty blonde and brews it with three different malts, several varieties of hops and a French barley.
The 6% ABV brew is named after Ethel Goldschmidt, a beer enthusiast with plenty of tang, just like her brew. She enjoys beer so much she took Burt's, her deceased husband, dream of brewing and turned into a reality. Not that she was inclined to name it after him, however. Ethel is like that. Feisty, straight forward and slightly flirty.

And Ethel? Is she busty and blonde?

Um...no. She is 88 years old and openly admits,and shows, all her sagging self with plenty of sass and humor. Various photos on the company's website and social media sites portray her in a swimsuit or lounging on settee with a beer in her hand and a humorous saying.

She reminds me of the Golden Girls gone bad. I am not even certain whether Ethel actually exists or is just a great advertising figure --- like Mr. Whimple or those guys from Gallo Wines.

The kolsch-style German ale is the first in Ethel's expanding family of ales. The company's ultimate goal is to include IPAs and foreigh-style stouts. For now, Ethel's Brew comes in 12 oz. bottles at local pubs and bars.

With cocktails being created from different origins, such as Champagne, these days, it's no surprise the New York micro brew has invented its own "brewtail". And how does Ethel feel about this mixing of her favorite amber with other flavors?

Keeping true to spunky form, Ethel created a cocktail and named it...after herself and a particular body part. I will let you go to the website (EthelsBrew.com) to get the full name of the drink. Here, I will just share the recipe...

Ethel's Cocktail

3 oz. Ethel's Brew

3 oz. vodka

Pink lemonade

Shake over ice and pour into cocktail glass. Garnish with fresh mint.

Images provided by Ethel's Brew

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her newest column, Infused at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com and as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published onGottago.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in M and Retired Living magazines and several newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

iNDYfRINGE 5th Annual Longest Dinner 2012 August 7

IndyFringe Theatre's 5th annual fundraiser, The Longest Dinner 2012, features local chefs, local food and local drinks. The fundraiser features attendees sitting at one long table at the IndyFringe Theatre grounds, located at 719 E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis.

Dinner will be created by local food-advocate chefs Regina Mehallic (R Bistro), Erin Kem (R Bistro) and Micah Frank (Black Market). The event begins at 6 p.m. with a three-course dinner starting at 7 p.m.

Early reservations are encouraged as the event will be limited to 150 participants this year. Live entertainment includes, music, buskers and street theater. Proceeds will benefit the building fund. Inclement weather location is the historic Fire Station, located at 748 Mass Ave., Indianapolis.

What
IndyFringe Longest Dinner
When
Tuesday, August 7, 6 p.m.
Where
IndyFringe Building
Website
For tickets, details and directions, click IndyFringe.org.

Featured Chefs

Regina Mehallick, Executive Chef and owner of R Bistro,

Erin Kem, Sous Chef at R Bistro, Micah Frank, Black Market

Menu

Artisan breads from new local bakery, Amelia's

1st course

Summer Harvest Salad with Blueberries, Corn & Grain.

Main course

Roasted lamb, summer vegetable curry and Tunisian flat bread

Dessert

Local peaches with Trader's Point Vanilla yogurt & shortbread

* Most of these foods are sourced from Indiana farmers.
** Vegetarian option available.

Wines and Beers

Handcraft Chardonnay-lush, silky dry white with notes of vanilla, tropical fruit and toasted oak.

Handcraft Petite Syrah- juicy, rich, dry red with notes of black berry, mulberry and cedar.

Flat12 BIERWERKS local craft beer.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her newest column, Infused at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com and as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published onGottago.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in M and Retired Living magazines and several newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Infused: Restaurant Review: Cafe Benelux

Cuvee des Trolls                                   Image/Musgrave

Milwaukee, with its brewing roots strongly in German soil, has been invaded by the Belgians and Dutch. And the local residents don’t seem to mind.

Where are the Belgian biers holed up? Those daring, bold invaders can be found hiding right out in the open. The open rooftop, that is.

Café Benelux, 346 N. Broadway, offers a rooftop advantage of views overlooking the ultra cool, revitalized neighborhood of the Historic Third Ward. Warehouses, built in the 1800s, are now filled with an eclectic array of pubs, fashion shops, spas, theaters and more, including Milwaukee Public Market and Riverwalk.Within steps of Lake Michigan, Benelux landed in a scenic spot to woo German-origin residents and visitors alike away from their traditional stein-filled liquids.

Named for the Lowland European region of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, Café Benelux features a 41-page Bier Book and it is taking no prisoners.

