Infused: Review Volere Wine in a Purse

I was asked to review a wine.

Wine in a purse to be exact.

As a wine drinker, and fan of cool purses, I was intrigued.

The Volere box arrived and I found inside a sassy red handbag made of recyclable materials filled with a Merlot-Pinot Noir blend. Hmmm... compact size, cute container and disposable without guilt. All pluses so far.

Volére is the carry-with-you boxed, ahem... purse line of three artisan wines: Pinot Grigio (Tan/white purse), Merlot/Pinot Noir (Red purse) and Rosé (Pink/white purse). Price point is $14.99. The wine producer is Cantina di Soave from Italy’s Veneto region. Price is comparable with box wines and the packaging lands squarely in the omg-that's-so-cute, I-must-have department. 

Each purse holds 1.5 liters (two bottles worth) of the Italian wine making it very user friendly. No more lugging two clinking glass bottles and an opener, and no more worry about dispensing of breakable glass. Nice. Okay, but how does it taste? Because no matter how adorable, how efficient (great compact size for two bottles' worth) and how affordable it is, if its taste gets it thrown away with most of the wine still inside, it's a no-go anywhere wine.

The label on the Merlot/Pinot Noir blend describes it as "silky, vibrant red with delightful notes of red berry, cherry and currant, with a hint of vanilla."

Definitely the berry/cherry was present and that hint of vanilla was exactly that. A hint. Not overpowering, not even strong. This bright, delightful (yes, they described it accurately) Italian blend perfectly matches its exterior. Sassy, playful and flirty.

This is a fun wine. If you give it even 30 seconds worth of thought, you have over thought the situation. It isn't meant to be discovered, allowed to breathe or contemplated ~ simply enjoyed.

Food pairings? Again, simple is the solution. Salmon or tuna, and cheeses such as asiago, brie, gouda pair nicely to keep it light.

As I mention in this early review (click to read) the central part of wine enjoyment is food pairing; however, that wine connects with other factors to create an entire experience. Drinking wine while overlooking a lake is a different experience than that same wine being enjoyed while snuggling in front of a fireplace.

Music also plays a role along with the food, wine and atmosphere, detracting or enhancing the mood and experience as well. Match it all the way through for success.

My motto: Wine + food + environment + music = great experience.

My choice of music: For this wine, with an outdoor-grilled, or picnic-like light meal, I would select conversation-friendly music as you will undoubtedly be sharing this with your friends on a deck, boat or at that favorite amphitheatre. You can't go wrong with 80s music such as Cyndi Lauper or Cher, or any decade's pop music. Nothing heavy, depressing or too straight-laced for this flirty red.

Would I serve this to a Master Sommelier? Not a chance. But there are fewer than 200 of them in the world. Would I serve it to a wine snob? No way. But I would serve it to my friends in a heartbeat.

Bottom Line: Volere "wine in purse" is fun, fashionable and flirty in taste, and perfect in size for a few friends. I anticipate a line of attache-case wines in the near future for those larger parties.

Images and sample supplied by Cantina di Soave Vineyards.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer, and performing arts and restaurant critic. 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 M and Retired Living magazines and several Indianapolis area newspapers. 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.

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.

Theater Review: Mystery Cafe of Indianapolis: Ho Ho Homicide

Robert Kingery and Melissa Gutierrez    Image/IzzyEvans

Evidence suggests that Murder Mystery dinners gained popularity in the 1980s as a culmination of Hollywood's '40s mystery movies, radio Whodunnits in the '40s and '50s, theaters-in-the-round and dinner theaters which were predominant in the '60s and '70s. As is with most things, what once was old is new again, and this is true with audience-participation performances.

The Mystery Cafe, originating in '88 in Canton MA., is the original, and longest running, mystery theater company in the nation.

Mystery Café of Indianapolis was founded in ’92. The currently running performance, “Ho Ho Homicide” is performed at Milano Inn, 231 S. College St., Indianapolis. Alternate locations are available for various performances.

The play, written by Nita Hardy, is a zany, over the-top spoof of whodunnits. The plot finds southern belle, Miss Charlotte O’Tara, portrayed by Melissa Gutierrez, about to be murdered. When the dirty deed occurs, her relative from Ireland sings they are “Cousins, Identical Cousins” (think The Patty Duke Show's theme song here) Maureen O’Tara, also Gutierrez. Maureen puts on her sleuthing cap and hires Nick Saint, private detective.

Saint, a droll, Humphrey-Bogart caricature, portrayed by Robert Kingery, paces the floor while piecing together clues.

Gutierrez and Kingery whip through several characters each, switching accents, costumes and mannerisms without missing a beat. The duo shines brightest while verbally sparring with each other and both show genuine enjoyment in their roles. While this play is performed well enough to be on stage, the fun is found with the interaction between the characters and the audience.

The meal is served between acts as four courses, giving ample time to jot down clues, discuss possible suspects with other diners (seating is family style) and enjoy the food at a leisurely pace. Dinner consists of soup, salad, entrée choice of four traditional Italian dishes, and dessert of Spumoni ice cream.

Audience participation is cornerstone to the success and enjoyment of the evening (Translation: leave the curmudgeon at home). The more you get into the mood, the more fun it is. I was given the role of the Jamaican psychic "Madam Cleo" and sat near audience characters "Red Butler" and "Blondie Bloomwood" (who was a suspect). Awards are given out to the audience members: one for best actor and one for correctly guessing the murderer. Photo opportunities are available after the show. Ticket price covers the performance, meal (with coffee or tea) and good-natured fun. Adult beverages and gratuity are not included in the price.

