Hyatt’s Christmas in the Kitchen 2016

The holidays are a special time of year, with hope and joy being shared. This year, many people have told me they need a little extra happiness in their lives. It has truly been a rough journey these past few months for all of us. But, I imagine, not as difficult as some children and their families have it. I recommend reaching out to give back to someone who needs joy in their lives this year to find the happiness and joy we need in our lives right now.

Here is one way ~

Indianapolis’ premier holiday event, Hyatt’s Christmas in the Kitchen, returns to benefit Indiana Children’s Wish Fund and grant special Christmas wishes for Indiana Wish children. The holiday food extravaganza takes place Dec. 8 in downtown Indy's Hyatt Regency, 1 S. Capitol. The event is held in the Hyatt’s main kitchen and ballroom beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Guests will enjoy a wide assortment of delicious appetizers, entrees, desserts, famous “Polar Bear” drinks, wine and spirits. All of the culinary creations, crafted by Executive Chef Rolf Rothen and his culinary team, will be prepared right in front of the guests in the Hyatt kitchen.

An elaborate silent auction is held throughout the event to raise funds for the wishes of Indiana's littlest patients.
Individual tickets are $150 (admittance into the event with seating) or $100 per person (admittance into the event without seating). They are almost sold out, so get them quickly.

Indiana Children’s Wish Fund, established in 1984, grants wishes to Indiana children, ages 3-18, who suffer from a life-threatening illness. Wishes include trips to the beach, Disney, shopping sprees, meeting celebrities, family vacations and home computers. To date, the organization has granted more than 3,300 wishes to Indiana children.

Reservations are limited. To purchase tickets, contact Indiana Children’s Wish Fund at (317) 913-WISH or visit IndyWish.org. 

Indiana Children's Wish Fund Mission

"We grant wishes to Indiana children, ages 3-18, who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening or terminal illness. Our mission is to bring joy, something to look forward to, and a sense of normalcy to special kids in our state. We are Indiana Children’s Wish Fund."

Elizabeth J. Musgrave writes two magazine food and wine columns: Destination Dining and White Linen & Corks, and is a travel, features, food and wine writer, travel and food photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic. She also is a speaker, consultant and trainer for hospitality, travel and luxury businesses, P.R., and tourism groups, as well as a radio and television guest and host. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Indiana Children's Wish Fund: Christmas in the Kitchen 2015 to be held December 11

One of Indianapolis' (if not THE) top foodie fundraisers annually is gearing up for its holiday event: Christmas in the Kitchen at the Hyatt Regency downtown Fri., Dec. 11. There is no fundraiser I look forward to more than this one, folks. It's a chance to dress up, have an insider's look at the chefs' world, and give to a worthy cause, all while sipping fabulous cocktails and wine, and nibbling your way through the smorgasbord of gourmet cuisine. The Indiana Children's Wish Fund receives the money raised through tickets and an extraordinary silent auction.

The event will be overseen by William Hawkins, Hyatt's executive chef. Working for a Washington D.C. congressman, a country club, and as far away as South Africa, the east coast bred chef explains why this opportunity to give to the local children means so much to him.

"As chefs and cooks, it is inherently in our nature to show a great deal of pride in the work that we do and the food that we create, I think that just knowing the good that this dinner does helps to push us to produce the absolutely best over the top function we can create. It's something my cooks begin talking about as far as six or seven months in advance and we look forward to every year.

Normally we work behind the scenes so this banquet is unique in that we open the doors of our kitchen to the public, we set up numerous stations around our kitchen, and we encourage our guests to interact with us, to have a look around and peek behind the curtain at what we do. There’s an awesome feeling of connection their and were extremely proud of using our talents to give back to the community that has done so much for us."

Along with specialty cocktails, wines and after dinner drinks, the menu will include a wide array of gourmet meats, desserts, appetizers and seafood. Just a few items include: babaganoush, blue point oysters on the half shell, ceviche shooters, stout and citrus braised beef short ribs, smoked pork cheek, cornmeal dusted walleye, rosemary and horseradish crusted prime rib, smoked maple and Siracha brined heritage pork loin, charred herb-crusted lamb chops, mint and sorrel chimichurri, egg nog crème brulee, mint cheesecake, coconut cake, candy cane fudge and cranberry bread pudding.

Festive live holiday music by Blair Clark will be provided throughout the evening.

Individual tickets are $150 (admittance into the event with seating) or $100 per person (admittance into the event without seating). They are almost sold out, so get them quickly.

Indiana Children’s Wish Fund, established in 1984, grants wishes to Indiana children, ages 3-18, who suffer from a life-threatening illness. To date, the organization has granted more than 3,200 wishes to Indiana children.

Reservations are limited. To purchase tickets, contact Indiana Children’s Wish Fund at (317) 913-WISH or visit IndyWish.org. 

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 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.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave writes two magazine food and wine columns: Destination Dining and White Linen & Corks,and is a travel, features, food and wine writer, travel and food photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as the Travel & Leisure Adviser on FOX59 Morning News Show. She also is a speaker, consultant and trainer for hospitality, travel and luxury businesses, P.R., and tourism groups, as well as a radio and television guest and host. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

The Cabaret at the Columbia Club Autumn Schedule 2014

Rene' Marie

One of the venues that deserves all the attention it can garner, and more attention and reviews than I (unfortunately) have the time to write, is The Cabaret at The Columbia Club.