Bier, which has been hand-picked from the nooks and crannies of the favored European Lowland region in its breweries and monastaries, include a diverse, but well-focused menu of draughts, Saisons and Farm ales, Lambics and more. Gluten-free options are not just an afterthought with an entire page of 5.3% a.c. to 7 % a.c. options.

Pannenkoeken                      Image/EJMusgrave

On the extensive list, dark ales include Gulden Draak at 10.5% a.c. to the Tilburgs Dutch Brown Ale at a, comparably low, 5% a.c.  Sours, Amber Reds and IPAs are all on the frontline to take over the Lake Michigan-city’s taste buds.

Bitterballen         Image/EJMusgrave 

Cuvee des Trolls might just be worthy of the status of starred general with its blond malts and dried orange peel scents. Bitter, sour and occasionally sweet, this officer for the Brasserrie Debuisoon in Leuze-Pipaix, Belgium commands respect from all.

Glassware, which is considered an important piece of equipment and not just a decorative chalice, is paired properly with regard to each bier. Palettes come in four 120 ml. pours selected from 30 biers while the Lowland Meter gives you 10 selections to share with pals. The Kwak Carousel offers four beaker-like glasses of the amber liquid and the Kwak Liter has a two-handed beaker for your pleasure.

Kwak Carousel                              Image/Benelux

Pairings are equally taken seriously when it comes to the food selection. Taking the server’s expert suggestion, the pannenkoeken (a Dutch crepe/pancake, pancetta, egg and combination) frites and bitterballen (a Dutch meatball-type snack common in pubs) all hooked up well with the Cuvee des Trolls.

Bottom Line: With a passion so devoted to the culture and bier of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, Café Benelux makes the Lowlands proud and Milwaukeans content.

Directions, full menu and bier information can be found at CafeBenelux.com.

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

PNC Pavilion Offers Wine and Beer Tastings at Concerts

PNC Pavilion Offers Wine Tastings, Beer Samplings and Cook Outs at Concerts

As the summer concert season kicks into full gear at Cincinnati's PNC Pavilion, the venue announces pre-show cook-outs, wine tastings and craft beer tastings are included with every ticket purchased.

Cook-Out Series
Concert-goers will be treated to a free cook-out while local bands provide entertainment. Being served will be a variety of brats, mets and hot dogs along with salads and all the fixin's.

July 23 Heart

July 25 Steve Miller Band

Aug 11 Jackson Browne

Aug 17 Il Volo

Wine Tastings SeriesConcert-goers will sample three selections of wine from a total of six different wines (three Red and three White) to choose from. All six selections will be available for purchase throughout the evening to enjoy at the show or to take home for another special occasion.

July 30 Crosby, Stills & Nash

Wines: Blufeld Riesling; Apothic White Blend; Clos Du Bois Unoaked Chardonnay; Franciscan Chardonnay; Clos Du Bois Rouge (Red Blend); Diseno Malbec;

Craft Beer Sampling Series
Included with the price of each ticket to the shows below, concert-goers will be treated to a craft beer sampling featuring an array of this year’s most popular craft beers.

July 11 Everclear, Sugar Ray, Gin Blossoms, Lit & Marcy Playground

Beers: Victory Summer Love; Anderson Valley Summer Solstice; Shiner Ruby Redbird; Samuel Adams Porch Rocker; Moerlein Exposition; Magic Hat Elderbetty; Thirsty Dog Labrador Lager; Great Lakes Dortmunder Gold; Smuttynose Old brown Dog; Rogue American Amber; Brooklyn Pale Ale; Mt. Carmel IPA; Sierra Nevada Torpedo; 21st Amendment Back in Black; Newcastle Seasonal; Angry Orchard Dry

Aug 8

Train with Mat Kearney and Andy Grammer

Beers: Samuel Adams Oktoberfest; Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar; Anchor Liberty; Victory Prima Pils; Great Lakes Burning River; Sierra Nevada keller-weisse; 21A Watermelon Wheat; Lost Coast Tangerine Wheat; Thirsty Dog Twisted Kilt; Victory Prima pils; Moerlein Northern Liberties; Samuel Smith Strawberry beer; Blanche de Bruxelles; Anderson Valley IPA ; Angry Orchard Ginger Cider; Magic Hat #9

For show times, tickets and directions, visit Riverbend.org.


