My Favorite Things 2010

As the yule log burns to a smoldering ember, I ponder all I have tasted, seen and experienced this past year. Here is a list of my favorite things from 2010. They are listed in no particular order and are linked to the original review. A little walk down memory lane...

1. Broadway Across America-Jersey Boys: This high-energy tale of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons sweeps over you and you leave singing, ready to see it again.
2. Beef and Boards-A Beef and Boards Christmas: The re-invented, jazzed-up variety show hits all the right notes making it high on my list.
3. Papa Roux: Everyone needs a down-to-earth, good grub joint and this is it for me. Papa's proves that Po Boys can be served at reasonable prices without losing quality.
4. Morty's Comedy Joint: Bringing headliners, good food and a warm atmosphere to Indy's comedy scene, Morty's seems intent on providing a high-quality show, service and menu.
5. Hoosier Park & Racing Casino: I have been to a few casinos and horse tracks now and I stand by my opinion that this one is just plain FUN!
6. IRT-Becky's New Car: Stephen Dietz's play, starring Constance Macy and Nicholas Hormann is well executed and hilarious. I enjoyed it so much I went back again on my personal time.
7. The Cabaret-Amanda McBroom: Set in the elegant venue overlooking Indy's Circle known as The Cabaret, McBroom's depth of emotion and lifetime of experiences, softened with her effervescence, make her performance one for the scrapbook.
8. WIBC-Joe Ulery and Oscar Champagne Brunch: Joe invited me to be the entertainment adviser on his Saturday Morning News Show and we have so much fun with it. Popping the cork on-air with Amber and chatting about movies for the pre-Oscar brunch was also a highlight.
9. Owensboro: How do I put a whole town on the list? Easily. Bluegrass, botanical gardens, go-karts, performing and fine arts, burgoo, frozen hot chocolate, fudge and great shopping.
10. Richmond-Lantz House Inn and J&J Winery:  The positive outlook of Marica Hoyt, owner of the beautiful, historic B&B is contagious and her lemon-ricotta pancakes are addicting. Up the road, J&J manages to be cozy, festive and romantic all at the same time. The winery overlooks a scenic body of water, while the charming owners serve the best damn cheese and fruit plate.
11. Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra-Yuletide Celebration: Sandi Patty made this colorful variety-style show a must for anyone needing a holiday boost.
12. Devour Downtown: Local eateries reducing prices to showcase their food is a great idea which I enjoyed reviewing and tasting. I look forward to this year's menus.

The list ended with 12 by coincidence or fate, however you like to believe. It was difficult to narrow it down from my approximately 150 experiences this year. I hope some of your favorites are on here also. I look forward to 2011 and all the adventures coming our way. Happy New Year!

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer and theater 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, West Side Community News, New Palestine Reporter, West Indianapolis Community News, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Restaurant Review: Papa Roux

There's just something about Indy's east side.

It's as if they refuse to adhere to the rules of chain restaurants and retail shops. They keep plopping Mom and Pop stores and eateries all over the neighborhood and then have the audacity to not care if the rest of the metro area population likes it or not.

For those of you who have not made it to that side of Indianapolis ... it's not your luxurious, with-a-view community comparable to the far north and south sides. It's what used to be referred to as a blue-collar neighborhood.

No frills.

No nonsense.

However, you'll find that non-chains are, well, hit and miss, actually. I won't say they are better than chains, neither will I vow all chains are spectacular choices for service or food.

It's much like everything else in life; good, bad, and that unforgivable level---  mediocrity.
You'll remember I encouraged, practically begged, you to check out Oishi Sushi at 10th and Shadeland Avenue last year. A diamond interior shelled by a rough exterior, I called it.

Papa Roux is not a serene interior with a plain exterior. Nope. What you see on the outside is exactly what you're going to get on the inside. Located at 10th and Post (look close or you'll miss it) this joint is having none of your fanciful ways.

You want Cajun food? Have a seat.
You want linen and crystal? Move along.
Kings, carpenters, and restaurant critics all get the same treatment. Want to be placed on a pedestal? Hit the road Jack. These folks treat their customers all the same, as it should be. Loyal customers stop in frequently for a dose of the say-it-like-it-is personality of Papa Roux and his staff. Not rude, or even impolite, just down-to-earth, and busy, very busy; this is always a good sign.
 I met up with a buddy of mine, Dick Davis (Burger Meister, I call him), who writes a blog (smallerindiana.com/group/burgerquest) about, you guessed it, burgers. He's foregone burgers and eaten at Papa's several times and was dismayed when I mentioned that I "have been meaning to get over there" but hadn't made it yet. I wanted to take a chance on finding a great muffelatta and check out that wall I keep hearing about.

Deciding if one Cajun or Creole eatery is more authentic is as futile as determining which restaurant's fried chicken is more Midwest-authentic. There are many cooks and styles in every locale. It's more about capturing the essence of the region.

Let’s get to the food.

The red beans and rice were, quite frankly, the tastiest I have ever eaten, anywhere, including in the French Quarter, with a balanced seasoning and spice combination. The French bread pudding was softly textured with a creamy, cinnamon flavor. Some other sides offered were etouffee and cornbread.

Po Boy sandwiches are the house specialty, with the pulled pork taking top vote over my coveted muffaletta. Po Boys are served topped with cole slaw. All sandwiches are also served with unlimited sides.

Unlimited...

I suggest getting a full-sized sandwich, eating half there with the unlimited sides, and take the other half home.

Bottom Line: All in all, Papa Roux is worth twice the drive, for the food, the value and for the atmosphere. Remember to put your name on the wall.

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 (@gottago) and at GottaGo.us. Comments can be sent to elizabeth@gottago.us.

Gotta Go is published in M magazine and 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 credit: E J Musgrave