The upcoming calendar allows a visit and review for a couple shows in the near future, thankfully, and I truly look forward to one of my favorite places in the world ~ right here in Indianapolis overlooking The Circle. If you haven't been; hold off.

Click here to read a review on Tom Wopat performing at The Cabaret.

Yes, I said wait. Just until the lights are up on the World's Largest Lighted Christmas Tree. At the beginning of the second half of a Cabaret performance, the curtains are opened and the gasp-aloud view will wow you and then ... you will get why I had you wait.

Okay, okay, don't wait.


But... definitely get tickets asap for the always-sold out holiday show as this year will be no different. The fundraiser performance (It is a non profit organization) is always worth the ticket price.

Click here to read a review of Shannon Forsell performing at The Cabaret.

The autumn 2014 schedule includes Broadway, film and television stars, Tony- and Grammy- Award winners, and the much-anticipated annual fundraiser. For reservations and tickets, visit TheCabaret.org.

The Cabaret at the Columbia Club

Autumn Schedule 2014

~ July 25-26 ~ 
A Piece of her Heart-A Tribute to Janis Joplin: Karen Irwin

~ August 8 ~ 
Other People's Stories: Ian Bossung and Eric Wiegand

~ August 23 ~ 

Steve Kazee: Steve Kazee

~ September 12-13 ~

Blossom & Bee: Sara Gazarek

~ Oct. 10-11 ~ 

Breaking Character: Jeremy Jordan

~ October 17-18 ~ 
I Wanna be Evil with Love to Ertha Kitt:  Rene' Marie

~ November 1 ~ 

Kelli O'Hara

~ November 14-15 ~ 

Christine Ebersole: Christine Ebersole

~ December 10-13 ~

A Swingin' Christmas: Jim Caruso, Klea Blackhurst and Billy Stritch

Elizabeth J. Musgrave writes magazine food and wine columns: Destination Dining, White Linen & Corks, and is a travel, features, food and wine writer, travel and food photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as the Travel & Leisure Adviser on FOX59 Morning News Show. She also works as a consultant for hospitality, travel and tourism businesses and groups, as well as a radio and television guest and host. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Colts Tailgate 8th Annual Fundraiser November 10

*Press Release* Goelzer Investment Management is hosting its 8th annual Colts Tailgate event Sunday, November 10. at Hurst Bean Field, donating 35,000 meals to Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana. The Indianapolis investment company will donate more than three skids of NK Hurst beans to Gleaners Food Bank. The donation will generate 35,000 meals for disadvantaged individuals in Indianapolis and help kick off the holiday season of giving. The annual event is being held from 11:00 am-1 pm at the Hurst Bean Field parking lot, located directly across from Lucas Oil Stadium.

Goelzer Investment Management has donated 250,000 meals to Hoosiers in need. To contribute to the food donation to Gleaners, the firm invites Colts fans to stop by Hurst Bean Field prior to the Colts game to drop off canned food. Drop boxes will be located at the entrance areas of the parking lot.

Why beans? A bean dinner is high in complex carbohydrates, protein and dietary fiber, helping to satisfy hunger because it is absorbed slowly. Beans are also high in calcium, iron, folate, and potassium.

“Hundreds of thousands of Hoosier families are still struggling to put food on their tables,” said Cindy Hubert, president and CEO of Gleaners. “In fact, our emergency food distribution has doubled since the economic crisis in 2008. In our 21-county service area in central and southeastern Indiana, 319,450 of our neighbors are hungry and one in five is a child.”

For information on donating: www.gleaners.org

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.

Dance Kaleidoscope Holds Fundraiser December 7

*Press release* Dance Kaleidoscope is pleased to announce Raymond Leppard and Marianne W. Tobias will play a piano concert with DK dancers Dec. 7. The concert will take place at Schrott Center for the Arts, located at Butler University, Indianapolis.

Performances will include Ancient Airs and Dances (Respighi), Gymnopedies (Satie) and Mother Goose Suite (Ravel). Leppard and Tobias will each play a grand piano as dancers perform.

Both Leppard and Tobias have enjoyed illustrious musical careers around the world and in Indianapolis with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

One of the most respected international conductors of his time, Leppard has conducted nearly every major orchestra in the world, including the New York Philharmonic, the English Chamber Orchestra and the Israel Philharmonic. His last position before retiring was as conductor for ISO. He is also an accomplished pianist and composer, including film scores.

Tobias has enjoyed a fascinating multi-faceted career. She is a native of Indianapolis who graduated cum laude from Harvard University and holds an artist diploma from Longy Conservatory of Music of Bard College. While in the Boston area, she worked for the famed chef Julia Child at WGBH. In Minneapolis, she worked as an assistant to Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Dominick Argento and taught at the University of Minnesota and St. Paul Academy and Summit School. In 1986, Tobias returned to Indianapolis and became the resident program annotator for the ISO, as well as serving on its board of directors.


General admission tickets: $50

VIP tickets (limited to 50): $125 ~ includes preferred seating and a post-performance reception with Leppard, Tobias and the DK dancers.

Tickets: 317.940.6555 or dk@dancekal.org.

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 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.

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.