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

Milwaukee Dares You to Skip the Family Reunion

Cannoli from Sciortino's Bakery                                  Image/EJMusgrave

Summer time brings many enjoyable activities: swimming, picnics and family reunions. One of the main factors of pleasure at the relative catch-up is the food. Whether Grandma’s traditional dish, the newlywed’s epicurean attempts or Uncle Joe’s trusty barbecue, it is worth the drive to taste everyone’s culinary wizardry.

What if you could find a city that so closely resembles that same abundance of palate-pleasers that it would be worth the time to visit?
Located less than a tank of gas away, Milwaukee is a reunion-style town filled with its culinary delights at every turn…

And, just as with a summer time’s ever growing, extended family reunion, all the relatives have shown up with their dishes of pride in this bordering-Lake Michigan town.

A virtual smorgasbord of epicurean delights is tucked away in every corner of this revitalized family-reunion of a town. Without losing the family tree’s historical significance, Milwaukee embraces its younger, more energetic generation’s offerings.

Escargot form Bartolotta's Lake Park Bistro                     Image/EJMusgrave

Your mother’s Italian great uncle, Peter Sciortino’s Bakery, is there with delicious pastries, including cannoli, over on Brady Street.
A distant cousin’s French husband, Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro, shows off his European flair with Terrine de Canard Truffee, Cote d'Agneau Grillees and well-appointed wine from his upscale, picturesque restaurant.
Usinger’s, the sweet-tempered aunt, brings her famous summer sausage and bratwurst still made in Uncle Fred’s original Old World style from charming Old World Third Street. Also representing the German side of the family at this reunion is everyone’s favorite great uncle, Mader’s, who always brings a stein of beer and traditional Rheinischer Sauerbraten.

Demonstration-The Spice House

Not to be out done, and always wanting to bring wonderful aromas to the table, is the family’s eccentric cousin, The Spice House, located in historic Third Ward District with its fresh and exotic spices.

Never much of a cook, that uber-cool brother-in-law, Great Lakes Distillery, Wisconsin’s first distillery since Prohibition, brings along adult beverages for the over-21 relatives, including Rehorst honey-flavored vodka. Of course at every reunion, is that well-traveled clan, Milwaukee Public Market, who always brings a surprise culinary treat.

Iron Horse Hotel/The Yard

And, naturally, big sister, Milwaukee Food Tours, who always knows exactly where to go and what to try, is there giving locals and visitors alike the chance to nibble and sip their way around the buffet of gastro fare.
Little brother and hip Harley rider, Iron Horse Hotel, shares smart cocktails and upscale nibblers from his outdoor lounge, The Yard.

Visiting Milwaukee is like walking along the pot luck family reunion food table. Whatever you can dream up, it is there. Midwest comfort food, Old World style, fine French cuisine and the latest contemporary dining options are ready to impress everyone and definitely worth the drive.

Bottom Line: With all its culinary options, you can skip the family reunion this year and, instead, head to Milwaukee. Heck, they practically dare you.

Gotta Go Guide:

VisitMilwaukee.org

MilwaukeeFoodTours.com

MilwaukeePublicMarket.com

SciortinosBakery.com

BartolottasLakeParkBistro.com

Usingers.com

GreatLakesDistillery.com

Maders.com

TheIronHorseHotel.com

TheSpiceHouse.co

Photo credits: Elizabeth J. Musgrave; Izzy Evans

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

Dig IN Announces VIP Tickets for 2012

VIP tickets, allowing 1,000 people an 11 a.m. entry to the event and a more casual opportunity to talk with chefs, vintners, brewers and all participants, are available for Dig IN 2012. 

240 Sweet Gourmet Marshmallows

What

Dig-IN, A Taste of Indiana food festival 

Where

White River State Park Celebration Plaza, Indianapolis 

When

Sun., Aug. 26, noon-5 p.m. 

Cost

$30-through July

$40-August & at gate

$10 children under 10

$60 VIP ticket

Tickets

DigINdiana.org or (317) 607-8715

Dig IN, A Taste of Indiana, will again showcase Indiana’s top chefs, growers, producers, brewers, vintners, and value-added food producers at the third annual event, Aug. 26 at White River State Park. 

As part of the ticket price, visitors receive two-ounce tastes of unique dishes made with farm-fresh Indiana produce and proteins. More than 30 of the state’s greatest food minds will prepare the tastes on site while discussing their recipes and the all-Hoosier ingredients with visitors. 

Chateau de Pique Wines

Sun-ripened Indiana tomatoes, basil, Greenville's Capriole goat cheese; bison, yellow perch and duck raised on Indiana farms; and blueberries, jalapenos and sweet corn grown in Hoosier soil are just a few ingredients used form Indiana.

