10 Best Things to do While in Indianapolis for SATW 2012

A few suggestions for the several hundred travel writers in Indianapolis for SATW 2012. Traditions, unique shops and more wait for your discovery and delight.
Below is a list of 10 you don't want to miss. Welcome to Indianapolis!

1) The Canal-With arguably the city's most peaceful scenery, paddle boats and walkways, this three-mile popular spot at White River State Park is the perfect place to go for exercise, photo ops and relaxation.

2) Indiana Repertory Theatre-(400 W. Washington St.) Within steps of many hotels downtown, IRT as locals call it, is currently offering its 2012-13 season opening show Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde which has opened to rave reviews.
3) Teapots n' Treasures-(7 E. Market St.) The very definition of eclectic, this tiny shoppe is still a secret from most and is filled to the rim with fresh teas, a diverse collection of teapots and more.

4) St. Elmo Steakhouse-(127 S. Illinois St.) The world famous shrimp cocktail draws the rich and powerful, celebrities and locals alike to prove they can handle the heat.

5) War Memorials-As the city with the most war memorials outside of Washington D.C., Indy's memorials can be found throughout the downtown area, including along the canal and on The Circle, many within walking distance.

6) The Elbow Room-(605 N. Pennsylvania St.) Hit this place up between 4-7 p.m. for their $5 and under menu, including pulled pork nachos, antipasto/hummus plate and trio dip tray containing Bo-Bo's spicy crab dip.

7) Eiteljorg Museum-(500) W. Washington St.) Quest for the West exhibit (through Oct. 7) features 50 of the nation's top Western artists. Go in time to lunch outdoors overlooking the canal.

8) The Canterbury-(123 S. Illinois St.) Serving authentic high afternoon tea is just one more way the historic hotel sets itself apart. Lush interior and attentive waitstaff make the scones and tea even more luxurious.

9) Mass Ave-For boutique shopping, including Silver in the City,  Mass Ave Wine Shoppe and Mass Ave Toys tucked in between a variety of eateries.

10) Shapiro's Delicatessen-(808 S. Meridian St.) Another world-famous eatery, this one creates sandwiches, including the locals' must-try Reuben sandwich since 1905.

Images: Izzy Evans/The Cnaterbury/IRT

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.

Restaurant Review: Square Rootz Deli

Square Rootz Deli, located in the heart of Indy's historic Fountain Square neighborhood, was recommended to me by New Day Meadery owner, Tia Agnew. The deli is located at 1110 E. Prospect St., just two doors down from Circle City's newest winery.

My first trip to Square Rootz was a quick stop in for a take-out order. When you enter the deli, the laid back attitude steps up to greet you. Concerned with giving back, owner Jeff Reuter makes room for a local vinyl record dealer's wares on the left side of the dining area and artwork from an Indy-area school on the right-side walls.

The Beefy sandwich

I ordered the Beefy sandwich ($8) and a side of a grape salad ($1.85). The sammy came wrapped in butcher paper and was marked BEEFY, I like that.
It was piled with juicy beef and served on grilled rye bread. Pepper Jack cheese blends in with the horseradish sauce, lettuce and red onions, taking it up notches from most zesty sandwiches. The grape salad includes grapes coated with a cream cheese dip and nuts. This meal could prove to be addicting.

The second visit happened, unfortunately, while the owner (Reuter) was in and upfront so I was spotted during my review. If you know me, you'll know that won't alter the rating a bit, however. I just prefer to let you know when it happens. He is as personable as his staff and the service proved as friendly and helpful (and patient) during the subsequent visit.
My order, a Reuben sandwich ($8), came with 4 oz. corned beef, 1000 Island dressing, and sauerkraut. The dressing is mixed with the kraut to prevent dripping.
  

The Reuben sandwich

I was more impressed with the Beefy than the Reuben. The Beefy was juicier, seemed more filling and more of a value as I had plenty for leftovers. If you are comfortable paying $8 for a Reuben, and the dripping of sauerkraut juices has been problematic, then you might want to try this one. I have a difficult time recommending $8 for any sandwich, even the Beefy. Although...it was large enough for two, which justifies it in my mind.
The website (www.squarerootzdeli.com) is fun, informative, loads quickly and promotes the personality of the eatery online. In fact, I would say it is one of the best I have seen for a restaurant. The one drawback is the events tab which has no listings for the current or upcoming months. It may have been discontinued and not deleted. Otherwise, it is a great site with directions, map, and contact information (including the owner's name) listed prominently, along with complete menus.
Bottom Line: Offering great sandwiches with unique twists, Square Rootz Deli is located conveniently to bring good deli food to the Fountain Square area.

Rating

3.5 out of 5

Reviews are based on the traditional 1-5 stars in six separate categories: Appearance, Menu, Service, Product, Style and Website. Why websites? My unofficial poll revealed the majority of people check a site before deciding where to put their money.

Photos: Elizabeth J. Musgrave
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, on aroundindy.com, and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook. Email: elizabeth@gottago.us.

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

Restaurant Review: Oishi Sushi

Photo by Oishi Sushi

Sushi cravings can be cured if you know where to go. Oishi Sushi and Grill, 6929 E. 10^th Street, offers freshly-made Japanese cuisine in an atmosphere infused with soft music, quiet servers and polished wood.

The wine list boasts seven types of sake, hot and cold; the beer list includes domestic and imports. From the tea list I chose bubble tea, a frothy chilled concoction blending tea, milk and tapioca.

With so many choices on the extensive appetizer menu, including yaki ika, a barbecue squid with teriyaki sauce, the decision was difficult. The shrimp tempura decided on, however, was medium in size and delicate in flavor.

Offered on the menu is more than sushi. For the faint of heart, udon and soba may be the best choice. The Japanese noodles may be served chilled, with sautéed shrimp, thinly sliced beef or seafood. Served in eight slices, the California roll, Daddy Dragon, is topped with grilled eel. Aesthetically pleasing, this dish was also surprisingly filling. Tofu dishes are available for the vegans among us. Teriyaki is offered for those wanting food with a more familiar name.

Tatami rooms are available by chance or reservation. Each private unit seats four to five comfortably.On my get-the-next-time list: Uni sea urchin, green tea Mo Chi ice cream and cold sake.

Bottom Line: Oishi Sushi is a perfect example of why you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. With its rough exterior, you will have to trust me and enter to find the pearl of the east side. And...trust me, it is worth the time and effort to find.


Oishi Sushi: 317-356-8880; IndyOishi.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.