Bottom Line: Mystery Cafe's outlandish groaners, over-the-top impersonations and slight innuendos make "Ho Ho Homicide" an absolutely delightful whodunnit and a refreshing alternative for an evening out.

For tickets, schedule and information, visit TheMysteryCafeIndy.com
For menu, hours and location of restaurant, visit MilanoInn.com

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 in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Capri Ristorante Cookbook Review

Arturo di Rosa (right)

Capri Ristorante: The Flavors of Italian Tradition is the  recipe book created with love (or should I say, "creato con amore"?) by Capri Ristorante's owner Arturo di Rosa. The Italian eatery is located at 2602 Ruth Dr., on Indy's northside. Tucked away behind a dense shopping area (close to 71st and Keystone Ave.,) Capri's may be considered a hidden treasure in the Circle City. I was given this cookbook as a gift while dining at Capri's for lunch recently.

Born in a fishing village near the Bay of Naples, di Rosa began culinary schooling at the age of 14 in Salerno. He began working in restaurants in Florence, Rome, and, eventually, The Savoy in London. He literally worked his way from the bottom up. He landed in our town after being invited by customers (along his culinary path) to attend the Indianapolis 500 and liked the city enough to stay.

Seafood Risotto

Although I ate lunch at the eatery, I did not take notes or pictures for a full review; I plan to return for one, however.
For now...I will review the book. It is certainly more than a cookbook, or recipe book as di Rosa calls it. It embraces Italian culture, passion and history. It covers di Rosa's path to Indianapolis, his beliefs and the exact recipes and methods used in Capri Ristorante.

Whether explaining the importance of making pasta in-house, and including the how-to to achieve great results at home, or giving out special sauce recipes, this book takes you into the kitchen of Capri's Chef Gennaro di Rosa (brother of Arturo). Pictures and tips are placed throughout to help you along the path.

Chef Gennaro di Rosa making mozzarella

Pictures and descriptions of the restaurant, the staff and family create that hospitality for which Italians are known. The Lasagne Bolognese (p. 62) offers the recipe for the needed Bechamel sauce, while a modern spin can be found for Spaghetti Carbonara (p.55). A favorite of foodies, Osso Bucco, is covered (p.113) Milanese-style, complete with a Gremolata recipe.

Although there is not a dessert section, stocks, sauces and soups are covered.

With more than 80 varieties in stock, di Rosa offers his theory on choosing wine for your meal."Taste is the bottom line, he states in the book. "If you like it and the price is right, that's the best wine for you."

Bottom Line: Capri Ristorante The Flavors of Italian Tradition serves up recipes, wisdom and that all-important feature: Italian hospitality and passion.
Website for more information and to purchase cookbook: www.Capriindy.com

Credits: Photographer-Stacy Newgent; Creative Director-Kathy Davis; Recipes-Chef Gennaro di Rosa; Food Stylists-Patrick Whetstone, Jon Oliver; Owner of Capri-Arturo di Rosa

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.

Holy Rosary Italian Street Festival 2011

Holy Rosary Parish, 520 Stevens St., Indianapolis, opened its annual Italian Street Festival last night with a quickly growing number of people for the perfect weather. Catholics and non catholics are welcome for this fundraiser held, literally, on the steps of the south side's parish.

A favorite part of the festival for me is people watching. And the food. And people making food. Every year dedicated volunteers roll up their sleeves (figuratively) 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 was plenty of beer chilling on ice and wine being uncorked.

I didn't find a couple of traditional items this year. I asked and looked around but did not see the cigar lady rolling her handmade smokes this year. I also failed to find my beloved gelato. Not sure if I somehow overlooked both of these tents, but no one I asked seemed to know where, or if, those were available this year. If you find them, let me know; otherwise the festival won't be the same for me.
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.

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 10: 5-11 pm; Saturday, June 11: 5-11 pm rain or shine
Website: www.HolyRosaryParish.org
Note: The Italian Street Festival is held the 2nd weekend of June annually (in case you missed this year's).
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.

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

Bravo Chef Cook Off

I was recently invited to be a judge at Bravo restaurant's annual Chef Cook Off, regional division. Held at the Greenwood, Indiana location, I was to eat every dish made by every chef and then judge. Supplied with a nice glass of Pinot Noir, I felt up to the task.

Our panel of four judged in categories such as taste, appearance, whether the dish was in keeping with Bravo's style and presentation. We nibbled our way through various dishes, all rather tasty. However, only one chef could win and that one person was Cassandra Presley from New Orleans.

Presley's winning dish was Prosciutto-wrapped Shrimp Salad with a spicy caper vinaigrette. Key ingredients which helped to push Presley over the top were spicy pecans and the addition of pear quarters. Surprising to the panel was the fact that Presley had been with the company less than a year. Her win lifted her to the next round to be held in Ohio.

Other noteworthy dishes include "Corona Di Prosciutto" from Chef Micahel Minch. The dish, a crispy bread stick stuffed with prosciutto, was served marinara and a Gorgonzola cream sauce.

Chef Demetrio Estrada's "Veal Saltimbocca" was made of veal, sage and prosciutto, braised in white wine. The addition of chopped tomatoes and mozzarella enhanced the tender meat.

The winning chef in the championship round wins an all-expense trip to Italy to study Italian cuisine. The winning dish also holds the possibilty of being added to the regular menu at Bravo restaurants.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer and theater critic. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter and catch her on 93 WIBC's Saturday Morning News Show as Indy's Arts & Entertainment Adviser. Send comments to elizabeth@gottago.us.

*Originally published in the following newspapers: West Side Community News, West Indianapolis Community News, South Sider Voice, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.