The Indiana Wine Grape Council and Brewers of Indiana Guild will provide wine and beer tastings, and local soft drinks and water will be served as well. Local bands, urban gardening exhibits, educational discussion panels, local expert Q&A sessions will round out the day.

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

Holy Rosary Parish Cancels Italian Street Festival 2012

The Holy Rosary Italian Street Festival, held annually, will not be serving up gelato and cannoli this year. According to sources at Holy Rosary Parish, on Indianapolis' Southside, and per a press release sent out by the church, the action comes as a result of staff needs.

The 2012 Italian Street Festival is being reluctantly canceled for one year only. Its chief organizer, David Page, feels it necessary to step down from the huge undertaking. In the meantime, the church's volunteer committee is planning a smaller, Italian-themed event for this August or perhaps in October to coincide with Columbus Day celebrations.

“We want to assure the public that this much-loved civic event has not seen its final days,” Fr. Michael Mageria, parish administrator, said. “It will return in all its glory to its rightful place on the calendar in June 2013.”

The mid-June event has been held on the corner of East and Stevens streets since 1983. From its inception it was apparent the event would be popular and has grown to welcome tens of thousands of visitors yearly. The festival combines authentic Italian food, such as gelato, cannoli and pasta. with a midway, games and entertainment. Wine and beer are also served at the parish's fundraiser.

“The festival had grown so large, it had become, in its way, a small business enterprise that consumed much of David’s time throughout the year,” Fr. Magiera explained. “No one individual — or even a group of individuals — was immediately ready to take over such a large undertaking."

The church will announce the exact dates for the temporary festival slated for later this year. It is tentatively called "Taste of Italy," and will serve as a transitional festival until the return of the Italian Street Festival in June, 2013.

Holy Rosary Catholic Church was founded in 1909 to serve Italian immigrants in Indianapolis. Located at 520 Stevens Street. It is the only parish in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis to offer both the Ordinary and Extraordinary forms of Mass under one roof.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published on www.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.

Indiana Artisan Marketplace 2012 Seeks Volunteers

Indiana Artisan Marketplace 2012

Seeks Volunteers

UPDATE:
To view a list of participating artisans, click here --> Artist List

*** Press Release ***

INDIANAPOLIS (Feb. 7, 2012) – Adults 18 and older who enjoy one-of-a-kind Indiana art and artisan food and wine are sought to volunteer for the second annual Indiana Artisan Marketplace March 31-April 1 at the Expo Hall at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

In addition to enjoying the art and food, volunteers may help with such hospitality tasks as greeting guests, taking tickets, helping in the Artisan store or answering questions in the information booth. Artisan assistants will get a behind-the-scenes look at the show and a chance to meet the people who create the food and art.

Volunteer assignments may include helping artisans move in and out of the show, sitting at a booth when an artisan takes a break or roaming the show floor to lend a hand wherever one is needed. All volunteers receive a T-shirt and free admission to the show.

More than 125 artisans from Indiana and an additional 75 artisans from Kentucky will showcase art and food selected as being among the best in their state by food and art jury panels created by Indiana Artisan and Kentucky Crafted. Food and art jury panels select each artisan, which include painters, beekeepers, woodworkers, winemakers, jewelry designers, weavers, makers of specialty cheeses and more.

In addition to browsing the booths, visitors will enjoy Indiana music, live art and craft demonstrations, and food and drink tasting. Admission is $10, and children 7 and under are free.

For details or to complete a volunteer application, visit IndianaArtisan.org.

Applications are due by March 9.

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 @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Monument Circle Oktoberfest 2011 Schedule

*** Press Release ***

Announcing the Monument Circle Oktoberfest

When: Friday, September 23

Time: 5:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. 

Where: north half of Monument Circle.

Cost: NO ADMISSION CHARGE

Who: This event is open to the public

The festival features German specialties and American fare. Two Biergartens featuring local, domestic and imported beers will be available for your enjoyment. Then we will be oompah-pahing to the sounds of Indy's beloved Polkaboy - LIVE from Monument Circle as they perform some of "zee moast beeyutteefool meeyuzick enn za verlld!"

So come one, come all - bring ze Fraulein along - drag them if you have to, dust off those dancing shoes and enjoy a night of Beer & Brats on Indianapolis's famed Monument Circle. What better way to usher in the fall season?
Fake German accents and Lederhosen optional (but highly suggested)
Portion of proceeds to benefit the Monument Circle Restoration Fund.


For more information, visit Monument Oktoberfest


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 @GottaGO 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.